Friends, family confirm former Ohio State quarterback Jim Karsatos has passed away

The landscape of college football (CFB) is constantly evolving, but one thing remains relatively constant: the dominance of elite programs. The biggest names in the sport — Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia — continue to assert their power year after year, raising the bar for success. These programs represent what many would classify as Tier 1 in college football. But the question that is constantly asked, especially with every new season, is where do the other teams stand? Can anyone else crack into the top tier, or are the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia simply too far ahead in terms of talent, coaching, and overall success?

As we look at the 2025 landscape and beyond, there are a lot of questions that fans, coaches, and analysts alike are trying to answer. In this mailbag-style analysis, we’ll explore where Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia currently stand in relation to the rest of the college football world and which programs are knocking on the door to join that elite conversation.

The Tier 1 Dominance: Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia

It is no secret that Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia have cemented their places at the pinnacle of college football in recent years. Let’s break down each of these teams and what makes them the undisputed top-tier programs.

Alabama: The Gold Standard of College Football

Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has reigned as one of the most dominant teams in college football history. The Crimson Tide has not only secured multiple national championships but also routinely churns out NFL-caliber talent. From offensive line to defensive backs, Alabama has it all.

Saban’s ability to recruit and develop talent is second to none. Every year, Alabama reloads rather than rebuilds. Whether it’s a quarterback like Bryce Young or a defensive dynamo like Will Anderson Jr., Alabama has produced some of the best players in recent history. Saban’s approach to recruiting, program culture, and in-game adjustments has placed Alabama in a category of its own — consistently competitive on the national stage.

While Alabama experienced a slight dip in 2023 by not reaching the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time in years, they remain a top-tier program with a roster full of depth. With an experienced quarterback in Jalen Milroe and a defense that is never far from elite status, Alabama will remain in the conversation for the CFP in 2025 and beyond.

Ohio State: Consistently Right There, Ready to Break Through

Ohio State has been a force to be reckoned with under head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top programs in the country since the Urban Meyer era, and Day has proven himself capable of maintaining that elite status. Ohio State’s recruiting prowess is legendary, and they continue to land top players year after year. Their offensive firepower, led by quarterbacks like CJ Stroud and explosive wide receivers, has put them at the forefront of college football.

While they’ve been among the top programs for years, Ohio State has yet to win a national title under Day, despite getting to the CFP consistently. Their narrow defeat to Georgia in the 2022-2023 College Football Playoff semifinal is a prime example of how close they are, yet how much they still have to prove to get back to the pinnacle of college football. However, there’s no doubting Ohio State’s place in Tier 1. Their offense, coupled with a defense that can stifle even the most potent offenses, makes them a constant threat.

In 2025, Ohio State remains a top contender, especially with the returning talents on offense. With a quarterback likely to step in who can continue the tradition of excellence at that position, Ohio State’s path to another CFP appearance is paved.

Georgia: The Newest Powerhouse on the Block

Georgia has recently ascended into the upper echelons of college football, and the Bulldogs’ success under Kirby Smart has been remarkable. Georgia’s defense, led by players like Jalen Carter, and their consistent success recruiting at the highest level, have made them nearly untouchable over the past few seasons. Georgia captured back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023, a feat that has solidified their place as a top-tier program in college football.

Smart has managed to create a juggernaut in Athens, Georgia, and they don’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. The Bulldogs have one of the best defenses in the nation, while their offense has been improving to match the level of competition. The recruiting classes continue to be filled with five-star athletes, and Smart has created an environment where Georgia is not just a contender, but the favorite in every season.

For 2025, Georgia is poised to maintain its dominance. Although they are losing some key players to the NFL, their pipeline of talent keeps replenishing. With a stout defense and an offense that continues to improve, Georgia will be in the mix for another national championship.

Tier 2: The Next Wave of College Football’s Elite Programs

While Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia reign supreme, the question remains: who else could join them in the upper echelon of college football? The next few programs are consistently knocking on the door but have yet to break through the glass ceiling set by the top three.

Clemson: A Fall from Grace but Still Dangerous

Clemson, under Dabo Swinney, has been a consistent force in college football for over a decade. The Tigers won two national championships in 2016 and 2018, and they appeared poised to challenge Alabama’s dominance. However, recent seasons have seen Clemson’s status as a Tier 1 program slip slightly.

In 2023, Clemson failed to make the CFP, and their offense has shown signs of stagnation in recent seasons. Quarterback play, in particular, has been a concern. Despite these setbacks, Clemson’s talent and overall program are still strong. Swinney’s ability to recruit elite players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, ensures that Clemson remains competitive. However, for Clemson to rejoin Tier 1, they’ll need to address some offensive issues and prove they can get back to the level of excellence that won them championships in the past.

Michigan: Making Noise in the Big Ten

Michigan’s rise under Jim Harbaugh has been nothing short of impressive. After years of falling short in the rivalry with Ohio State and underachieving in big games, Harbaugh has finally led the Wolverines to breakthrough victories over their rivals. Michigan has won back-to-back Big Ten titles and earned a spot in the CFP, where they have the potential to make noise.

Michigan has a solid recruiting class, and their defense has been playing at an elite level. However, their recent struggles in the CFP, particularly against Georgia, have highlighted some areas for improvement. If Michigan can close the gap with Ohio State and break through on the national stage, they could cement themselves as a consistent contender in the Tier 1 conversation.

LSU: A Powerhouse Under Brian Kelly

LSU is another program that is capable of challenging for a national title, especially with the arrival of head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly brought a wealth of experience to Baton Rouge and helped the Tigers get back on track after some struggles in the post-Ed Orgeron era. LSU has one of the most talented rosters in college football, and their defense, particularly under defensive coordinator Matt House, has been impressive.

The key for LSU will be developing consistent quarterback play. If LSU can solidify that position, their overall talent and coaching could make them a true national title contender.

Programs on the Rise: Could They Join Tier 1?

Several programs have shown signs of making the leap into Tier 1 status in the coming years. These teams may not have reached the pinnacle yet, but they are trending upward.

USC: A Resurgence in the Pac-12

USC has shown that they are on the rise under Lincoln Riley. The Trojans are back to playing competitive football at a high level, thanks to Riley’s offense and Caleb Williams’ Heisman-winning play at quarterback. USC’s talent, combined with Riley’s ability to develop quarterbacks, makes them a team to watch moving forward. The Pac-12’s status as a power conference will be critical in determining how high USC can climb.

Oklahoma: Transitioning to the SEC

Oklahoma’s move to the SEC has raised the stakes for the program. With Brent Venables now at the helm, the Sooners are attempting to reestablish their dominance in a new conference. Oklahoma has the talent and coaching pedigree to succeed in the SEC, and their ability to recruit nationally will serve them well in this new chapter.