Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia, and Notre Dame round out the top five, reflecting a high level of competition among the nation’s elite programs. The top 10 is stacked with perennial powerhouses, including Clemson, Oregon, Alabama, LSU, and Miami. Each of these teams is coming off strong campaigns and will be aiming to solidify their place in the College Football Playoff picture.
A major storyline heading into 2025 is the uncertainty at the quarterback position for several top teams. Ohio State brought in Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, but the offense will be run by Julian Sayin, a highly touted five-star recruit with only 12 college pass attempts so far. Over at Oregon, Dante Moore replaces one of the most accomplished QBs in FBS history, while Georgia transitions to Gunner Stockton after mixed reviews of Carson Beck. Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, is betting on redshirt freshman CJ Carr, who has yet to throw a pass at the college level.
Perhaps the biggest wild card is Arch Manning at Texas. Manning, a third-year sophomore, impressed when filling in for the injured Quinn Ewers by completing 41-of-60 passes for 583 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions over two games. However, he returned to the bench once Ewers recovered, leaving questions about whether this is the year Manning lives up to the considerable hype.
Quarterback continuity could be a decisive factor. Teams like LSU, Clemson, and Penn State return their starters: Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, and Drew Allar, respectively. These quarterbacks will not only be fighting for playoff spots but also to improve their stock for the 2026 NFL Draft. Drew Allar, in particular, enters the season under scrutiny. Despite being a five-star recruit and improving his completion percentage to 66.5% last year, he struggled in high-pressure situations and is still searching for a signature win to elevate Penn State to championship contention.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect a tightly contested race for the top spots, with several teams capable of making a push for the playoffs. Uncertainty at quarterback and the emergence of new stars make this one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory. For the complete rankings and in-depth stats, visit the 2025 NCAAF rankings or check out the Coaches Poll Top 25.