College football in 2025 is entering one of its most unpredictable chapters. The expanded playoffs and shifting rosters from NIL, as well as the transfer portal, have created a level of parity rarely seen in the sport.
While perennial powers still sit at the top, the margin between contenders is shrinking. Preseason polls and power ratings reveal a familiar set of names, but with new storylines and questions that will shape the race for the national title.
Texas: A Program Ready to Break Through
Texas opens the preseason ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, a sign of the faith placed in Steve Sarkisian’s roster.
The Longhorns have reached the playoffs in consecutive years, yet a championship appearance has eluded them. With Arch Manning now the full-time starter, expectations are enormous.
The roster is loaded with talent, but the question remains whether both lines can reload quickly enough to withstand the grind of the SEC.
Texas holds the best title odds entering the season, making them a popular choice for those looking to bet on college football, but their path is brutal. Every week in the SEC is a challenge, making consistency the key to finally breaking through.
Ohio State: Defending Champions with Questions
The Buckeyes sit in the top three of every preseason ranking and are defending champions, but this year’s roster is far from settled.
Ohio State lost its starting quarterback along with several other offensive leaders. Still, the program recruits at such a high level that replacing talent is never a full rebuild. Tom Fornelli’s preseason power ratings even placed the Buckeyes at No. 1, citing their depth and coaching stability.
Despite those strengths, this might be the least dominant preseason No. 1 rating he has given in a decade, and bettors will be watching closely with top college football props at FanDuel available for the opener. The game will quickly reveal how fast the roster gels.
Penn State: Depth and Experience at Last
Penn State is ranked No. 2 in the AP and No. 3 in the Coaches Poll, reflecting the optimism around a roster filled with returning starters. The Nittany Lions have the experience that often decides close games, yet history still weighs on them. Despite their talent, they have struggled to consistently defeat top-five opponents. This season could be different, but they must finally prove they can deliver in marquee matchups. If they do, the expanded playoff format offers a realistic path to the program’s first national championship in decades.
Georgia: Reload or Reset?
Georgia’s dynasty status faces new tests in 2025. Ranked inside the top five again, the Bulldogs are dealing with turnover on both the offensive line and defense.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton takes over with enormous pressure, but as always, recruiting has kept the roster stocked with elite players. The question is whether the transition will be smooth or if this becomes a reset year.
Their defense should remain strong, but much hinges on whether the offense can meet the high standard of recent years. Georgia’s odds are strong, though this is the least certain Bulldogs team in years.
Clemson: A Team with Something to Prove
Clemson enters the year at No. 4 in the AP Poll and No. 6 in the Coaches Poll. Cade Klubnik is back at quarterback, but the Tigers’ offensive consistency has been questioned. What makes them dangerous is a veteran offensive line and a defense filled with NFL-level talent.
Their opener against LSU will be a tone-setter. If they dominate in the trenches, Clemson could march through the ACC with little resistance. The program’s ability to peak late in seasons keeps them in the national conversation every year, and 2025 should be no different.
Notre Dame: Can the Offense Keep Up?
The Irish reached the national title game last season, yet preseason polls still place them behind the big three of Texas, Penn State, and Ohio State. What makes Notre Dame intriguing is the arrival of C.J. Carr. If he can stretch defenses with his arm, the Irish could become even more dangerous.
The defense already ranks among the best, but explosive offenses have punished them in the past. Notre Dame’s first two games are their toughest, meaning an early stumble is possible. However, even a slow start would not erase their status as a contender.
Alabama: Life After Saban
The Tide ranks eighth in the AP and fourth in the Coaches Poll, reflecting lingering belief in the program’s foundation. Kalen DeBoer steps in as head coach, tasked with replacing the legendary Nick Saban. While many would see this as a daunting rebuild, Alabama was a few plays away from a playoff berth last season.
The roster is still deep, and DeBoer’s offensive mind brings optimism. Questions remain at quarterback, but no opponent will overlook Alabama. If DeBoer adapts quickly, the Tide may find themselves back in the playoff hunt sooner than expected.
Oregon: Defense Becoming Identity
Oregon’s roster is brimming with talent, though the loss of quarterback Dillon Gabriel and several key offensive pieces raises questions. Ranked No. 7 in both major polls, the Ducks may shift toward a more physical style of play.
Their defense is projected to be among the best in the country, giving them a unique identity compared to years past. If the offense remains efficient enough, Oregon could become a surprise semifinalist. Dan Lanning’s recruiting classes are stacked, and this season may be the moment they fully shine.
LSU: High Ceiling, Low Floor
LSU enters the top ten with one of the widest ranges of outcomes. Their offense should be explosive, powered by a proven quarterback and dynamic skill players. Yet the defense has lagged, creating issues in big games.
The offensive line is another concern that could limit consistency. In Fornelli’s power ratings, LSU ranks ninth, which feels appropriate for a team capable of beating anyone but vulnerable against disciplined defenses. Their early clash with Clemson will set the tone for the year.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 season feels less predictable than in recent years. The gap between the top tier and the rest has closed, giving programs like Notre Dame, Oregon, and LSU realistic hopes of breaking into the title picture.
For fans, that uncertainty promises drama from September through January. The combination of veteran-laden rosters, new coaching eras, and expanded playoff stakes means the chase for the championship could be the most compelling in years.
*Content reflects information available as of 2025/08/28; subject to change.
