Updated Preseason College Football Rankings Feature New No. 1 Team
A new team sits above the rest in ESPN's updated college football rankings following spring practice and the closing of the spring transfer window.
The Ohio State Buckeyes previously led the country at No. 1 after an impressive College Football Playoff run culminated with the program's ninth national championship and first under head coach Ryan Day.
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However, Ohio State losing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and a slew of star players to the 2025 NFL draft has caused the Buckeyes to slide to No. 5 in ESPN's rankings from Mark Schlabach.
Moving up one spot from the previous rankings is Georgia, now No. 4, after the Bulldogs signed a top-three high school class and added multiple top transfer players during the spring.
The Bulldogs are coming off a third SEC championship and fourth playoff appearance under head coach Kirby Smart.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Sliding down one spot to No. 3 is Texas, which finished one game shy of a national title appearance.
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Head coach Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns will feature former five-star recruit Arch Manning at quarterback after the loss of experienced starter Quinn Ewers to the NFL. Additionally, Texas has to replace its top three pass-catchers from last season.
The biggest mover within the top 10 is Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers were previously ranked No. 7 before jumping to No. 2 in the updated rankings.
Coming off an ACC championship and playoff berth, Clemson returns start quarterback Cade Klubnik and multiple weapons on the outside. The Tigers also plucked acclaimed defensive coordinator Tom Allen from Penn State.
Penn State Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the SMU Mustangs.Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
That leaves a new program at the top spot in the Penn State Nittany Lions, which jumped from No. 3 in the post-spring rankings.
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Head coach James Franklin and Co. set a program record with 13 wins and their first playoff appearance in school history. The Nittany Lions' three-point loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish ultimately kept a title shot out of reach.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Penn State returns a plethora of offensive talent in star quarterback Drew Allar and a two-headed monster at tailback in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Notable spring additions came at a position of need, including wide receivers Trebor Pena (Syracuse), Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC).
"After finally turning the corner under coach James Franklin in 2024, the Nittany Lions look loaded for bear this coming season," Schlabach wrote. "With Allar, Allen and Singleton returning, Penn State should have one of the most balanced offenses in the FBS, especially if Allar takes the next step as a downfield passer."
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Additionally, the Nittany Lions added Knowles from Ohio State to coordinate the defense. And Penn State signed defensive ends Owen Wafle (Michigan) and Enai White (Texas A&M) to help fill the void on the edge left by No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter.
Penn State will open the 2025 season at home against Nevada on Aug. 30.
Related: ESPN Names Last Season's Luckiest College Football Team
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