Who will be the best college football team in 2025, even if Georgia isn’t?

As college football continues to evolve in the era of the College Football Playoff (CFP), recruiting, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, the question of which team will emerge as the best in 2025, even if Georgia isn’t the one to claim the title, looms large. The University of Georgia has established itself as a dominant force in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, securing national championships in 2021 and 2022, and consistently recruiting top-tier talent. However, with the ever-changing nature of college football, the dominance of one program is never guaranteed to last forever.

The 2025 season will likely feature a new generation of players, a changing landscape in terms of team dynamics, and evolving power structures in college football. While Georgia has been a powerhouse in recent years, this article will explore which teams, based on their recruiting classes, coaching staff, and overall program trajectories, could rise to prominence and contend for the title of the best college football team in 2025—whether or not Georgia maintains its hold on that mantle.

The Changing Dynamics of College Football

Before diving into which programs are best positioned to be elite in 2025, it is crucial to understand the changing dynamics that are reshaping college football. The landscape has shifted in recent years, with significant changes taking place in recruitment, scheduling, and NIL deals. The introduction of the 12-team playoff starting in 2024 will also have a profound impact on how teams approach each season, as it opens up more spots for teams to compete for national championships.

With the rising significance of NIL deals, elite programs can offer recruits not only an opportunity to play for championships but also the financial incentives that come with high-profile sponsorships and brand deals. This new financial landscape has led to an arms race for recruiting talent, with schools more focused than ever on building top-notch rosters that can compete for championships both on the field and off it.

In addition to the financial aspect, the expansion of the CFP offers teams that might not have had the chance to crack the top four in previous years a legitimate shot at competing for a national title. With the advent of the 12-team format, even programs that have historically been overshadowed by the powerhouses of college football now have a clearer path to success.

Now, let’s turn to which teams are primed to be the best in 2025, even if Georgia isn’t at the top of the mountain.

Alabama: The Ever-Present Contender

When discussing the best college football programs in 2025, it’s impossible to ignore the legacy of the University of Alabama. Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has been one of the most consistently dominant teams in college football for over a decade, securing multiple national championships and sending countless players to the NFL. While Alabama experienced a slight dip in 2023, particularly in the SEC Championship Game and the CFP, the program remains firmly entrenched as one of the best in the country.

One of Alabama’s key strengths heading into 2025 will be its recruiting prowess. Alabama has consistently been one of the top recruiting teams in the nation, and Saban’s ability to reload with elite talent year after year ensures that the Crimson Tide will continue to be in the national title conversation. In particular, the class of 2024 is shaping up to be one of the best Alabama has ever had, with highly rated recruits across multiple positions, including quarterback, defensive line, and wide receiver.

Alabama’s ability to develop players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, remains one of the most formidable in college football. With elite defensive recruits like 5-star linebacker recruits in the 2024 class and an emphasis on building a stout defensive line, Alabama could return to its dominant ways in 2025. Offensively, the program’s adaptability has been a hallmark under Saban’s leadership, and the Crimson Tide’s ability to adjust to the strengths of each new quarterback—whether it’s a dynamic dual-threat player or a pocket passer—will ensure they remain competitive.

Even if Georgia remains a contender in 2025, Alabama has the resources, talent, and coaching staff to challenge for supremacy in college football.

Ohio State: The Big Ten Powerhouse

Another team that will be in the conversation for the best college football team in 2025, even if Georgia isn’t, is Ohio State. Head coach Ryan Day has built the Buckeyes into one of the top programs in college football, with consistent playoff appearances and an offense that can compete with any in the country. Ohio State has become a perennial contender for both Big Ten titles and CFP berths, and they are poised for continued success in the coming years.

The Buckeyes’ recruiting continues to be elite, with some of the top high school prospects in the nation flocking to Columbus to join a program known for producing NFL-caliber talent. Ohio State’s success in recruiting wide receivers, quarterbacks, and offensive linemen will continue to make the team one of the most potent offenses in the country. Quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields have recently brought Ohio State into the national conversation, and the future looks equally promising with elite recruits like 5-star QB Dylan Raiola coming in as the leader for the 2024 class. His talent will provide the foundation for the offense going into 2025.

Additionally, Ohio State’s defense, while inconsistent at times, is improving under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The Buckeyes have invested heavily in their defensive recruitment and have been able to develop some of the most talented defensive backs in the country. With a strong defense and a high-powered offense, Ohio State could be poised for an even stronger season in 2025.

In the Big Ten, Ohio State will face stiff competition from teams like Michigan, but given their recent dominance and the upward trajectory of their program, Ohio State will certainly be one of the best teams in the nation, even if Georgia remains at the top of the college football world.

USC: The Resurgent Force

In recent years, the University of Southern California (USC) has experienced a resurgence under head coach Lincoln Riley. Riley, who led Oklahoma to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, has revitalized the Trojans program, bringing in elite recruits and establishing a high-flying offense that can compete with anyone in the nation. USC’s 2024 recruiting class is filled with blue-chip prospects, including top-tier quarterbacks and wide receivers, giving the Trojans a chance to be a legitimate contender in 2025.

USC’s move to the Big Ten in 2024 will present challenges, but it could also benefit the program in the long run. Playing in the Big Ten will give USC access to new recruiting grounds and better competition, allowing them to build the kind of program that can compete for national titles consistently. As a team that has historically dominated college football with legendary players like Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and Pete Carroll at the helm, USC’s storied program has the potential to once again rise to the top of the sport.

With Caleb Williams—one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football—leading the offense in 2024, USC will have one of the most potent attacks in the country. If Williams continues to develop and the defense improves under Riley’s coaching staff, USC could be a serious contender for the 2025 College Football Playoff and perhaps even the national championship.

Texas: The Rising Contender

Another team that could emerge as the best in 2025, even if Georgia remains elite, is the University of Texas. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have started to turn the corner, and the 2025 season could see them fully capitalize on their potential. Texas has always had the resources and facilities to be a top-tier program, and with a strong recruiting class and improved player development, they could become one of the top teams in the nation by 2025.

Texas has already begun to make waves on the recruiting trail, landing some of the best talent in the nation, particularly on offense. With quarterback Arch Manning—one of the most highly touted recruits in years—coming to Austin in 2023, Texas has its quarterback of the future. Manning, coupled with a strong offensive line and a stable of talented running backs and receivers, could make Texas one of the most potent offenses in the country by 2025.

Defensively, the Longhorns are continuing to improve, and with a talented front seven and secondary, they have the potential to compete with the top programs in the SEC and Big 12. Texas’ transition to the SEC in 2024 will be a major test, but if they can navigate that jump successfully, they will be one of the top programs in the country by 2025.

Florida State: A Dark Horse in the ACC

Florida State is another team that could rise to prominence in 2025, even if Georgia continues to dominate college football. The Seminoles, under head coach Mike Norvell, have made significant strides in recent seasons, with an offense that is more dynamic and explosive than it has been in years. Florida State’s recruiting is beginning to pick up momentum, and the program is starting to build a roster capable of competing with the best teams in the nation.

With quarterback Jordan Travis leading the way in 2024, Florida State will have one of the best signal-callers in the country, and his ability to lead the offense will be key to the Seminoles’ success. Additionally, the defense has shown signs of improvement, and if the Seminoles continue to build depth on that side of the ball, they could challenge for the top spot in the ACC and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2025.