Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Evaluating the Way Too Early Top 25

On3 imageby:Ian Boyd03/27/25

Ian_A_Boyd

nick-saban-evaluates-how-kirby-smart-steve-sarkisian-approaching-texas-georgia-showdown
Brett Davis/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Paul Wadlington and Ian Boyd go through the current top 25 to discover who is a big threat to the Texas Longhorns in 2025.

[Join Inside Texas TODAY and get FOUR MONTHS for just ONE DOLLAR!]

Spring Practices & Player Evaluations: Spring practices and portal activity will significantly impact rosters, determining the trajectory for many teams. Ohio State, Texas, and others are in transition phases with roster questions.

Ohio State’s Uncertainty: Despite being ranked number one, Ohio State’s roster is tenuous with significant losses in defense and staff changes. Their success hinges on spring practices and portal acquisitions.

Clemson’s Resurgence: Clemson has returned to their winning formula with blue-chip receivers and a strong quarterback. Their defense has been stabilized under Tom Allen, and their schedule favors a strong season.

Notre Dame’s Ascendancy: Legalized NIL payments and alumni support have transformed Notre Dame into a serious contender. Their schedule is manageable, making them a likely top-tier team.

Texas’ Autofill into the Top 5: Texas’ NFL-level draft classes and Steve Sarkeesian’s influence keep them near the top. However, sustaining success depends on roster development.

Alabama’s Rebuild with DeBoer: With key defensive pieces returning and offensive potential, Alabama is primed to exceed its current #12 ranking, potentially regaining dominance.

Florida’s Rise with DJ Lagway: Lagway’s impressive deep-ball capability, paired with enhanced recruiting, makes Florida a team to watch despite a challenging schedule.

Miami’s Untapped Potential: A top-10 roster with #23 ranking hints at underperformance, largely due to quarterback uncertainty. However, with Carson Beck stepping in, expectations could shift.

Big 12 Developmental Cycles Misunderstood: BYU, Kansas State, and other Big 12 teams face cyclical challenges, often peaking and declining based on development stages. National media often misread these cycles.

NFL Dynamics Enter College Football: OU’s administrative struggles showcase the growing influence of GMs and administrators over coaches, reflecting an NFL-style management system.

This video is brought to you by Gabe Winslow. Call 832-557-1095 or visit his website to start your ideal mortgage process (www.mortgagesbygabe.com)

Join Inside Texas for Market-Leading Texas Longhorns Football coverage!

InsideTexas.com provides just what passionate Texas fans expect: Market-leading coverage of Longhorns athletics and recruiting.

Join the best Texas fan community and receive all the benefits that come with it:

  • Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love
  • Immediate access to any Longhorns break news
  • Exclusive insider practice reports and year-round team info as well as board Q&A’s with IT staff
  • High level discourse with the most passionate and informed Longhorns fans across multiple board forums.
  • Market leading team analysis for those who are looking to increase their understanding of Steve Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski’s preferred concepts
  • So much more!

SIGN UP and ensure no Longhorns information gets by you: Join Inside Texas community today!

Talk about this story and many more with fellow Longhorn diehards on the Members Only forum.

You may also like