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Coaches Poll-College football preseason Coaches Poll: Who’s over ranked and underrated in the top 25?
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Coaches Poll-2025 College Football Coaches Poll: Overrated and Underrated Teams in the Preseason Top 25
The 2025 college football season is already buzzing with excitement, and the release of the USA Today Coaches Poll has only added fuel to the fire. Texas leads the preseason rankings, with nine SEC teams making the list and major powerhouses from the Big Ten and ACC rounding out the Top 25.
Here’s a breakdown of who’s ranked, who may be overrated, and which teams are flying under the radar heading into what promises to be a thrilling season.
Texas Tops 2025 College Football Coaches Poll
The Texas Longhorns open the 2025 season as the No. 1 team in the nation, earning 28 first-place votes. Texas reached the College Football Playoff semifinals last season and returns a core group of talent expected to lead another championship run. Their position atop the preseason Coaches Poll is a testament to their consistency and growth under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The Longhorns will be tested early when they travel to face No. 2 Ohio State on August 30. This high-profile matchup is already being dubbed a potential national title preview.
SEC Dominates with Nine Ranked Teams
The SEC once again proves its strength in college football, leading all conferences with nine teams in the Top 25. The Longhorns, now part of the SEC, are joined by:
- Georgia (No. 4)
- Alabama (No. 8)
- LSU (No. 9)
- South Carolina (No. 13)
- Ole Miss (No. 15)
- Florida (No. 17)
- Tennessee (No. 18)
- Texas A&M (Tied for No. 21)
Georgia, Alabama, and LSU remain perennial playoff threats, while programs like South Carolina and Ole Miss are trending upward with strong returning talent.
Big Ten Boasts Strong Top Tier with Six Ranked Teams
Ohio State (No. 2) and Penn State (No. 3) headline a strong Big Ten showing in the 2025 preseason rankings. The Buckeyes, last year’s national champions, earned 20 first-place votes, while the Nittany Lions collected 14.
Other ranked Big Ten teams include:
- Oregon (No. 7)
- Illinois (No. 12)
- Michigan (No. 14)
- Indiana (No. 19)
All eyes will be on the early clash between Ohio State and Texas, which could set the tone for the rest of the season.
ACC and Big 12 Add Balance to Top 25
Defending ACC champion Clemson ranks No. 6, and Miami (FL) slots in at No. 10. SMU, newly minted in the ACC, joins them at No. 16. Clemson looks particularly dangerous this year thanks to a balanced roster and strong quarterback play.
The Big 12 is led by defending conference champ Arizona State at No. 11. They are joined by:
- Kansas State (No. 20)
- Iowa State (Tied for No. 21)
- BYU (No. 23)
- Texas Tech (No. 24)
Kansas State and Iowa State face off in Dublin, Ireland, in Week 0 — a potential tone-setter for both programs.
Boise State: The Lone Group of 5 Representative
Rounding out the Top 25 is Boise State, ranked No. 25. The Broncos continue to prove their mettle as the only Group of 5 program in the preseason poll, and they’re looking to make another run at a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Who’s Underrated in the 2025 Coaches Poll?
Clemson (No. 6) – A True National Title Contender
Despite sitting at No. 6, Clemson might be the most dangerous team in the country. Quarterback Cade Klubnik returns after throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. Along with a powerful defensive line featuring Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, the Tigers could easily crack the top 3 within the first month.
Illinois (No. 12) – Built for a Breakout Season
Illinois may not be a traditional powerhouse, but with 16 returning starters from a 10-win season, they’re primed for a top-10 finish. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw three game-winning TDs in crunch time last season. Under coach Bret Bielema, the Illini are flying under the radar — for now.
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Kansas State (No. 20) – Don’t Sleep on the Wildcats
With quarterback Avery Johnson leading a dynamic offense and a rock-solid defensive line, Kansas State has the tools to make serious noise in the Big 12. Their early clash with Iowa State in Ireland could be the springboard they need to vault into the top 15.
Who’s Overrated in the 2025 Preseason Rankings?
Ohio State (No. 2) – High Talent, Low Experience
Yes, the Buckeyes are defending national champions, and yes, they boast two of the top players in college football: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. But with only six returning starters and a redshirt freshman quarterback in Julian Sayin, there are more questions than answers. Starting at No. 2 feels premature.
Texas A&M (Tied for No. 21) – Always Ranked, Rarely Delivers
The Aggies are regulars in preseason polls but often fail to live up to expectations. Though quarterback Marcel Reed and the offensive line show promise, Texas A&M needs to prove they can win consistently before earning a top-25 s
Michigan (No. 14) – Too Many Unknowns
Michigan returns with serious offensive concerns. Last season, they had one of the worst passing attacks in the country. With a true freshman quarterback likely to start and both elite defensive tackles off to the NFL, the Wolverines are rebuilding. A top-20 rank might be too generous.
2025 Coaches Poll: Full Top 25 Rankings
- Texas
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Clemson
- Oregon
- Alabama
- LSU
- Miami (FL)
- Arizona State
- Illinois
- South Carolina
- Michigan
- Ole Miss
- SMU
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Indiana
- Kansas State
- Texas A&M
- Iowa State
- BYU
- Texas Tech
- Boise State
Final Thoughts: A Wide-Open Race to the College Football Playoff
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. While Texas, Ohio State, and Penn State enter as favorites, underrated teams like Clemson, Illinois, and Kansas State are poised to shake up the rankings.
As always, preseason polls provide an exciting look at expectations — but the real drama unfolds on the field. Don’t be surprised if a few of these “underrated” teams are making noise in November.