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The Sporting News releases Preseason Composite Top 25 ahead of 2025 college football season

Preseason Composite Top 25 Rankings for the 2025 College Football Season: A Comprehensive Breakdown

As the anticipation builds for the 2025 college football season, The Sporting News has unveiled its preseason composite Top 25 rankings, aggregating insights from multiple reputable sources to provide a holistic view of the nation's elite programs. This composite ranking draws from a variety of preseason polls, expert analyses, and predictive models, offering fans and analysts an early glimpse into how teams stack up ahead of kickoff. With conference realignments, transfer portal activity, and coaching changes reshaping the landscape, this year's list reflects a dynamic mix of perennial powerhouses, rising contenders, and surprising sleepers. The rankings emphasize not just past performance but also roster depth, recruiting hauls, and schematic innovations that could define the upcoming campaign.

At the pinnacle of the composite rankings sits the Georgia Bulldogs, claiming the No. 1 spot with a commanding consensus. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia continues to embody defensive excellence and offensive versatility. The Bulldogs' 2024 season, which saw them fall just short in the playoffs, has fueled a redemption narrative. Key returnees like quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for over 3,000 yards last year, anchor an offense bolstered by transfers and a top-tier recruiting class. Defensively, Georgia's front seven remains a nightmare for opponents, with edge rushers and linebackers poised to dominate. Analysts praise their schedule, which includes marquee matchups against SEC rivals, positioning them as favorites for another national title run.

Ohio State follows closely at No. 2, a testament to their aggressive offseason moves. After a disappointing end to 2024, the Buckeyes reloaded via the transfer portal, securing high-profile additions like quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State and several skill position players. Head coach Ryan Day's emphasis on a balanced attack, combined with a ferocious defense led by coordinator Jim Knowles, makes Ohio State a Big Ten juggernaut. Their rivalry game against Michigan will be a highlight, but experts highlight their depth at wide receiver—featuring stars like Emeka Egbuka—as a game-changer. The composite ranking underscores Ohio State's potential to reclaim conference supremacy and make a deep playoff push.

Texas secures the No. 3 position, riding the momentum of their 2024 playoff appearance. Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns for what could be a Heisman-caliber season, supported by a revamped offensive line and explosive playmakers. Head coach Steve Sarkisian's system has transformed the Longhorns into an SEC contender, with their defense improving under coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. The move to the SEC adds intrigue, but Texas's talent pool, including blue-chip recruits, suggests they're built for the grind. Pundits in the composite note their favorable early-season slate as a springboard for bigger tests against teams like Georgia and Oklahoma.

Oregon ducks into No. 4, benefiting from their transition to the Big Ten. Led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a transfer from Oklahoma, the Ducks boast one of the most potent offenses in the country. Head coach Dan Lanning's defensive prowess, honed from his Georgia days, complements an athletic unit capable of matching up with anyone. Oregon's 2024 success, including a conference title push, carries over, with analysts highlighting their speed and playmaking ability. The composite ranking reflects optimism about their adaptation to a tougher conference, where games against Ohio State and Michigan will test their mettle.

Alabama rounds out the top five at No. 5, navigating the post-Nick Saban era under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide's roster remains loaded, with quarterback Jalen Milroe providing dual-threat dynamism and a defense anchored by returning starters. DeBoer's offensive ingenuity, proven at Washington, should unlock Alabama's potential, though questions linger about defensive consistency. The composite acknowledges their recruiting dominance and historical pedigree, predicting a strong bounce-back from any 2024 inconsistencies.

Moving into the top 10, Notre Dame claims No. 6, fueled by a stout defense and the return of quarterback Riley Leonard. Head coach Marcus Freeman has built a physically imposing team, with their independent status allowing for a national schedule that includes clashes with Texas A&M and USC. Analysts praise their trench play and special teams as underrated strengths.

At No. 7, Michigan Wolverines hold firm despite key departures, including head coach Jim Harbaugh's exit to the NFL. New coach Sherrone Moore inherits a championship-caliber culture, with running back Donovan Edwards leading the charge. Their defense, a hallmark of recent success, should keep them competitive in the Big Ten.

Ole Miss Rebels surge to No. 8, thanks to quarterback Jaxson Dart and a high-octane offense under Lane Kiffin. Their portal acquisitions have addressed defensive weaknesses, making them a dark horse in the SEC.

Penn State at No. 9 features quarterback Drew Allar and a talented backfield, with head coach James Franklin eyeing a breakthrough in the expanded playoff format.

LSU Tigers complete the top 10 at No. 10, with Brian Kelly's squad relying on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and a revamped secondary to challenge for SEC honors.

Dipping into the middle tier, Florida State Seminoles land at No. 11, rebounding from a challenging 2024 with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei leading the way. Their ACC pedigree and defensive speed keep them relevant.

Missouri at No. 12 impresses with wide receiver Luther Burden III, a potential Heisman contender, and a balanced attack under Eli Drinkwitz.

Tennessee Volunteers sit at No. 13, banking on quarterback Nico Iamaleava's growth and Josh Heupel's fast-paced system.

Oklahoma Sooners, at No. 14, adapt to the SEC with quarterback Jackson Arnold and a gritty defense.

Clemson Tigers hold No. 15, with Dabo Swinney's program emphasizing internal development amid transfer portal skepticism.

Utah Utes claim No. 16, returning quarterback Cam Rising for a veteran-led Big 12 push under Kyle Whittingham.

Kansas State Wildcats at No. 17 feature dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson and a physical brand of football.

Miami Hurricanes surge to No. 18, bolstered by transfers and quarterback Cam Ward's arm talent under Mario Cristobal.

USC Trojans at No. 19 rely on quarterback Miller Moss and Lincoln Riley's offensive wizardry, despite defensive concerns.

Iowa Hawkeyes round out this group at No. 20, with their trademark defense and special teams prowess under Kirk Ferentz.

The lower portion of the rankings includes intriguing teams like Boise State at No. 21, known for their Group of Five dominance and quarterback Malachi Nelson's potential.

Texas A&M at No. 22 navigates a coaching change with Mike Elko, leveraging their recruiting to climb the SEC ladder.

Kansas Jayhawks at No. 23 continue their renaissance under Lance Leipold, with quarterback Jalon Daniels as the centerpiece.

Memphis Tigers at No. 24 represent AAC strength, with a high-scoring offense.

NC State Wolfpack closes the list at No. 25, featuring quarterback Grayson McCall and a resilient defense.

This composite Top 25 from The Sporting News highlights the evolving nature of college football, where NIL deals, transfers, and conference shifts level the playing field. Georgia's top billing sets the stage for intense rivalries and potential upsets, while teams like Oregon and Texas signal conference power shifts. As training camps loom, these rankings serve as a conversation starter, reminding us that preseason projections often give way to on-field realities. Fans should watch for breakout stars and schematic tweaks that could reshape this list by season's end. With the expanded 12-team playoff on the horizon, more teams than ever have a shot at glory, making 2025 one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory. (Word count: 1,048)

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