TOP 25 AP PRESEASON: THE COMPLETE RANKING BEFORE KICKOFF
Updated: Oct 31
2025 AP Preseason Rankings: The Calm Before the Storm
With less than two weeks to go before kickoff, tension is already building across American campuses. Flags are waving from dorm windows, jerseys are coming out of closets, and tailgates are being set up like stages for a long-anticipated concert. In this moment of suspended anticipation, the Associated Press has revealed its preseason Top 25 — a ranking that, this year, reads almost like a thriller.
Texas Finally on Top
For the first time in school history, Texas sits on the preseason throne. The Longhorns have never been ranked No. 1 at this stage, and they reached it by the narrowest of margins: 1,552 points to Penn State’s 1,547, just five points, the slimmest gap since 1998. It’s a vote of confidence in Arch Manning, grandson, nephew, and now heir to a dynasty that fascinates as much as it pressures. Twenty-five first-place votes were enough to place Austin atop the college football map. But behind the excitement lies a whisper: Is this team ready to carry the weight of No. 1 from the very first snap?
Penn State Breathing Down Their Neck
In second place, Penn State is close enough to feel Texas’s breath. The Nittany Lions haven’t been ranked this high in the preseason since 1997, and their 23 first-place votes speak volumes about the trust they inspire. On paper, the defense is a wall, and the offense has reloaded with dangerous weapons. Still, one misstep in September could shatter this dream run to the summit.
Defending Champion Ohio State Lurking
Ranked third, Ohio State remains a lethal threat. The Buckeyes pulled in 11 first-place votes despite losing several key starters, thanks to one of the deepest rosters in the country. They know exactly what it means to start a season with one goal: defending the crown. And they’ll get their first big test right out of the gate against No. 1 Texas in Columbus.
Giants Everywhere, Unprecedented Balance
Behind this trio, Clemson (4th) and Georgia (5th) round out the top five, with four and one first-place votes, respectively. The telling detail? Six teams in total received at least one first-place vote, a sign that in 2025, no single team dominates the field and the title race could swing on last-minute twists.
The SEC’s Iron Grip… and the Return of Old Names
The SEC continues to flex its muscle, placing a record 10 teams in the rankings, while the Big Ten counters with six, including the imposing Penn State–Ohio State duo and ambitious Oregon (7th). Illinois (12th), Michigan (14th), and Indiana (20th) also make the list.
But perhaps the most romantic storyline comes from SMU’s return at No. 16 — its first appearance since 1985 — and Boise State at No. 25, the only representative from outside the Power Five.
Week 1 Already Feels Like January
There will be no easing into the season: opening weekend features No. 1 Texas visiting No. 3 Ohio State. It’s the kind of marquee matchup you could just as easily imagine in January. Add to that LSU (9th) vs. Clemson (4th) and Notre Dame (6th) vs. Miami (10th), and we could see the entire rankings shaken up before the leaves even start to fall.
What the Oddsmakers Say
Unusually, despite their No. 1 status, the Longhorns won’t be favored in Columbus according to sportsbooks. Analysts cite Manning’s youth, questions about the receiving corps, and the natural intimidation factor of playing at the Horseshoe. In other words: Texas has the label of No. 1… but not yet the aura that comes with it.
The Complete Top 25
A Season Poised for the History Books
Ultimately, this ranking is just a snapshot. Two weeks from now, it could look very different. But it says something about 2025: a championship chase more open than ever, where the No. 1 team is not untouchable and the squads ranked anywhere from 1 to 10 all seem capable of lifting the trophy.
Until kickoff, campuses will keep buzzing, conversations will heat up in bars and tailgates, and fans know they’re on the verge of one of those seasons people will talk about for years.
The calm before the storm… just a few more days.
