2025 College Football Preseason Rankings: Ohio State, Oregon at the Top; Alabama Drops in the Standings

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Team Rankings & Week 1 Results (as of this article)

10. Notre Dame (0-1)
Week 1 Result: Lost to Miami, 27-24
Key Points:
First-time starting quarterback CJ Carr showed flashes but struggled with the Miami pass rush and intentional grounding penalties.
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame’s best player, didn’t receive enough touches.

11. Indiana (1-0)
Week 1 Result: Defeated Ole Dominion, 27-14
Key Points:
Strong running game: Roman Hemby (111 yards) and Kaelon Black (92 yards) combined for 203 yards.
Total of 303 rushing yards and 30 first downs.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti is 12-2 with the Hoosiers.

12. Michigan (1-0)
Week 1 result: Defeated New Mexico, 34-17
Key Points:
Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood had a composed debut (251 passing yards, 1 touchdown).
Justice Haynes (formerly of Alabama) had a career-high game with 159 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.

13. tennessee (1-0)
Week 1 Result: defeated Syracuse,45-26
Key Points:
Joey aguilar (QB) had a strong performance (16/28,247 passing yards,3 touchdowns).

14. ole Miss (1-0)
Week 1 Result: Defeated Georgia State, 63-7
Key Points:
* Running Back Quinshon Judkins had a strong debut

Important Note: The article is dated as if from the 2025 season, despite discussing Week 1 results. This is likely a preview or a piece writen in anticipation of the upcoming season that was published with placeholder dates.

What factors contribute to Ohio State’s top ranking, and what are their potential weaknesses?

The Top 5 Teams to Watch in 2025

The college football landscape is constantly shifting, and the 2025 preseason rankings reflect that. After a dynamic 2024 season and significant off-season moves, several teams are poised for contention. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5, with a particular focus on the rise of Ohio State and Oregon, and the surprising fall of Alabama. These rankings consider returning starters, coaching changes, transfer portal impact, and strength of schedule.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes claim the #1 spot, fueled by a potent offense and a revamped defense. Quarterback speculation has settled on highly-touted recruit, Julian Lewis, who is expected to make an immediate impact.

Key Strengths: Offensive firepower, strong recruiting class, experienced offensive line.

potential Weaknesses: Defensive consistency, navigating a challenging Big Ten schedule.

Key Players to Watch: Julian Lewis (QB), TreVeyon Henderson (RB), Jack Sawyer (DE).

1. Oregon Ducks: Oregon secures the #2 position, capitalizing on their strong finish in 2024 and retaining key offensive talent. The addition of several impactful transfers has solidified their roster.

Key Strengths: Explosive offense, dynamic quarterback play (Dillon Gabriel returns), improved defensive line.

Potential Weaknesses: Pac-12 competition (now Big ten West), maintaining momentum throughout the season.

Key Players to Watch: dillon Gabriel (QB),Troy Franklin (WR),brandon Dorlus (DT).

1. Georgia Bulldogs: Despite losing key players to the NFL Draft, Georgia remains a formidable force.Their consistent recruiting and strong coaching staff keep them in the national championship conversation.

Key Strengths: Elite recruiting, championship pedigree, strong defensive tradition.

Potential Weaknesses: Replacing key offensive contributors, navigating a tough SEC schedule.

Key Players to Watch: Carson Beck (QB), Dominic Lovett (WR), Mykel Williams (DE).

1. Texas Longhorns: The longhorns enter the Big Ten with high expectations after a accomplished 2024 season. Quinn Ewers’ continued advancement at quarterback is crucial to their success.

key Strengths: Experienced quarterback, talented wide receiver corps, strong defensive front.

Potential Weaknesses: Adjusting to the Big Ten’s physicality, maintaining consistency against top opponents.

Key Players to Watch: Quinn Ewers (QB), Xavier Worthy (WR), T’Vondre Sweat (DT).

1. Michigan Wolverines: A new era begins for Michigan under a new head coach. While the Wolverines have a solid foundation, replacing key personnel and adapting to a new system will be critical.

Key Strengths: Strong running game, disciplined defense, established program culture.

Potential weaknesses: Quarterback uncertainty, adapting to a new coaching staff, navigating a challenging Big Ten schedule.

Key Players to Watch: Blake Corum (RB), Mason Graham (DT), Semaj Morgan (WR).

Alabama’s Slide: What Went Wrong?

Alabama, a perennial powerhouse, has dropped to #12 in the preseason rankings – a significant fall from grace. Several factors contributed to this decline:

Key Departures: The loss of multiple star players to the NFL Draft, especially on offense, has created significant holes in the roster.

Coaching Changes: While the program remains stable, adjustments to the coaching staff always introduce uncertainty.

Increased Competition: the SEC is becoming increasingly competitive, with teams like Texas and Oklahoma joining the conference.

Transfer Portal Impact: Alabama lost key players to the transfer portal, further weakening their depth.

Recruiting Challenges: While still strong, Alabama’s recruiting has faced increased competition from programs like Georgia and Ohio State.

Conference Breakdown: Power Shifts in 2025

The realignment of college football conferences has dramatically altered the competitive landscape.

Big Ten: The addition of Oregon, Washington, texas, and Oklahoma has created a super-conference with a wealth of talent. Ohio State and Oregon are early favorites to represent the conference in the College Football Playoff.

SEC: The SEC remains a powerhouse, but the addition of Texas and Oklahoma adds another layer of complexity. Georgia and Texas are expected to contend for the conference title.

ACC: Florida State and Clemson are the frontrunners in the ACC, but the conference lacks the overall depth of the Big Ten and SEC.

Big 12: Kansas State and Utah are the