Spring camps have officially wrapped up. With the transfer portal now closed, the dust is beginning to settle on what has been another offseason full of movement and momentum. Between the ongoing impact of NIL, the ever-active transfer portal and the annual exodus of talent to the NFL, no two College Football seasons look the same. This year is no exception.
With rosters taking shape and coaching staffs finalizing their depth charts, it’s time to assess the national landscape. Based on returning talent, key additions and offseason developments, here’s my definitive post-spring way-too-early top 25 College Football rankings heading into the summer.
Way-Too-Early Top 25 2025 College Football Rankings (Post-Spring)
25. Tennessee Volunteers
The post-Nico Iamaleava era begins in Knoxville, Tenn., with Joey Aguilar taking over at quarterback. The offense faces a reset, losing several key contributors at the skill positions, especially at receiver. With uncertainty on that side of the ball, Tennessee will look to lean heavily on what should be a dominant, top-10 caliber defense.
24. Boise State Broncos
Boise State enters 2025 with high hopes riding on quarterback Maddux Madsen, who quietly put together a stellar season managing the offense and nearly led an upset over Penn State. With over 3,000 yards and just six turnovers, Madsen’s poised for a breakout year.
The major concern, however, is replacing star running back Ashton Jeanty, whose production and leadership will be nearly impossible to duplicate. The Broncos will need to get creative in the backfield, but with Madsen at the helm, they remain a legitimate “Group of 5” force.
23. Miami Hurricanes
Mario Cristobal and Miami turn the page, with Carson Beck taking over at quarterback. He brings his elite arm talent and a point to prove after a turbulent year at Georgia. He steps into an offense aiming to stretch the field vertically. Key losses at receiver and running back mean younger playmakers like Joshisa “JoJo” Trader and Mark Fletcher Jr. must step up.
Defensively, new coordinator Corey Hetherman is tasked with overhauling a unit that struggled with communication and consistency. If Beck delivers and the defense improves, the Hurricanes could make a serious push in the ACC.
22. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State came close to a breakthrough season in 2024, but a leaky run defense ultimately kept the Cyclones from claiming the Big 12 crown. They return one of the conference’s top quarterbacks in Rocco Becht. He threw for over 3,500 yards and showed up big in the bowl win over Miami.
However, the offense faces a reset at receiver after losing star targets Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. The duo accounted for over 60% of last season’s receptions. With Becht leading the way, Iowa State has upside but must shore up its defense and develop new playmakers on the outside.
21. Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State’s offense, led by dynamic quarterback Avery Johnson, is one of the most exciting in the country. Johnson’s dual-threat ability, paired with explosive playmakers like Dylan Edwards and deep threats Jayce Brown and Caleb Medford, gives the Wildcats big-play potential on every drive.
However, the defense remains the major concern. After heavy turnover in the secondary and the loss of pass-rushing standout Brendan Mott, the unit faces a full rebuild at the back end. Transfer additions bring hope, but until proven, defensive questions keep Kansas State just outside the top tier.
20. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss enters 2025 with high expectations and plenty of new faces, especially on defense. The Rebels lost several key pieces along the defensive line, including Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen. They’ve reloaded with talent like Da’Shawn Womack on the edge.
The concern lies in a rebuilt secondary that returns just one experienced player, Chris Graves Jr., and leans heavily on transfers, including the former five-star recruit Sage Ryan from LSU, to stabilize the back end.
Offensively, Lane Kiffin hands the reins to promising quarterback Austin Simmons, with five-star freshman Caleb Cunningham a high-profile flip from Alabama, a name to watch in a reshaped receiving corps.
19. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M enters 2025 with a renewed sense of stability under second-year head coach Mike Elko. After a chaotic first offseason focused on roster retention and patchwork portal additions, Elko now has a more settled team, led by quarterback Marcel Reed and a significantly improved offensive line. The Aggies are also adding elite talent with five-star wide receiver Jerome Myles and five-star offensive tackle Lamont Rogers set to make an early impact.
However, the receiving corps is almost entirely rebuilt after losing its top five pass-catchers, including Noah Thomas. Transfers Kevin Concepcion and Mario Craver, alongside dynamic sophomore Terry Bussey, will lead a remade unit that must develop chemistry quickly for Texas A&M to contend in the SEC.
18. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma made bold moves this offseason, signaling a win-now mindset as Brent Venables enters his fourth year in charge. Venables overhauled his staff, took over defensive play-calling duties and brought in rising star Ben Arbuckle as offensive coordinator. Arbuckle arrives from Washington State, along with quarterback John Mateer, who will lead a retooled offense featuring explosive Cal transfer Jaydn Ott at running back.
If key receivers like Deion Burks and Isaiah Sategna can stay healthy, the Sooners should show marked improvement. Oklahoma was aggressive in the transfer portal, addressing depth across the board and setting the stage for a strong 2025 campaign.
17. Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana enters 2025 with high expectations under reigning National Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti, whose remarkable turnaround led the Hoosiers to a 10-0 start and a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth in 2024. The foundation of that success – an elite defense – remains intact, with first-team All-Big Ten standouts Mikail Kamara, Aiden Fisher and D’Angelo Ponds all returning, alongside respected defensive coordinator Bryant Haines.
However, questions loom in the trenches. Indiana’s offensive line was a weak point late last season, and the defensive front took major personnel hits. The Hoosiers will rely heavily on transfer help to stabilize both lines if they hope to replicate last year’s magic.
16. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech enters 2025 with perhaps the most talented roster in the Big 12. Thanks to an aggressive and resource-heavy push in the transfer portal, they landed the nation’s second-highest-ranked portal class. The Red Raiders are built to win now. They feature a lineup stacked with proven starters and elite talent. The late return of five-star receiver Micah Hudson, after briefly flirting with Texas A&M, adds even more firepower to an already loaded offense.
With a vastly improved two-deep and sky-high expectations, Texas Tech’s key will be quickly developing chemistry among its new-look roster to challenge for a Big 12 title.
15. Florida Gators
Florida enters 2025 looking to build on an eight-win season under Billy Napier, who held firm through last year’s coaching carousel by navigating one of the nation’s toughest schedules. The Gators return a strong core, including four offensive line starters and breakout quarterback DJ Lagway, whose health will be key to Florida’s ceiling.
If Lagway stays on the field, he could become one of the SEC’s premier passers, especially with dynamic weapons like Eugene Wilson III and Cal transfer J. Michael Sturdivant. Freshman Dallas Wilson has also turned heads and could contribute early. Defensively, raw talent fills the front seven, but turning that into consistent production will determine how far Florida can climb in a brutal SEC slate.
14. BYU Cougars
BYU enters 2025 by coming off an impressive 11–2 campaign and has the looks of becoming a serious Big 12 title contender once again. The Cougars are a physical, well-coached team. Expectations are high with quarterback Jake Retzlaff returning to lead an explosive offense. Retzlaff must improve ball security, but he’ll have strong targets in veteran Chase Roberts and Stanford transfer Tiger Bachmeier.
BYU didn’t go heavy in the portal. However, key additions like Keanu Tanuvasa should help offset losses in the trenches. The defense returns a seasoned secondary and solid linebacker unit despite the spring departure of middle linebacker Harrison Taggart. BYU has the tools to make a playoff push if the defensive line can hold up.
13. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina enters 2025 surrounded by preseason buzz after closing last season on a six-game win streak and finishing 9–4. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers returns as the face of that hype. He has shown flashes of star potential with over 2,500 passing yards and 25 total touchdowns in 2024. For the Gamecocks to truly contend for a playoff spot, Sellers needs to convert that potential into consistent production.
The defense, bolstered by transfer additions and anchored by elite sophomore edge rusher Dylan Stewart, looks much improved in the front seven. With a tough SEC schedule ahead, the pressure’s on South Carolina to prove the hype is real and not just a momentum swing from a strong finish.
12. SMU Mustangs
SMU enters 2025 aiming to build on last season’s surprise CFP berth. The Mustangs face a very different challenge this fall. Quarterback Kevin Jennings returns after a breakout campaign. He’ll need to bounce back from a tough postseason and lead an offense with major turnover at the skill positions. SMU lost its top three receivers and leading rusher, but brings in former UCLA standout TJ Harden to bolster the backfield. Tight ends RJ Maryland and Matthew Hibner provide stability in the passing game.
On defense, SMU lost several stars to the NFL and to injury, including edge rusher Elijah Roberts and tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte. The Mustangs responded by aggressively hitting the portal, signing nine defensive linemen to rebuild the front. If the new pieces come together quickly, SMU has the depth and leadership to stay in the ACC title mix.
11. LSU Tigers
LSU heads into 2025 with sky-high expectations and a roster built to contend for an SEC title. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the SEC’s most productive returning signal-caller, leads an offense that should be among the nation’s best if he can cut down on inconsistency. He’ll have no shortage of weapons. Dynamic returner Aaron Anderson is joined by transfer receivers Nic Anderson and Barion Brown in a new-look receiving room. Despite losing four offensive line starters, LSU reloaded in the trenches and expects immediate help from transfers.
On defense, year two under coordinator Blake Baker brings cautious optimism. This is particularly after LSU brought in standout portal additions like Pro Football Focus’s True Freshman All-American A.J. Haulcy and corners Mansoor Delane and Tamarcus Cooley to upgrade a leaky secondary.
After falling short of expectations last year, Brian Kelly’s squad looks primed for a rebound. The rebuilt lines will need to gel quickly to keep LSU in the CFP hunt.
10. Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State enters 2025 with high expectations after a stunning turnaround under Kenny Dillingham that saw the Sun Devils jump from 3-9 to Big 12 champions and a CFP berth in just one year. Quarterback Sam Leavitt returns as one of the nation’s rising stars. His connection with dynamic wideout Jordyn Tyson, who is back healthy after missing the postseason, could be one of the best in the country.
Replacing do-it-all back Cameron Skattebo won’t be easy. Army transfer Kanye Udoh, who ran for 1,117 yards in 2024, headlines a committee that includes Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown. The offense is expected to take another step forward. Meanwhile, the defense, which led the Big 12 in run defense and returns 10 starters, must improve its pass coverage and pressure up front. With most of the roster intact and momentum from last season, Arizona State looks capable of defending its conference title and making another playoff push.
9. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan enters 2025 looking to build on last season’s strong finish, which included wins over Ohio State and Alabama. It will once again lean on its physical run game and stout defense. The Wolverines return key offensive linemen and feature a promising backfield duo in bowl MVP Jordan Marshall and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes, who looked like the top option this spring. The quarterback competition remains unsettled after presumptive starter Mikey Keene missed spring with a shoulder injury. This allowed five-star freshman Bryce Underwood and Jadyn Davis to split reps.
Michigan’s passing game must improve after a dismal 2024. Portal additions Donaven McCulley and Anthony Simpson are expected to boost an unproven receiver corps. On defense, Michigan has plenty of talent back but must replace dominant tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. The team also faces early uncertainty with head coach Sherrone Moore set to serve a two-game suspension. If Underwood wins the job and can spark the offense, the Wolverines have the pieces to contend for a top-10 finish.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama enters its second year under Kalen DeBoer, looking to rebound after a rocky 2024 season that marked the end of the Nick Saban era. Former Washington Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb is back with DeBoer after a brief stint in the NFL. Throw in a quarterback in Ty Simpson who fits DeBoer’s system, the Crimson Tide offense should take a step forward. Star receiver Ryan Williams returns, and the addition of Miami transfer Isaiah Horton gives Alabama one of the most talented receiving corps in the country. The offensive line is expected to improve, anchored by Kadyn Proctor, though depth could be a concern across the board.
On defense, Alabama is loaded at linebacker and in the secondary. Question marks remain up front after an inconsistent showing from the defensive line last fall. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s unit must be better for Alabama to contend. The pieces are in place for a return to the SEC title race, but the pressure is on DeBoer to prove he can deliver in the post-Saban era.
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame is looking to prove its 2024 run to the national title game was no one-year wonder. There’s reason to believe the Irish can stay in the mix despite major changes at key spots. The quarterback battle between freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey lingers into the summer, though Carr appeared to have the edge after spring. Whoever wins the job will have strong support from a deep backfield led by star Jeremiyah Love, alongside big-play threat Jadarian Price, plus new receiving weapons Malachi Fields and Will Pauling.
First-year defensive coordinator Chris Ash inherits a veteran unit that should remain one of the country’s best, especially in the front seven. The secondary is being reshuffled, but Alabama transfer DeVonta Smith has stepped into a key role at nickel. Notre Dame lost some depth up front on offense, but the starting line remains solid. If Carr can settle in quickly and the passing game finds rhythm, Notre Dame has the roster to challenge for another playoff berth.
6. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia heads into 2025 with plenty of talent and a familiar spot among SEC title contenders. However, the Bulldogs still have questions to answer. Gunner Stockton is set to take over full-time at the quarterback position after flashing promise in postseason relief of Beck. He’ll benefit from a retooled receiver corps led by dynamic transfers Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas. Georgia’s run game will lean on sophomore Nate Frazier and Illinois transfer Josh McCray, but a rebuilt offensive line must prove it can open lanes consistently.
On defense, linebacker C.J. Allen anchors one of the nation’s best units. Freshman Elijah Griffin could make an immediate impact up front. The secondary has returning standouts in KJ Bolden and Daylen Everette, but needs to show more consistency. Kirby Smart’s team again looks the part of a playoff contender. It’ll need the offensive upgrades to deliver in big moments to stay among the nation’s elite.
5. Oregon Ducks
Oregon enters the 2025 season as the defending Big Ten champion. Despite another wave of roster turnover, they remain one of the most complete teams in the country. Former five-star Dante Moore steps in as the Ducks’ new starting quarterback. While he doesn’t have the experience of former Ducks Bo Nix or Dillon Gabriel, he’s had a full year in the system and has plenty of weapons around him. Freshman wideout Dakorien Moore turned heads in the spring and could be a breakout star. The offensive line is largely new and will need to gel quickly, but transfer tailback Makhi Hughes gives Oregon a proven workhorse in the backfield.
On defense, Dan Lanning’s group is built to win in the trenches again. Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei leads a front seven that should be among the Big Ten’s best. The secondary was rebuilt through the portal and remains a question mark. Overall talent and depth should keep Oregon squarely in the CFP mix.
4. Clemson Tigers
Clemson comes into 2025 looking like its most complete team since the Trevor Lawrence era. They are returning more production than any team in the country. Quarterback Cade Klubnik made a noticeable leap last season. With a deep, athletic receiver room and a veteran offensive line, the Tigers are built to move the ball through the air. The backfield remains the biggest question following Phil Mafah’s departure to the NFL and a season-ending injury to Jay Haynes. Converted wideout Adam Randall, David Eziomume and freshman Gideon Davidson are all in the mix, with Davidson flashing serious upside this spring.
Defensively, Dabo Swinney made a major move by hiring former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen to fix a unit that struggled against the run in 2024. They have the talent, especially along the defensive line with T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. If that group lives up to its potential, Clemson could be on their way back to dominating the ACC.
RELATED: Early 2025 Heisman Trophy Odds, Picks & Predictions
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
The defending national champion Buckeyes face major turnover heading into 2025. They have to replace 14 players who went to the NFL. Additionally, they replaced both coordinators, including longtime defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Yet, Ohio State still boasts the most explosive receiver group in the country. Of course, this group is led by superstar Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Then they added Purdue transfer Max Klare at tight end. The quarterback battle between Alabama transfer Julian Sayin and sophomore Lincoln Kienholz is ongoing, though Sayin is expected to win the job.
Defensively, former NFL coach Matt Patricia steps in as coordinator and inherits a secondary led by All-American safety Caleb Downs. The front seven has questions, particularly along the interior defensive line. However, the Buckeyes still have the talent to repeat as Big Ten champs. Whether they stay on top nationally will depend on Sayin’s development and how quickly the new-look defense gels.
2. Texas Longhorns
The Arch Manning era has officially begun in Austin, Texas, as the former five-star takes over under center for a Longhorns team brimming with talent but facing key questions. Manning inherits an offense that lost its top three pass-catchers and four starters along the offensive line. The development of a young receiver corps and a rebuilt front makes it more critical. Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr. are expected to step up once healthy, while DJ Campbell and Cole Hutson anchor the new-look offensive line.
Defensively, Texas retooled the front with five transfer additions, including standout freshman All-American Maraad Watson. Alongside linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., they lead a fast, athletic unit. If the lines come together and Manning plays up to his hype, the Longhorns are a legitimate title contender in their second season in the SEC.
RELATED: 2025 SEC Championship Odds, Picks & Predictions
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State enters 2025 as the top overall team in the country after finally breaking through under James Franklin with a playoff run in 2024. This year’s group might be even better. Quarterback Drew Allar returns alongside the nation’s top backfield duo in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, giving the Nittany Lions a balanced, veteran-led offense. The receiver room, long a weak spot, got a major boost with the additions of portal stars Trebor Pena and Devonte Ross, plus USC transfer Kyron Hudson. Pena, in particular, gives Allar a reliable option in the slot after posting 84 catches last season.
Defensively, Penn State made one of the biggest coaching moves in the country by hiring Knowles away from Ohio State to run a unit that returns star pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton and plenty of depth. With high-end talent on both sides of the ball and momentum from last season’s semifinal run, this is Franklin’s best shot yet at a national title.
Thanks for reading my article on my Way-Too-Early 2025 College Football Top-25 Rankings (Post-Spring)! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Matthew O’Haren – USA TODAY Sports*
