Too early for college football in 2025 Top 25: Big Ten, SEC, and Ohio State rule

As the calendar flips to 2025, the college football world is already buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming season. Although the 2024 campaign has yet to begin, the analysis, projections, and rankings are coming in fast and furious, with pundits and fans alike eager to gauge which programs will rise to the top in a season filled with unknowns. Despite the uncertainty that comes with player turnover, coaching changes, and recruiting impacts, certain conferences, teams, and storylines are beginning to take shape. The Big Ten, SEC, and Ohio State specifically are positioned to remain at the top of college football, as they’ve done in recent seasons. The 2025 preseason rankings—though based on speculation and previous performances—show that these powerhouses are poised to continue their dominance.

As we take an early look at the projected top 25 teams for 2025, we see clear dominance from the Big Ten and the SEC, with teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama leading the way. While it’s far too early to declare any team the definitive champion, early indicators, including returning talent, recruiting success, and the stability of coaching staffs, suggest that these two conferences will continue to be the heart and soul of college football. But amid this power struggle, there’s a subtle shifting of the landscape, with emerging programs from outside these traditional powerhouses beginning to show promise.

Ohio State: A Return to Glory?

Heading into 2025, Ohio State remains firmly entrenched as one of the top programs in college football. Despite occasional setbacks, such as a national championship loss in 2023 and a tough rivalry battle with Michigan, the Buckeyes are undeniably one of the most successful and consistent teams in the country.

A major part of Ohio State’s continued dominance stems from the talent pipeline that is continuously replenished. Coach Ryan Day has built one of the most formidable recruiting machines in college football, bringing in top-tier players year after year. With another stellar recruiting class expected in 2025, Ohio State looks poised to continue its dominance in both the Big Ten and national landscape.

At the quarterback position, the Buckeyes have a wealth of talent to choose from. By 2025, there’s a high likelihood that they’ll have one of the top signal-callers in the nation leading the offense. Whether it’s Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, or a new recruit, Ohio State is well-equipped at quarterback, which will be crucial for the team’s success. Day’s offensive prowess is undeniable, and with Ohio State’s consistently high-powered offense, they are a serious contender for a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.

But it’s not just the offense that makes Ohio State a title contender. Their defense, historically one of the strongest in the nation, is expected to be more than capable of keeping up with their high-scoring attack. The addition of new recruits and the continued development of key players will bolster an already solid defense, allowing them to challenge elite offenses across the country.

In 2025, Ohio State is poised to maintain its stranglehold on the Big Ten, despite fierce competition from rival Michigan and other contenders like Penn State and Wisconsin. With a balance of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, the Buckeyes are a favorite to enter the season as one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.

Michigan: A Threat in the Big Ten

Michigan enters the 2025 season as one of the top teams in the nation, and it’s hard to ignore the steady rise of Jim Harbaugh’s program. The Wolverines have been an elite team in recent years, with back-to-back Big Ten championships and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Harbaugh, who has experienced some ups and downs throughout his tenure, has firmly established Michigan as a true national contender.

Heading into 2025, the Wolverines boast one of the strongest rosters in the country. The return of key players from their 2024 squad, including a talented quarterback and a defense that can challenge even the most explosive offenses, gives Michigan a fighting chance to not only compete in the Big Ten but also contend for a national title.

While Ohio State may still be considered the team to beat in the Big Ten, Michigan’s recent success—particularly its dominance over the Buckeyes in 2021 and 2022—has put Harbaugh’s program in a position to fight for the top spot in 2025. Expect the Wolverines to be in the mix for a CFP berth again this season, especially with a potent combination of experienced players and a strong coaching staff. Michigan’s defense will likely be one of the best in the nation, and their offense, while not as high-flying as Ohio State’s, is capable of grinding out wins in the tough Big Ten East division.

For the Wolverines, the 2025 season will be another opportunity to prove they belong at the top of college football. Can Harbaugh continue to elevate his team to new heights, or will Ohio State reclaim the Big Ten crown? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Michigan is a serious threat heading into the season.

Georgia and Alabama: SEC’s Unrivaled Powerhouses

While the Big Ten continues to flex its muscles, the SEC remains the premier conference in college football. Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, has taken the college football world by storm with its dominance in recent seasons, and Alabama, under Nick Saban, remains one of the most formidable forces in the sport. Heading into 2025, both of these teams will be heavyweights, competing for supremacy in the SEC and national dominance.

Georgia, fresh off a national championship appearance in 2024, is primed for another strong run in 2025. Their defense, often considered the best in the nation, will continue to be their calling card. With a wealth of elite recruits and a proven coaching staff, Georgia is positioned to be a title contender once again. Their offense, led by a talented quarterback, will continue to build on the momentum of their recent successes.

But Georgia’s biggest challenge might come from the other side of the SEC, where Alabama remains a perennial contender. Despite facing some transitions in recent years, the Crimson Tide has remained one of the most talented teams in the country. With a new generation of recruits entering the fold, Alabama is poised to bounce back and challenge for another national championship in 2025. Nick Saban, the master of consistency, will have his team prepared to face any challenge that comes their way.

Both Georgia and Alabama should be expected to sit near the top of the rankings heading into 2025. Each team will have its own challenges to overcome, but the SEC continues to prove that it is the most competitive conference in college football. These two programs will undoubtedly play a major role in the race for a College Football Playoff spot.

Other Top Teams: The Rise of New Contenders

While the Big Ten and SEC remain the dominant forces in college football, there are several other teams that will be vying for a spot in the 2025 Top 25 rankings. Programs like Clemson, USC, Texas, and Oklahoma are all in the mix to become legitimate contenders in their respective conferences.

Clemson, with its recent struggles in 2024, will be looking to reclaim its place among the elite. Coach Dabo Swinney’s program is known for developing top-tier talent, and with a strong recruiting class, Clemson could return to championship contention.

USC, under coach Lincoln Riley, is another program to watch. With a potent offense and a steadily improving defense, the Trojans are poised to challenge in the Pac-12 and beyond. Their quarterback situation will be key, but if they can shore up their defense, USC will be a force to be reckoned with.

Texas and Oklahoma, both of whom have joined the SEC in recent years, will face a tough battle to prove themselves in the nation’s most competitive conference. However, both programs have the resources, recruiting success, and coaching stability to challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Texas, with its mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, is particularly dangerous in the coming years.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Dominance Expected from Big Ten and SEC

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, one thing is clear: college football remains as competitive as ever. The Big Ten and SEC continue to lead the way, with Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama positioned to contend for a national title. These programs have the talent, resources, and coaching to remain among the top teams in the country for the foreseeable future.

For teams outside of these two conferences, the road to the top will be tough, but programs like USC, Texas, and Oklahoma could potentially disrupt the status quo. As recruiting cycles continue to evolve and new coaching strategies emerge, the landscape of college football will always be shifting. However, based on current trends, the Big Ten and SEC will likely remain the powerhouses of the sport in 2025 and beyond.

With the 2024 season still in its early stages, it’s impossible to predict exactly how the 2025 season will unfold. But one thing is certain: the excitement, passion, and drama of college football will continue to captivate fans, and the battle for supremacy will remain as fierce as ever.