ESPN releases first Top 25 power rankings for 2025 college football season

ESPN released its first Top 25 power rankings ahead of the 2025 college football season, so we’re extremely close to kickoff. Get ready to debate these rankings for the next week-plus.

Week Zero kicks off this coming weekend but then everyone is in action Week 1 and we can truly see the shift in the rankings. It’ll happen week to week, don’t worry.

Without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s latest list: their power rankings. We start at the top over in the SEC.

The Longhorns are coming from it all and short of winning a national championship, this season might be a disappointment. ESPN has them No. 1 to start the year.

Arch Manning at QB is the headline of course. But there’s star power on defense. Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons, Trey Moore and Michael Taffee are all back to lead the unit.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

People know the deal with Penn State and they’re running it back like Ohio State did last season. Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen headline the QB-RB dynamic, one of the best in the country.

On defense, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant are the stars, but there’s a massive addition on the sideline. Former Ohio State DC Jim Knowles takes over the unit in State College and could be the difference maker, as ESPN notes.

The Tigers come into 2025 as a loaded team fresh off an ACC title and College Football Playoff appearance. ESPN has them in the top three, so naturally, they’re a title contender.

QB Cade Klubnik had a career year and could be at his best this Fall. Peter Woods and TJ Parker are potential first-round picks and highlight a scary defensive line.

Gunner Stockton took over at QB and Georgia welcomed WR Zachariah Branch from USC. It seems ESPN isn’t too worried about the passing game, but the running game.

The Bulldogs have to replace three offensive linemen that went to the NFL. Don’t worry about the defense. Kirby Smart seemingly has a handle on that year to year.

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The defending national champions round out of the top five in ESPN’s power rankings going into the 2025 campaign. Julian Sayin is the new quarterback and he still has a loaded cast to throw to in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.

Caleb Downs leads the defense at DB and is arguably the best defender in college football. This team will be in the thick of things again when it comes to making a run in the College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame will start in ESPN’s top 10 after making it to the College Football Playoff national championship game. CJ Carr ended up winning the QB battle, a long one at that, Tuesday and has a lot on his shoulders.

Jeremiyah Love returns at RB and he’ll be in the Heisman discussion this year. Leonard Moore leads the secondary so this team certainly has the talent, again, to contend.

The Crimson Tide make ESPN’s top 10 preseason rankings despite a nine-win campaign last year. There’s a lot of hope for a Year 2 breakout for Kalen DeBoer and crew.

Ty Simpson takes over at QB and everything seems to be falling in place with the offense. On defense, linebacker Deontae Lawson leads the way and at full health, is very dangerous for opponents.

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU – © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Year 4 for Brian Kelly is going to be pivotal for his tenure. With where ESPN has the Tigers ranked, plus other preseason hype, LSU needs to be in CFP contention at this rate.

QB Garrett Nussmeier is a Heisman contender and LB Harold Perkins could be at full health. If so, there are stars on both sides of the ball and it should be a fun team to watch.

The Ducks were whacked in last year’s Rose Bowl despite a 13-0 season and Big Ten title. Still, this a top 10 team this year, per ESPN.

Dante Moore is the new quarterback and despite not having WR Evan Stewart for, perhaps, the entire season, he has transfer RB Makhi Hughes. Dan Lanning’s defense should be stout once again and could help carry this team to the top of the Big Ten.

The Hurricanes can build off their 10-win season that saw them just miss out on the playoff. ESPN rounds out their top 10 with Mario Cristobal’s crew highlighted by transfer QB Carson Beck, taking over for No. 1 pick Cam Ward.

Up front, Francis Mauigoa is solidified at tackle and is one of the best in the country. Miami’s defense is deep and should be key down the stretch.

ESPN releases Top 25 power rankings

11. Arizona State

12. South Carolina

13. Michigan

14. Illinois

15. Texas A&M

16. Florida

17. Indiana

18. Iowa State

19. SMU

20. Ole Miss

21. Kansas State

22. Louisville

23. Oklahoma

24. Tennessee

25. Boise State

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