Too Early for College Football in 2025 Top 25: Big Ten, SEC, and Ohio State Rule
As college football fans eagerly look ahead to the 2025 season, the excitement and anticipation are already building for what promises to be another thrilling year of gridiron action. Although we’re still a long way from the kickoff of the season, the thought of next year’s rosters, team development, and recruitment battles has college football fans buzzing. This is the time of year when analysts, coaches, and die-hard fans alike begin speculating about which teams will rise to the top and who will dominate the landscape in 2025.
While much can change between now and the start of the 2025 season, early predictions suggest that the Big Ten and SEC will continue to be the dominant conferences, with Ohio State poised to make another championship run. In this piece, we take a look at the early Top 25 teams for 2025, breaking down the favorites, the underdogs, and what makes these teams tick.
The SEC: Still King of the Hill?
The SEC, widely considered one of the toughest conferences in college football, has had a stranglehold on the sport in recent years, and it seems poised to continue that trend in 2025. The SEC is home to perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, all of which are expected to be highly ranked in the 2025 preseason poll.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has firmly established itself as a powerhouse under head coach Kirby Smart, and the 2025 season should be no different. After back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, the Bulldogs will enter the 2025 season with an experienced roster loaded with talent. Quarterback Carson Beck, who is expected to take over as the leader of Georgia’s offense, has been a rising star, and his development will be key to the Bulldogs’ continued dominance.
Georgia’s defense, which has been its calling card under Smart, should once again be one of the best in the nation. The Bulldogs have a deep pool of talented players in the front seven, and sophomore linebacker Smael Mondon is poised to take over as the centerpiece of that defense. If Georgia’s offense can match the level of their defense, the Bulldogs will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the SEC and on the national stage.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide never stays down for long, and despite a few bumps along the road in recent seasons, Alabama is expected to be a top contender in 2025. The Tide will return one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, Jalen Milroe, who has been slowly developing into one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. With Milroe’s combination of arm strength and mobility, Alabama’s offense will have the tools to challenge anyone.
Defensively, Alabama has continued to recruit some of the top talent in the nation, including defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis and edge rusher Dallas Turner. The Crimson Tide’s defense will once again be among the most talented in the country, and Saban’s ability to mold young talent will ensure that the Tide remains a contender for another SEC title in 2025.
3. LSU Tigers
Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU has made significant strides, and 2025 could be the year that the Tigers finally return to the elite level of the SEC. LSU’s offense, led by dynamic quarterback Jayden Daniels, should be one of the most potent in the SEC. Daniels has developed into a true dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs.
The Tigers also boast a top-notch defense, and defensive back Denver Harris is a name to watch as one of the top shutdown corners in the country. With Kelly at the helm, LSU’s recruiting has continued to improve, and the Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC West.
The Big Ten: Ohio State and Michigan Battle for Supremacy
While the SEC has dominated college football in recent years, the Big Ten has emerged as a legitimate contender, with Ohio State and Michigan trading blows for supremacy in the conference. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the Big Ten should once again feature some of the top teams in the country.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
As always, Ohio State is poised to be one of the top teams in the nation in 2025. The Buckeyes have been a national contender under head coach Ryan Day, and that trend should continue. Quarterback Caleb Williams, widely regarded as the top prospect in college football, is expected to lead the offense, and his presence gives Ohio State a significant advantage. Williams is a dynamic playmaker with incredible arm talent, and his ability to lead Ohio State’s offense could be the key to them making another run at the national championship.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes return several talented players, including defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, who has the potential to be one of the top pass rushers in college football. Ohio State’s defense is improving, and under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes will look to continue their rise to elite status.
Ohio State’s matchup with Michigan will once again be a must-watch game, as the Buckeyes seek to reclaim the Big Ten title and make a run at a College Football Playoff spot.
5. Michigan Wolverines
Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has taken huge steps forward and has solidified itself as one of the top programs in the country. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been a steady leader for the Wolverines, and by 2025, he will be entering his senior year as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. McCarthy’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs gives Michigan a balanced offensive attack that will be tough to stop.
Defensively, Michigan continues to recruit elite talent, and players like edge rusher Josaiah Stewart are poised to make big impacts in 2025. The Wolverines have become a consistent contender in the Big Ten, and if they can continue to develop their talent and maintain their momentum, they will remain a fixture in the Top 10.
6. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State has quietly been building a strong program under head coach James Franklin, and in 2025, the Nittany Lions are expected to be a serious challenger in the Big Ten. Penn State’s defense, which has always been a strength under Franklin, will continue to be formidable, and linebacker Abdul Carter is one of the top players to watch. Offensively, Penn State will rely on quarterback Drew Allar, who has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. If Allar can continue to develop, Penn State could be a dark horse in 2025.
Other Contenders for the 2025 College Football Playoff
While the SEC and Big Ten will likely dominate the early rankings, there are several other programs that should be in the mix for the 2025 College Football Playoff.
7. Clemson Tigers
After a few down years, Clemson is looking to return to national prominence under head coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers have an incredibly talented roster and will likely be a top contender in the ACC. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will have to step up to lead Clemson’s offense, and their defense remains one of the top units in the country.
8. Florida State Seminoles
With Mike Norvell at the helm, Florida State has turned the corner and is once again a legitimate contender in the ACC. Florida State’s offense, led by quarterback Jordan Travis, will be one of the most explosive in the country, and their defense is improving each year. If Florida State can maintain its momentum, they could make a serious push for the College Football Playoff.
9. Oregon Ducks
Oregon, under head coach Dan Lanning, has become a powerhouse on the West Coast, and the Ducks will once again be a team to watch in 2025. With talented players on both sides of the ball, Oregon is one of the top teams in the Pac-12, and they will be looking to make a serious run for the playoff in 2025.
10. USC Trojans
After years of rebuilding, USC is back in the mix as one of the top teams in the country. Quarterback Caleb Williams is a legitimate Heisman contender, and the Trojans’ offense is one of the most explosive in the nation. If their defense can improve, USC will be a contender for the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion: A Thrilling 2025 College Football Season Awaits
While it may be too early to predict the final rankings for the 2025 College Football Season, early indications suggest that the SEC and Big Ten will once again rule the college football landscape. With powerhouses like Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan leading the charge, fans can expect another season full of thrilling matchups, high-level competition, and unforgettable moments.
In what promises to be another exciting year of college football, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a showdown between some of the most storied programs in the sport. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a ride filled with drama, emotion, and, of course, incredible football.