“Champions and Challengers: The Top Contenders for the 2025 College Football Title”

ESPN has released its Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2025 college football season. Ohio State tops the list after winning the national championship in 2024. Despite losing several key players to the NFL draft, the Buckeyes are expected to remain strong with the return of star players like receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs.

Texas comes in at No. 2, with quarterback Arch Manning expected to take the reins after Quinn Ewers’ departure. The Longhorns will need to rebuild their offensive line and replace key receivers.

Penn State ranks No. 3, with quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton returning. The Nittany Lions will need to find new receivers and rebuild their defense.

Notre Dame, despite losing quarterback Riley Leonard, comes in at No. 4. The Fighting Irish are excited about freshman quarterback CJ Carr and have added several key players through the transfer portal.

Rounding out the top five is Georgia, which will need to replace quarterback Carson Beck and several key defenders. The Bulldogs have added several players through the transfer portal and will look to rebuild their offense and defense.

The rankings are subject to change as the offseason progresses and more players enter the transfer portal or declare for the NFL draft.