Texas and Ohio State are highlighted in the far too early 2025 college football rankings.
Texas and Ohio State Highlighted in the Way-Too-Early 2025 College Football Rankings
As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, attention has already begun to shift toward the 2025 season. Analysts, coaches, and fans alike are eagerly predicting which teams will dominate the upcoming season. In the early rankings, two perennial powerhouses—Texas and Ohio State—have emerged as key contenders for the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP). Both teams have made significant strides in recent years, setting the stage for a potentially exciting season in 2025.
Texas: Building a Championship Contender
The Texas Longhorns have been on an upward trajectory ever since Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach in 2021. After a few years of rebuilding, the Longhorns appear to be on the verge of returning to the national stage as a legitimate contender. Their rise is based on a combination of recruiting success, coaching stability, and a powerful roster that has been rapidly improving in almost every aspect of the game.
Strong Recruiting Classes
One of the key reasons why Texas is being highlighted in the way-too-early 2025 rankings is the impact of their recruiting classes, which have consistently been among the best in the nation. The Longhorns have managed to land top-tier talent at almost every position, including quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line.
For Texas, the 2025 season is expected to be a year where their recruiting classes come to fruition. The team’s quarterback position, in particular, looks poised for greatness. Arch Manning, the highly-touted five-star freshman from the 2023 class, is expected to develop into one of the best quarterbacks in college football by 2025, with a solid offensive line to protect him and an array of talented receivers to target.
With this level of talent, it’s clear that Texas will be in the hunt for a Big 12 Championship and a potential CFP berth. Bijan Robinson’s departure after the 2023 season leaves a void in the running game, but the Longhorns have recruited highly-ranked running backs who should be able to pick up where Robinson left off. Texas also boasts a stout defensive line, led by some of the most physically gifted players in the country.
A Balanced Roster
Texas’ strength in the coming years lies in its balanced roster, which boasts a dynamic offense and a stout defense. Head coach Sarkisian has built an offense that is both explosive and versatile. The team has a strong offensive line that can create lanes for the running game and a wide receiver corps capable of stretching defenses vertically.
On defense, Texas has made significant strides, with strong recruits in the secondary and on the defensive line. The Longhorns’ defense will be crucial in 2025, as they look to contain high-powered offenses in the Big 12 and potentially in the national playoff.
Big 12 Championship and CFP Aspirations
With the Big 12’s landscape shifting due to the departure of Oklahoma and Texas itself heading to the SEC in 2025, the Longhorns will want to capitalize on their final years in the Big 12. While there will be competition from teams like Kansas State and TCU, Texas looks like the frontrunner to claim the title. If the Longhorns can win the Big 12 and secure a playoff berth, they will have a shot at competing for their first national championship since 2005.
The 2025 season will be a crucial one for Texas, as the team has the pieces in place to make a deep run. If Manning continues to develop and the team’s defense performs as expected, Texas could be a true national title contender.
Ohio State: A Perennial National Power
When it comes to college football excellence, Ohio State is as consistent as they come. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have remained among the elite teams in the country, competing for Big Ten titles and national championships on a yearly basis. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, Ohio State remains firmly entrenched in the top tier of college football, and it’s no surprise that they are a fixture in the early rankings.
Loaded Roster with Talent Across the Board
One of the primary reasons why Ohio State is in the way-too-early 2025 rankings is their roster depth and talent. The Buckeyes continue to recruit at an elite level, consistently bringing in top-tier players at nearly every position. From quarterback to wide receiver, Ohio State’s roster is stacked with potential stars.
In particular, Ohio State’s quarterback position will be key in 2025. With C.J. Stroud likely entering the NFL after the 2023 season, the Buckeyes will need a new signal-caller to lead the offense. While it’s still early to determine exactly who that will be, Ohio State has recruited five-star quarterbacks who will likely compete for the starting job. The Buckeyes have developed a strong quarterback pipeline in recent years, with Stroud following in the footsteps of Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, and another highly-ranked quarterback could step in and perform at a high level.
Wide Receiver U
Ohio State has earned a reputation for producing elite wide receivers, and the 2025 season will likely continue that trend. The Buckeyes’ receiving corps is typically one of the best in the nation, and the 2025 class is shaping up to feature some incredible talents. With players like Marvin Harrison Jr., a potential future NFL star, leading the way, Ohio State’s offense is set to continue to produce explosive plays and dominate through the air.
Defense and the New Era
While Ohio State’s offense is often the talk of the town, the defense has been an area of focus under Ryan Day’s leadership. In 2025, Ohio State will feature a defense that is aggressive and capable of shutting down some of the most potent offenses in college football. With a strong defensive line and a secondary that continues to improve, the Buckeyes will be able to match up with top teams in the Big Ten and across the nation.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has instilled a new defensive philosophy in Ohio State, one that relies on attacking the quarterback, creating turnovers, and being physical in the trenches. If the Buckeyes can solidify their defensive play in 2025, they will be a formidable opponent for anyone, from Michigan to Alabama.
Big Ten and National Championship Aspirations
As always, Ohio State will be in the hunt for a Big Ten Championship and a CFP berth in 2025. With programs like Michigan and Penn State in the conference, the Buckeyes will face stiff competition, but their roster is poised to make another run at the top. Ohio State will want to avenge its losses to Michigan in recent seasons and take control of the Big Ten once again.
Once in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State will be a dangerous team to face, as their combination of offensive firepower and defensive strength will make them a tough out for any opponent. With the talent they possess, the Buckeyes could easily find themselves playing for their first national title since 2014.
