The Silver Bulletin’s Senior Editor, Blake Biscardi, reveals his Preseason Top 25 Rankings for the 2025 College Football season.

2025: Not About How You Start…But How You Finish

As we enter Year 2 of the Expansion Era of college football, it is time for a few enhancements to my annual season preview. 2025 marks my ninth consecutive year compiling this analysis, predictions, and rankings. College Football is the best sport in the world, and it’s an honor to work in this business. 

Our coverage on TSB continues to grow exponentially, as does our national college football podcast, Saturday Cadence. Our metrics show that we have accumulated over 100 million views since the start of the 2023 season as a network. Thank you to all our loyal listeners, readers, and followers. Please continue to share with your friends. Our team is incredibly grateful to each of you. 

Three teams dominated the offseason headlines: Texas, Penn State, and Clemson. The Longhorns have Arch Manning under center and have been at the doorstep of a National Title in back-to-back seasons. Penn State returns a ton of extremely talented veterans and has the best QB/RB and Coordinator combination in the country. 

Finally, Dabo Swinney used the transfer portal. Does anything else need to be said? Either way, he will have the opportunity to prove whether his formula for this era of the sport works. Cade Klubnik is arguably the best quarterback in the nation, and the Tigers return the most production of any contending team. 

Teams like Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Notre Dame are also in the championship bubble, but they trot out first-time starting quarterbacks and replace relevant production on both sides. Additionally, new coordinators are also on the sidelines. Still, all four rosters are uber-talented, and if they gel, can make a serious run and hoist the trophy in January. 

The College Football Playoff format continues as twelve teams, but with some necessary restructuring. The field will not be seeded as ranked, and the Top 4 teams will receive bye weeks, regardless of conference affiliation or championship, after last year’s imbalance for undefeated Big Ten Champion No. 1 Oregon and conference runner-up No. 3-ranked/6-seed Penn State’s path to Atlanta. 

Competitive balance is taking over the sport due to NIL and the transfer portal, which means the CFP race will only become more contested. So let’s dive into my ninth annual season outlook to see how I see everything shaking out, starting with my non-contending Teams to Watch: 

Teams to Watch

1. Florida Gators 
2. Illinois Fighting Illini 
3. Texas A&M Aggies 
4. Utah Utes 
5. Baylor Bears 
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 

Florida’s schedule is probably the most difficult in the entire country, as it could feature five potential ranked road games. DJ Lagway caught fire last year and will step into his own this season. The Gators may not have the record to show for it at the end of the year, but this is a dangerous and talented team. Billy Napier has done a fantastic job with this program and group. 

Luke Altmyer leads a surging Illinois team that will mirror last year’s Indiana team, which made the CFP. The Illini draw a very favorable schedule outside of the matchup against Ohio State; however, it is at home. With 19 returning starters, this team could be a problem down the stretch. Can Brett Bielema put together a playoff-caliber season? 

Mike Elko has Texas A&M positioned for success, especially with Marcel Reed under center. His dual-threat abilities will cause fits for opposing defenses all season. The Aggies’ schedule is unrelenting, though, so a fringe playoff team feels like a stretch. But it’s not impossible. Notre Dame, LSU, Arkansas, and Texas are all road games. 

Injuries plagued Utah last year, as Kyle Whittingham’s team did not meet expectations. The Utes have an experienced offensive line that should be the driving force in becoming a contender. Baylor will also be in the mix in the Big 12, as both teams chase Arizona State, which surprised the country last year. Sam Leavitt is back for the Sundevils, and Utah and Baylor are the two that will best challenge them. 

If Brent Key’s group can pull an upset or just win the games they’re supposed to, Georgia Tech could find its way into the ACC title game and be one win away from the CFP. The Yellow Jackets led Georgia last year and controlled the game until the momentum shifted, resulting in a heartbreaking loss. This team is one to monitor. 

Next is a snapshot of my Top 25 teams, conference predictions, Heisman hopefuls, and CFP picks as I see the 2025 season playing out. 

The Break Down

25. USC Trojans 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 8-4
• SOS: #20
• Key Matchups: @Illinois, Michigan, @Notre Dame, @Nebraska, Iowa, @Oregon 

24. Boise State Broncos 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
• SOS: #85
• Key Matchups: @Air Force, @Notre Dame

23. Utah Utes 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #38
• Key Matchups: @UCLA, Texas Tech, Arizona State, @BYU, @Baylor, Kansas State

22. Indiana Hoosiers  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 8-4
• SOS: #58
• Key Matchups: @Iowa, @Oregon, @Penn State, Wisconsin 

21. Iowa State Cyclones 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #35
• Key Matchups: Kansas State (in Dublin), Iowa, Arizona State 

20. Texas Tech Red Raiders    

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #72
• Key Matchups: @Utah, @Arizona State 

19. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #42
• Key Matchups: @Colorado (Friday), Clemson, Georgia (Atlanta, on Friday)

18. Illinois Fighting Illini 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #56
• Key Matchups: @Indiana, USC, Ohio State, @Washington, @Wisconsin 

17. Oklahoma Sooners 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 7-5
• SOS: #7
• Key Matchups: Michigan, Texas (Dallas), @South Carolina, @Tennessee, @Alabama, LSU

16. Ole Miss Rebels 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 8-4
• SOS: #48
• Key Matchups: LSU, @Georgia, @Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida @Mississippi State 

15. Baylor Bears 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #30
• Key Matchups: Auburn (Friday), @SMU, Arizona State, Utah 

14. Michigan Wolverines 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #54
• Key Matchups: @Oklahoma, Wisconsin, @USC, @Michigan State, Ohio State 

13. Texas A&M Aggies  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 8-4
• SOS: #14
• Key Matchups: @Notre Dame, Florida, @LSU, @Texas 

12. Florida Gators 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 8-4
• SOS: #12
• Key Matchups: @LSU, @Miami, Texas, @Texas A&M, Georgia (Jacksonville), Tennessee, Florida State 

11. Arizona State Sun Devils 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #39 
• Key Matchups: @Baylor, @Utah, Texas Tech, @Iowa State

10. Miami Hurricanes  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3 
• SOS: #34
• Key Matchups: Notre Dame (Sunday), Florida, @Florida State, @SMU, 

The clock is ticking for Mario Cristobal. Miami brought in transfer QB Carson Beck from Georgia, who will be a strong addition. His health and how quickly he returns to game speed are early-season variables to watch down south, especially when opening against Notre Dame. Miami’s X-factor is its defense – the team will rise or fall based on that unit. The ACC schedule is manageable for the Hurricanes, which should create a path to the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. 

9. LSU Tigers 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3 
• SOS: #6
• Key Matchups: @Clemson, Florida, South Carolina, Texas A&M, @Alabama, @Oklahoma

LSU returns arguably the best quarterback in the country in Garrett Nussmeier. But it’s not the offense that was the problem last year, nor will it be this year. Blake Baker’s defense is where the focus lies for the Tigers. I believe it will determine their ceiling this season, especially navigating a tricky schedule. 

Brian Kelly’s record in Week 1 games is horrific. He’s said this offseason they have made it a focal point to win the Clemson game and start 1-0. It would be massive if LSU could pull it off in Death Valley. Much like Georgia, the matchup against Alabama could have SEC Championship Game implications if the Tigers take care of business elsewhere. Add on a top transfer portal class, and this team reminds me of the 2023 Florida State team where it all came together. LSU will make a strong push for the playoff. 

8. Oregon Ducks 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #19
• Key Matchups: Oregon State, @Penn State, Indiana, @Iowa, USC, @Washington 

Oregon may look the newest of the contenders this year as the Ducks replace nearly the entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball. Dante Moore will start under center this year as he transfers in from UCLA as a former 5-star recruit out of Michigan. 

Dan Lanning has his work cut out for him this year. Expect year two to differ slightly from the first in the Big Ten. Oregon’s schedule is still very favorable for an extremely talented roster that will contend for a playoff at-large spot. While the Ducks won’t go 12-0 in the regular season before winning the Big Ten, expect an early loss to Penn State, and then things will start to get rolling after the measuring stick matchup. This should be at least a 10-win team on paper against that schedule. 

7. Georgia Bulldogs 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #44
• Key Matchups: @Tennessee, Alabama, @Auburn, Florida (Jacksonville), Texas, Georgia Tech (Atlanta, on Friday)

Zachariah Branch headlines Georgia’s transfer class, giving QB Gunnar Stockton and the offense a serious playmaking boost. The Bulldogs will look much different as the season progresses. Kirby Smart has an inexperienced roster, but that doesn’t mean it lacks talent, as it’s littered with blue-chip stars. 

Georgia also only has three true road games, so a “favorable” schedule will help in the vaunted SEC. Expect the defense to improve as the season progresses. It will be a smothering unit by November. The game against Alabama could be the determining factor in which team joins Texas in Atlanta. 

6. Alabama Crimson Tide  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #21
• Key Matchups: @Florida State, Wisconsin, @Georgia, Tennessee, @South Carolina, LSU, Oklahoma, @Auburn 

Many will argue the most valuable “Ryan” at Alabama is WR Ryan Williams. However, I’ll make the argument that it’s OC Ryan Grubb, who worked with HC Kalen DeBoer at Washington. The two form a dynamic offensive duo that should produce a system similar to the passing attacks in Seattle and Bloomington with Michael Penix, especially if Ty Simpson wins the starting job. 

Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard highlight the skill positions with Jam Miller returning to the backfield in what will be a high-octane offense. The defensive side of the ball is where the Tide need to make strides, and they will. If Alabama can navigate its schedule with one or two conference losses, it could find its way in Atlanta. DeBoer’s team is playoff caliber. 

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
• SOS: #22
• Key Matchups: @Miami (Sunday), Texas A&M, USC 

Notre Dame is one of my favorite teams entering the 2025 season because of what Marcus Freeman has done to elevate the program. The Irish return an elite defense, a world-class offensive line, and a pair of work-horse dynamic running backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. CJ Carr is the presumed starting QB, which will elicit a vertical passing attack for the first time under Freeman. 

The Irish are a dangerous team if they can survive September matchups against Miami, Texas A&M, and Arkansas. Notre Dame will make the College Football Playoff again and has a real shot at winning a National Championship. 

4. Clemson Tigers 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 
• SOS: #29
• Key Matchups: LSU, @Georgia Tech, SMU, @South Carolina 

Clemson is the most veteran team in the country in terms of returning production. Cade Klubnik is under center and a prime Heisman contender. Dabo Swinney made a splash hire on defense, bringing in Tom Allen from Penn State as DC. The unit brings back eight starters. This is Clemson’s chance to return to the pinnacle of the sport. 

The Tigers will win the ACC and clinch a bye in the playoff. Once the postseason hits, the questions are no longer about returning production or experience. It will be if Clemson has the athletes to compete at the highest level and win 3-4 straight talent-equated games. The Tigers fall just short of the mark, but have a remarkable season. 

3. Penn State Nittany Lions  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
• SOS: #37
• Key Matchups: Oregon, @Iowa, @Ohio State, Indiana 

2025 is “if not now, then when” for James Franklin and Penn State. The Nittany Lions are the senior-laden, veteran team heading into the season, which has been the blueprint as of late. Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, and Kaytron Allen spearhead what should be a dynamic offense if the WRs are legit. If not, it’ll be an old-school Big Ten offense with an athletic QB. 

Jim Knowles comes over from Ohio State to be the new DC in State College. He will lead an uber-talented defense that should rank among the top in the nation. Penn State’s path to a title runs through Columbus, stretching the field vertically with the passing game. The Nittany Lions catch Oregon early in its identity-crisis phase and then have a date with the Buckeyes on November 1st. It could be No. 1 vs. No. 2. Still, this is a playoff team and title contender. 

2. Ohio State Buckeyes 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
• SOS: #24
• Key Matchups: Texas, @Washington, @Illinois, @Wisconsin, Penn State, @Michigan 

How will Ryan Day and The Ohio State Buckeyes follow up the greatest postseason run in College Football history? The Scarlet and Gray get an immediate test right out of the gate against Arch Manning and Texas. This is the first of three colossal showdowns for Ohio State in 2025, as the next two are conference games against Penn State and Michigan. So, not the most ideal schedule for the defending champs. 

However, Ohio State has Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs on the roster. They are the two best players in the sport and will lead the title defense. Expect Julian Sayin to sling it this year once he gets settled in. His job will be made easy by Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and transfer TE Max Klare. 

Defensively, Matt Patricia’s unit will improve as the season progresses. Ryan Day is breaking in new coordinators on both sides of the ball, so growing pains are something to watch in Columbus in the early going. Regardless, Ohio State is a playoff team, but can the Buckeyes win the Big Ten and beat Michigan? Something they’ve not done since 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

1. Texas Longhorns

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 
• SOS: #16
• Key Matchups: @Ohio State, @Florida, Oklahoma (Dallas), @Georgia, Texas A&M

After consecutive national semifinal losses, Steve Sarkisian and Texas are looking to end the championship drought. The Longhorns are on the doorstep, so what will it take for the breakthrough? Arch Manning lines up under center this year alongside a star-studded offense. RB Tre Wisner will help steady the offense in the early going, especially in road games against Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia. 

Defensively, Texas replaces a lot as graduates and NFL picks leave the defensive line in the hands of transfers and recruits. Much like the secondary, where it will be “next man up.” There is a lot of preseason hype surrounding Sark’s group, and the Longhorns could very well win the title. Be cautious of the road games on the schedule. Texas may not have the flashy record, but if a CFP spot is secured, then they’re as dangerous as any team in the country. 

Preseason Top 25

1. Texas 
2. Ohio State 
3. Penn State
4. Clemson
5. Notre Dame
6. Alabama
7. Georgia
8. Oregon
9. LSU
10. Miami (FL) 
11. Arizona State
12. Florida
13. Texas A&M
14. Michigan 
15. Baylor
16. Ole Miss 
17. Oklahoma 
18. Illinois 
19. Georgia Tech  
20. Texas Tech 
21. Iowa State 
22. Indiana 
23. Utah 
24. Boise State 
25. USC Trojans