The 2025 preseason college football Coaches Poll has been released, with the top-ranked team being Texas. The Longhorns earned 28 first-place votes and are followed closely by Ohio State and Penn State. Other SEC teams making a strong showing include Georgia (No. 4), Alabama (No. 8), and LSU (No. 9).
The Big Ten Conference is represented well in the poll, with Ohio State opening at No. 2 and Penn State at No. 3. The ACC also has several top-ranked teams, including Clemson (No. 6) and Miami (No. 10). The Group of 5 conferences are also well-represented, with Boise State (No. 25) being the only member to make it into the top 25.
The poll reflects the previous year’s final ranking and can amplify program perception. Last year, only 12 of the preseason top 25 finished in the final Coaches Poll. Teams that did not qualify for a bowl game are expected to have varying degrees of success this season.
Some teams are considered underrated, including Clemson, which boasts elite quarterback play and a dominant defensive line. Illinois is another team with a strong resume, returning 16 starters from last year’s 10-win season. Kansas State is also poised for success, with a dynamic quarterback and a strong defensive line.
On the other hand, some teams are considered overrated, including Ohio State, which returns only six starters and had a high number of NFL draft picks. Texas A&M is another team that has struggled in past preseason polls but could make a run this year with its strong offense and defense. Michigan’s defense was elite last season, but the team will likely start lower in the rankings due to injuries and losses from key players.
The top 25 teams are:
1. Texas (28 first-place votes)
2. Ohio State (20 first-place votes)
3. Penn State (14 first-place votes)
4. Georgia
5. Notre Dame
6. Clemson
7. Oregon
8. Alabama
9. LSU
10. Miami
11. Arizona State
12. Illinois
13. South Carolina
14. Michigan
15. Ole Miss
16. Florida
17. Tennessee
18. Iowa State
19. Indiana
20. Kansas State
21. Texas A&M (tied for 21st)
22. BYU
23. Texas Tech
24. Oklahoma State
25. Boise State
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6534866/2025/08/04/college-football-coaches-poll-texas-top-25