College Football Top 25
Key highlights:
- Collaboration from VSiN host Matt Youmans and pro bettor Paul Stone
- 10 SEC teams in College Football Top 25
- No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle in Week 1
This story appears in the 186-page VSiN College Football Betting Guide, out now, for VSiN Pro subscribers. Not a subscriber? Find a package that works for you.
Without knowing for certain the truth about Arch Manning, a quarterback phenom from a royal family, it’s tough to rank Texas the preseason No. 1 team in the nation. It is tempting, but Manning and the Longhorns have yet to prove they deserve the top spot.
In fact, the team that ended Texas’ 2024 season in a College Football Playoff semifinal will be its opponent to start this season. The Longhorns are 3-point underdogs at Ohio State on Aug. 30.
“We’ll find out a lot about the new Texas starters and Arch Manning right off the bat,” Fox Sports analyst Chris “The Bear” Fallica said. “We think they are loaded, but you just never know.”
Find someone who loves you as much as “The Bear” loves the Buckeyes. Fallica supported Ohio State throughout last season and was rewarded for his loyalty at the end as the Buckeyes bombed Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame in four double-digit CFP wins en route to the national championship.
The VSiN preseason college football Top 25 for 2025 is a result of power rankings from me and Texas-based handicapper Paul Stone. After the two sets of rankings produced an average number for each team, there were some ties, and the team Stone ranked higher was given preference. Ohio State and Texas tied for the top ranking, so “The Bear” broke that tie — and, to no surprise, gave the edge to the Buckeyes.
Fallica’s top 10: Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Penn State, Oregon, Notre Dame, LSU, Clemson and Miami.
Stone’s top 10: Penn State, Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon and Texas A&M.
Youmans’ top 10: Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Penn State, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, LSU, Oregon and Michigan.
The Buckeyes were favored in all 16 games last season, finished 14-2 and figure to be favored in each game of the upcoming regular season. Ohio State will have a much different look on both sides of the ball and on the sideline. Fifth-year senior quarterback Will Howard will be replaced by redshirt freshman Julian Sayin, a former No. 1-ranked recruit. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly left for the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles took the money ($3 million per year) and made a run for Penn State. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, whom coach Ryan Day says is “bigger and stronger and faster than he was last year,” and safety Caleb Downs headline a team that still will be extremely talented.
“Ohio State having the best offensive (Smith) and defensive player (Downs) in the country is a pretty good way to start out a title defense,” Fallica said.
In last year’s VSiN Top 25, Georgia started No. 1 with Ohio State No. 2. Fallica remains high on the Bulldogs and new starting quarterback Gunner Stockton, who stepped in to beat Texas in the SEC title game before losing to Notre Dame in the CFP first round.
“I’m totally buying Georgia, which has only three true SEC road games, and nobody has recruited better than them in the last few years,” Fallica said. “The biggest question this season for me is, can Gunnar Stockton play? If he can, this (No. 4) ranking is going to be low on the Bulldogs. Those I know close to the program who see him at practice say he absolutely can play. So we’ll see if that materializes.”
Aside from the favorites, Stone is bullish on three other SEC teams — LSU, Texas A&M and Florida. Stone predicts the Tigers will earn a spot in the 12-team playoff and called the Aggies and Gators “borderline Top 10 teams” which rate as “viable contenders” for the postseason tournament.
“In my opinion, LSU was the biggest winner in the transfer portal, especially on defense,” Stone said.
Manning is the most hyped NFL prospect, but at least three other SEC quarterbacks are expected to be in the Heisman hunt — LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Florida’s DJ Lagway. Another rising star worth watching is Marcel Reed at Texas A&M.
“Reed certainly needs to improve as a passer, but he’s a big-time running threat who will create headaches for opposing defenses,” Stone said. “Lagway might be the most naturally-gifted quarterback in college football. If he can stay healthy, Florida’s going to make some noise nationally. I could see Lagway in New York City for the Heisman presentation come early December.”
Penn State might be the most polarizing team among title contenders. Stone power ranks the Nittany Lions at No. 1, as does national college football analyst Phil Steele. But “The Bear” is not yet buying the hype surrounding Penn State, which has lost eight straight meetings with Ohio State and hits the road to face the Buckeyes on Nov. 1.
“The thought that Penn State broke narratives last year couldn’t be further from the truth,” Fallica said. “All they did was solidify them. Penn State lost at home to Ohio State, lost the Big Ten title game to Oregon and then lost to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals. So beating SMU at home and Boise State doesn’t squash the narrative that the Nittany Lions need to win a big game.”
When it comes to projecting power rankings, there are more than two or three sides to the story. Colorado-based professional bettor Eddie Walls, who specializes in college football handicapping the entire year, has a contrarian view of the top 10.
“I’m not going to agree with anyone,” said Walls, who ranks Notre Dame No. 1, followed by Penn State, Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, LSU, Arizona State and Indiana. “I know that I normally hate Notre Dame, but I couldn’t find any holes besides a five-star freshman quarterback.”
Stone’s power rankings, combined with my rankings, form the VSiN preseason Top 25:
1. OHIO STATE
When the Buckeyes were stunned by Michigan as 20-point home favorites, disgruntled fans (including VSiN’s Adam Burke) understandably wanted to run coach Ryan Day out of town. Instead, Ohio State ran the table and won the Big Ten’s second straight national title. Day did lose both coordinators and 14 players to the NFL Draft. While this team has the necessary talent, it lacks experience. Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has plenty of playmakers around him, starting with receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The top spot could change hands several times this season, but the Buckeyes have earned it until they get knocked off.
2. TEXAS
Arch Manning made two starts and attempted only 90 passes last season, but he will be the more experienced quarterback when the Longhorns open at Ohio State. Similar to the Buckeyes, Texas lost a lot of talent and is reloading with lots of talented yet inexperienced players. The nation’s No. 3 scoring defense (15.3 PPG) lost cornerback Jahdae Barron, a first-round pick by the Broncos, and all four defensive line starters. Edge rusher Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will be the leaders.
3. PENN STATE
An argument can be made the Nittany Lions possess the most experienced and talented roster and should power rank No. 1. There is no better running back duo than Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, who each rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. Drew Allar goes into his third year as the starting quarterback and is behind an elite offensive line. The defense must replace Abdul Carter, the No. 5 overall pick by the Giants, but new coordinator Jim Knowles, who was bought from Ohio State, is a major coaching upgrade.
4. GEORGIA
The reigning SEC champion Bulldogs own a 53-5 record over the past four years, the best mark in college football. Much will depend on the growth of quarterback Gunner Stockton. Sophomore running back Nate Frazier is a rising star, as is USC transfer receiver Zachariah Branch. While the defense lost first-round picks Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker and Malaki Starks, it’s a good bet that coach Kirby Smart’s unit will be solid on all three levels with nose tackle Christen Miller, linebacker CJ Allen and safety KJ Bolden.
5. LSU
Brian Kelly and his coaching staff attacked the portal and hauled in arguably the nation’s top-ranked transfer class. Fifth-year quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is a Heisman candidate after passing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. LSU’s defense, which ranked 59th in scoring (24.3 PPG), will be vastly improved. Star linebacker Harold Perkins is back from a knee injury and junior linebacker Whit Weeks returns after totaling a team-high 125 tackles. Edge rusher Patrick Payton (Florida State) is one of many transfers who will step in to make a major impact.
6. ALABAMA
Is former five-star recruit Ty Simpson the definitive answer at quarterback? This coaching staff can be counted on to figure it out. Kalen DeBoer welcomes back his offensive coordinator at Washington, Ryan Grubb, who spent last season in the NFL. Star wideout Ryan Williams, who had a memorable 177-yard game against Georgia, and running back Jam Miller are set up for success behind a rock-solid line. Don’t doubt the talent on a defense that has the potential to be dominant.
7. CLEMSON
Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik is coming off of a sensational season (36 touchdown passes, six interceptions) and will be a Heisman contender, especially if he beats LSU on Aug. 30. Clemson went 10-4 last season, a record that was less impressive when considering the lack of marquee wins, blowout losses to Georgia and Texas and home losses to Louisville and South Carolina. But this team could give coach Dabo Swinney another title shot with a high-scoring offense and rugged defense led by linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods.
8. NOTRE DAME
The Fighting Irish overcame a historically bad loss to Northern Illinois (28-point underdog) to reel off a 13-game win streak and reach the national championship game, so the doubters in coach Marcus Freeman became believers. Jeremiyah Love returns after rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, but quarterback Riley Leonard is history and redshirt freshman CJ Carr appears to be the future. Is Carr ready to step in and handle Miami, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Boise State and USC in the first two months? There are few to no concerns with Notre Dame’s offensive line and defense.
9. OREGON
The Oregon offense once again has speed to burn, though it’s not without one big question. Is Dante Moore, a UCLA transfer and former five-star recruit, the real deal? Moore must step in and run an offense that was directed by veterans Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix. The defense gets a boost from transfers Bear Alexander (USC) and Dillon Thieneman (Purdue). Ducks coach Dan Lanning is recruiting at the highest level after winning 35 games in his first three years. The Big Ten champs were rolling until getting routed by Ohio State in a Rose Bowl playoff game.
10. MICHIGAN
A much-improved quarterback situation should make the Wolverines worthy of a Top 10 ranking or close to it. Michigan played three QBs who combined for 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions last season, but that team rallied to finish with victories over Ohio State and Alabama as a double-digit underdog in both games. Hyped freshman Bryce Underwood or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene will lead new coordinator Chip Lindsey’s offense. The defense remains strong despite losing NFL first-round picks Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
11. FLORIDA
Opinions on the Gators did a 180-degree turn after freshman quarterback DJ Lagway emerged as a dynamic playmaker and the team finished with a four-game win streak. Lagway has exciting potential, but he didn’t throw much in the spring and summer because of a shoulder injury that could be troublesome if it lingers. Florida’s experienced offensive line will be a strength, and the defense should be fine despite losing edge rusher Jack Pyburn as a transfer to LSU. The schedule is brutal, so coach Billy Napier is not quite off the hot seat yet.
12. MISSISSIPPI
It’s hard to believe Ole Miss finished in the nation’s top three in scoring offense and scoring defense last season yet missed the 12-team playoff. Rebels coach Lane Kiffin loses quarterback Jaxson Dart, a first-round pick by the Giants, and is ready to roll with redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons. While the defense will miss five NFL draft picks, junior linebacker Suntarine Perkins (10.5 sacks) returns to lead the way.
13. MIAMI
The Hurricanes could be a tough sell for those who don’t buy Carson Beck as a quarterback or Mario Cristobal as a coach. Cristobal did go 10-3 last season, with the three losses by a total of 10 points, and Beck passed for 28 touchdowns for Georgia. Beck will not be an upgrade from Cam Ward, the NFL’s No. 1 overall pick, but he’s not bad and might surprise his critics. Miami will be hard to handle on the offensive and defensive lines.
14. TEXAS A&M
The development of sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed will likely determine if the Aggies rise in the SEC or underachieve again. Senior running back Le’Veon Moss, an experienced line and a better group of receivers will help Reed. A&M coach Mike Elko brings back eight starters from a solid defense (22.2 PPG), but he’ll miss three starters who left for the NFL — first-round pick Shemar Stewart and second-rounders Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner.
15. OKLAHOMA
Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer teamed to lead the Cougars to 36.6 points per game, the sixth-best scoring offense in the country. That’s relevant because both were lured to Oklahoma, along with dynamic running back Jaydn Ott, a transfer from California. Mateer’s 44 total touchdowns tied for No. 1 in the nation last season. Sooners coach Brent Venables will call the defense, which always will be his strength.
16. INDIANA
Curt Cignetti did the unimaginable last year by coaching Indiana to 11 wins and a playoff spot. The Hoosiers’ two losses were to the teams which played for the national title — Ohio State and Notre Dame. The offense (41.3 PPG) will put up big numbers again, with Cal transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Maryland transfer running back Roman Hemby joining leading receiver Elijah Sarratt and an impressive line. The defense looks solid. Cignetti’s sequel should be another big winner.
17. ARIZONA STATE
Picked to finish 16th and last in the Big 12 media poll, the Sun Devils went 11-3 and blew out Iowa State in the conference title game. Third-year coach Kenny Dillingham brings back a majority of his stars, including quarterback Sam Leavitt (24 touchdown passes, six interceptions) and wideout Jordyn Tyson. The departure of bulldozing running back Cam Skattebo (1,711 rushing yards and 17 TDs) is fuel for skeptics. The Sun Devils have the talent on both sides of the ball to make another playoff run.
18. LOUISVILLE
How good is Jeff Brohm? Look at what has happened to Purdue, a team he coached to the Big Ten title game, since Brohm left. He’s 19-8 in two years at Louisville and the arrow is pointing up thanks to an experienced team and the arrival of quarterback Miller Moss, a USC transfer. Moss is supported by a pair of outstanding running backs, Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, and an offensive line with more than 200 career starts. The Cardinals, who host Clemson on Nov. 14, could be ACC title contenders.
19. BAYLOR
The Bears feature two of the Big 12’s best in quarterback Sawyer Robertson and running back Bryson Washington. Baylor went 6-1 in its final seven games last year, losing to LSU in the Texas Bowl, and coach Dave Aranda has an experienced roster. While the success of the offense is a certainty, the defense is a mystery. The Bears will get a stress test right away by playing Auburn, SMU and Arizona State in the first four weeks.
20. SOUTH CAROLINA
LaNorris Sellers, a 6-foot-3, 240-pounder with a strong arm and superb athletic ability, passed for 2,534 yards, rushed for 674 yards and totaled 25 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Running back Rahsul Faison is an impact addition as a transfer from Utah State. The ceiling is high for Sellers and the offense, but a defense that ranked 12th in scoring (18.1 PPG) did lose six players to the NFL Draft. Shane Beamer is a coach to bet on, but a rebuilt defense is probably going to be a problem.
21. KANSAS STATE
Chris Klieman has coached Kansas State to 36 wins in the past four years, including a 9-4 record and bowl win last season. Several key players must be replaced, but dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson (32 total touchdowns) and leading receiver Jayce Brown are back. Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards takes over as the featured running back. The Wildcats open the season in Dublin, Ireland on Aug. 23 against Iowa State, another Big 12 title contender which came in at No. 26 in these power rankings.
22. AUBURN
Tigers coach Hugh Freeze’s offense was far from hot last season, ranking 71st in scoring, and to change things Freeze brought in transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma. Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton is expected to be a difference-making receiver. Junior defensive end Keldrick Faulk, who had seven sacks last year, is the only returning starter in the front seven. Freeze is betting big on Arnold and other transfers.
23. UTAH
Poor quarterback play doomed the Utes, who started 4-0 and finished 5-7 last year. A lot went wrong, including the officiating in a controversial 22-21 loss to BYU. Kyle Whittingham, entering his 21st year as coach, usually gets it right. Utah landed quarterback Devon Dampier as a transfer from New Mexico and running back Wayshawn Parker as a Washington State transfer. Dampier totaled 31 touchdowns for the Lobos, but 19 of those were on the ground and he must improve as a passer. The Utes’ offensive line and defensive front will be strengths.
24. SMU
The Mustangs were no match for Penn State in a 38-10 first-round playoff loss that ended their season at 11-3. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee should not be underestimated and his offense will be legit again with Kevin Jennings returning at quarterback. Jennings was awful on the road against the Nittany Lions, but he’s a dual-threat talent who should bounce back.
25. TEXAS TECH
Fourth-year coach Joey McGuire can’t complain about resources because Texas Tech is pouring money into this program. McGuire’s huge transfer class could pay off. Behren Morton (27 touchdown passes) returns, but leading rusher Tahj Brooks (1,505 yards and 17 touchdowns) does not. The Red Raiders brought in USC transfer Quinten Joyner to help replace Brooks, and all 11 projected starters on defense are veterans.
