Athlon Sports releases preseason Top 25 college football poll

Athlon Sports released its preseason top 25 college football poll as we are two-plus months away from the season! The usual suspects are at the top, but we’re getting a clearer picture of the best teams in the sport.

Who is going to surprise this season? There’s always a team or two who makes a big run out of nowhere.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Athlon Sports’ top 25 college football rankings. We start in the SEC.

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1. Texas

Texas is the top team in the country, per Athlon Sports. With Arch Manning taking over at quarterback, the potential is through the roof.

Now, it’s up to the Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian to prove it. They reloaded at positions that were affected by the NFL Draft and we’ll just say winning a national title could mean sustained success at the top.

2. Penn State

The Nittany Lions might be this year’s version of Ohio State with everyone coming back to give the school a chance at a national championship. Athlon Sports likes them as the best team in the Big Ten.

Drew Allar is back at QB and Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton are back in the backfield. Watch out for Dani Dennis-Sutton, who will be one of the standouts on Penn State’s defense.

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes come in as the defending national champions but certainly lost a good amount to the NFL Draft. But, this team is still loaded and a top three squad per Athlon Sports.

The quarterback battle needs to be settled, but Jeremiah Smith is arguably the best receiver in college football, so that should help. Not to mention an all-world defensive back in Caleb Downs patrolling the secondary.

4. Georgia

Georgia is an interesting squad this season considering they just won the SEC and could very well do it again. Athlon Sports is very high on the Bulldogs.

Remember the sustained success we talked about Texas? Georgia has been doing that under Kirby Smart. Now, can Gunner Stockton take the reins and run with them at QB?

5. Clemson

Clemson saw a bit of a resurgence last year under Dabo Swinney, getting back to the College Football Playoff for the first time in a few years. Cade Klubnik had his best season of college football under center and could be even better this year.

They’re easily the ACC favorite for Athlon Sports in 2025. Guys on defensive like Peter Woods and TJ Parker are going to be a problem for opposing offenses.

6. Notre Dame

Notre Dame just made an incredible run last year to get to the national championship. Marcus Freeman is pushing all of the right buttons and he’ll have quite the player in Jeremiyah Love back to help his offense.

CJ Carr is the frontrunner to win the quarterback job and if he’s as good as advertised, watch out. Athlon Sports’ projection for this team might seem conservative if the Irish get rolling.

7. LSU

LSU has yet to make the College Football Playoff under Brian Kelly, but this could finally be the year. Athlon Sports has them in the preseason top 10, so there are certainly big expectations.

Garrett Nussmeier could be in the Heisman running this season, the latest LSU QB to do so. Transfer WRs Barion Brown and Nic Anderson should help, as well as the return of Harold Perkins at linebacker, trying to return to form.

8. Alabama

Kalen DeBoer had to replace a legend in Nick Saban last season and won nine games. Not too shabby right? Well, not for the Crimson Tide fans.

There’s a three-way quarterback battle going on, but key players back as DeBoer tries to get Alabama to the College Football Playoff. WR Ryan Williams is a star and whoever wins the QB battle will have Kadyn Proctor protecting him.

9. Oregon

The Ducks won the Big Ten, were undefeated and the No. 1 seed in last year’s College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, they got picked off by Ohio State in the quarterfinals.

Athlon Sports is still high on Oregon, putting them in the top 10 this preseason. Dante Moore takes over at quarterback but will be without WR Evan Stewart, due to injury.

10. Miami

Are the Hurricanes ready to get over the hump under Mario Cristobal? This could be the year, per Athlon Sports.

Carson Beck transferred in and the potential is there to have solid quarterback play after a down year and injury at Georgia. Miami’s secondary has a bunch of transfers so their chemistry will be key to defensive cohesion.

Athlon Sports preseason Top 25

11. Florida
12. South Carolina
13. Kansas State
14. Arizona State
15. Michigan
16. Indiana
17. Illinois
18. Ole Miss
19. Texas A&M
20. Oklahoma
21. Tennessee
22. Texas Tech
23. Iowa State
24. SMU
25. Boise State