US LBM Coaches Poll for college football's preseason Top 25. Here's our team previews

USA Today

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Summer is almost over. Kids are going back to school. And the college football season is less than four weeks away. So that means it's time for the release of the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll.
The 2025 campaign will kick off with plenty of uncertainty about who will finish with the national title. For now, Texas holds down the No. 1 spot in the first ranking of the season for the first time. But there was plenty of support for both defending champion Ohio State and Penn State out of the Big Ten.
So what is the outlook for the leaders and the rest of the Top 25? We break down all the teams that begin their campaigns in the preseason poll:
1. Texas (13-3)
Points: 1,606 (28 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 3. Opens: Aug. 30 at No. 2 Ohio State.
The Longhorns hold the top spot in the preseason poll for the first time and overall their first No. 1 position since 2008. Most of the lofty expectations ascribed to them revolve around Arch Manning, who now assumes the QB reins after a lengthy evolution from touted recruit to famous backup. His receiver corps is long on talent but short on experience, and the same can be said for his offensive line. But there's cause for optimism on the defensive side as well, where LB Anthony Hill Jr. is back to lead what should be a devastating pass rush.
2. Ohio State (14-2)
Points: 1,565 (20 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 1. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. No. 1 Texas.
QB Julian Sayin would seem to be positioned to take over what should again be a flashy offense, with Jeremiah Smith back to lead one of the best receiver units in the nation. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson must be replaced, but West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson and holdover James Peoples should produce. The defense also sent its share of talent on to the NFL, but having Caleb Downs back to anchor the secondary will help ease the transition for the new starters.
3. Penn State (13-3)
Points: 1,525 (14 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 5. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Nevada.
In the era of the transfer portal, the Nittany Lions have something most teams don't, namely a third-year starter at QB in the person of Drew Allar. His RB room also returns intact, led by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and the wideout group might be better thanks to new arrivals, though lynchpin TE Tyler Warren will be tough to replace. Abdul Carter is gone, but the defensive front should still be among the nation's best with Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant.
4. Georgia (11-3)
Points: 1,466 (3 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 6. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Marshall.
The Bulldogs won the SEC and made the playoff, but their inconsistencies caused some of their wins harder than they needed to be. It's now up to Gunner Stockton to make the Georgia attack explosive again, and the arrival of playmakers like Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas from Suthern California and Texas A&M, respectively, could help him do just that. The defense should be its usual rock-solid self with DL Christen Miller and LB CJ Allen plugging the inside.
5. Notre Dame (14-2)
Points: 1,360. Previous ranking: 2. Opens: Aug. 31 at No. 10 Miami (Fla.).
Even the most diehard fan would have had a tough time imagining the team's appearance in the national championship game after the inexplicable loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2. It will now be up to some new starters to keep the momentum going. Redshirt freshman CJ Carr emerged from spring drills as the front-runner to succeed Riley Leonard at QB, although the star of the offense might prove to be veteran RB Jeremiyah Love. LB Drayk Bowen should be the centerpiece of a deep and talented defense.
6. Clemson (10-4)
Points: 1,324 (2 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 11. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. No. 9 LSU.
The Tigers are seven years removed from their last national championship, but this year's version might just have what it takes to be back in the hunt. They're undoubtedly the team to beat in the ACC, with third-year starter Cade Klubnik back in charge of the offense. The receiver unit that was a weakness for the last few seasons should be a strength this time with Antonio Williams and T.J. Moore returning. There's not much experience at running back, but the group will work behind a line that retains four starters. T.J. Parker is poised to become Clemson's next great edge rusher.
7. Oregon (13-1)
Points: 1,307. Previous ranking: 4. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Montana State.
An otherwise stellar season didn't end well for the Ducks in their rematch with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, and now they'll have to reload on offense if they want to return to the playoff. The top likely ball handlers are QB Dante Moore, Tulane transfer RB Makhi Hughes and WR Dakorien Moore seemingly ready to break out as a freshman. It might be the defense, with returning stars like LB Bryce Boettcher, that carries the team for a while as the new parts on the offensive side find their rhythm.
8. Alabama (9-4)
Points: 1,210. Previous ranking: 17. Opens: Aug. 30 at Florida State.
Kalen DeBoer was well aware of the standard in Tuscaloosa when he accepted the job, and that a second absence from the playoff would not be met with calm and patience. There's still plenty of talent in the program, so year two will be about eliminating mistakes and winning the games the Crimson Tide are supposed to win. QB Ty Simpson has waited his turn and could prove to be a more natural fit for DeBoer's system. The explosive potential will be there with Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard back catching passes, and RB Jam Miller will provide another set of experienced hands. The defense should be sound with hard-to-move LT Overton allowing LB Deontae Lawson and DB Keon Sabb to make plays behind him.
9. LSU (9-4)
Points: 1,056. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 at No. 6 Clemson.
The return of QB Garrett Nussmeier and an infusion of talent through the transfer portal has the Tigers thinking about contending in the SEC. How quickly new faces at receiver and offensive and defensive line get integrated will paint a picture of whether that's possible or whether Brian Kelly's seat might get hot with a disappointing season.
10. Miami (Fla.) (10-3)
Points: 823. Previous ranking: 18. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. No. 5 Notre Dame.
The Hurricanes are hoping transfer QB Carson Beck rebounds from a disappointing season at Georgia and an arm injury in the SEC title game to lead the offense. Should Beck revert to his solid 2023 form, look for Mimi to be in the mix for the playoff if there is significant improvement on defense with new coordinator Corey Hetherman.
11. Arizona State (11-3)
Points: 806. Previous ranking: 7. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Northern Arizona.
Can the Sun Devils build on the momentum of last year and avoid being a one-hit wonder? That's the task for third-year coach Kenny Dillingham. He'll have QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson to lead the offense. The defense returns loads of experience with DB Xavion Alford leading a group that should show major improvement.
12. Illinois (10-3)
Points: 734. Previous ranking: 16. Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Western Illinois.
With their highest preseason poll ranking since 1990, the Illini are another team blessed with a wealth of returning starters and high expectations. QB Luke Altmyer and strong running game will be the foundation on offense. DL Gabe Jacas and DB Xavier Scott are standouts on a defense that will again be stingy.
13. South Carolina (9-4)
Points: 665. Previous ranking: 19. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Virginia Tech in Atlanta.
The Gamecocks narrowly missed the playoff after a late-season surge and return several of its key pieces, starting with QB LaNorris Sellers and DL Dylan Stewart. More responsibility will be on Sellers to have the offense carry things due to some holes along the defensive front that may take time to sort out. His development will be critical to having them in contention this season.
14. Michigan (8-5)
Points: 580. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. New Mexico.
Sherrone Moore's debut season started slowly, but a finish that included wins against Ohio State and Alabama has the needle pointing up. The offense was a major problem in 2024. The running game will be the focus with the hope is that either heralded recruit Bryce Underwood or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene will boost the passing game. There's some big losses on defense up front. Those holes were addressed with through the portal and there's high hopes for DL Derrick Moore to have a breakthrough season.
15. Mississippi (10-3)
Points: 573. Previous ranking: 13. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Georgia State.
Much of the attention will be on the transition from Jaxson Dart to Austin Simmons at quarterback. There's also other areas of concern. Needs at receiver were addressed with transfers and the offensive line will be mostly new. DL Suntarine Perkins should contend for all-conference honors and there's some young players on that side of the ball that should keep the unit in good shape. Lane Kiffin has shown he knows how to integrate a host of new players and could have his fourth 10-win season in the last five years.
16. SMU (11-3)
Points: 555. Previous ranking: 11. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. East Texas State.
The first season in the ACC was as good as could have been anticipated for the Mustangs with QB Kevin Jennings leading the team to the College Football Playoff. This year's schedule is tougher with the additions of Clemson and Miami in league play. On the plus side, Jennings returns, but there's concerns about who fills a void at running back. DBs Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses key one of the conference's best secondaries.
17. Florida (8-5)
Points: 498. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Long Island.
From the hottest of hot seats to having his team in the preseason poll, Billy Napier has flipped the script for the Gators. The emergence of QB DJ Lagway was a big part of the resurgence last season. His health will be critical, and the running game led by RBs Jadan Baugh and Ja'Kobi Jackson should take some pressure off him. The defense made significant gains in the second half of last seson and should be strong up front, which will be needed to navigate another difficult schedule.
18. Tennessee (10-3)
Points: 492. Previous ranking: 8. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Syracuse in Atlanta.
With former quarterback Nico Iamaleava off to UCLA, Tennessee hands the offense to former Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar. A high-volume and productive passer in the Sun Belt, Aguilar has to trim his turnovers to keep the Volunteers in the mix for an at-large playoff berth. Tennessee has other holes to address, including in the backfield, and will need to form another top-level defense to compete with the best of the best in the SEC.
19. Indiana (11-2)
Points: 460. Previous ranking: 10. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Old Dominion.
Last year's Cinderella won't sneak up on any opponent in or out of the Big Ten. The offense turns to former California quarterback Fernando Mendoza, potentially one of the most impactful transfers in the Power Four. Heavy work through the portal is once again the story for coach Curt Cignetti and his program: Indiana found a number of immediate-impact contributors as transfers and will contend for eight or more wins should this group largely pan out.
20. Kansas State (9-4)
Points: 438. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 23 vs. No. 21 Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
The Wildcats hope to spark second-year starting quarterback Avery Johnson's growth by adding size and length at receiver through transfers to join established all-conference starter Jayce Brown. Another key position to watch heading into the season opener is the defensive backfield, which brings back veteran safety VJ Payne and added a three-year starter from Arizona in safety Gunner Maldonado but has to replace both cornerbacks. If those groups come together, the Wildcats could be favored in every game and return to the top of the Big 12.
21. Iowa State (11-3)
Points: 392. Previous ranking: 15. Opens: Aug. 23 vs. No. 20 Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland.
With QB Rocco Becht back for his third year as a starter, Iowa State can win the Big 12 by beefing up a pass rush that had just 16 sacks in 2024, last in the conference. There aren't any other obvious issues, though the Cyclones do need to settle competitions for playing time and starting roles on the offensive line, linebacker and the secondary. The pieces are in place for another solid season.
21. Texas A&M (8-5)
Points: 392. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Texas-San Antonio.
After cratering down the stretch last season, the Aggies look to take a leap forward with a promising offense and a defense that should benefit from coach Mike Elko's more hands-on approach. There are still some questions about the defense, including what kind of production A&M will get from freshmen and transfers on the interior and edge of the defensive front, and how much improvement we'll see at cornerback. The answers will determine whether the Aggies can crack nine wins in the regular season.
23. Brigham Young (11-2)
Points: 287. Previous ranking: 14. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Portland State.
The Cougars land in the Top 25 despite recently losing starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff. Replacing him won't be easy. With weeks to go until the opener, BYU is still auditioning former transfers McCae Hillstead (Utah State) and Treyson Bourguet (Western Michigan) alongside promising true freshman Bear Bachmeier. While there are complementary pieces across the two-deep, this team could be hampered in its quest for the Big 12 crown by this distinct lack of experience under center.
24. Texas Tech (8-5)
Points: 261. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Once again, Texas Tech loaded up its roster with one of the top portal classes in the nation. The biggest additions include edge rusher David Bailey (Stanford), defensive lineman Lee Hunter (Central Florida) and offensive tackle Howard Sampston (North Carolina). If the transfers pan out and the offense stays healthy, the Red Raiders may finally deliver an elusive Big 12 title.
25. Boise State (12-2)
Points: 246. Previous ranking: 9. Opens: Aug. 28 at South Florida.
The only Group of Five team to make the cut in the preseason poll, Boise State squeezes into the Top 25 amid concerns about how well the offense can replace running back Ashton Jeanty. To stay atop the Mountain West, the Broncos need even more production from quarterback Maddux Madsen. But the defense looks powerful, especially up front and in the pass rush. The only thing missing is more takeaways after making 16 last season.
Others receiving votes: Oklahoma (6-7) 221; Missouri (10-3) 142; Louisville (9-4) 126; Southern California (7-6) 116; Utah (5-7) 86; Baylor (8-5) 76; Auburn (5-7) 50; Iowa (8-5) 49; Memphis (11-2) 34; Army (12-2) 33; Tulane (9-5) 31; Georgia Tech (7-6) 27; TCU (9-4) 24; Nebraska (7-6) 19; Syracuse (10-3) 16; Washington (6-7) 15; Navy (10-3) 14; Arkansas (7-6) 14; Duke (9-4) 12; Colorado (9-4) 12; Minnesota (8-5) 11; UNLV (11-3) 8; Florida State (2-10) 8; Kansas (5-7) 6; Vanderbilt (7-6) 3; Buffalo (9-4) 1.
The US LBM Board of Coaches for the 2025 season: Tim Albin, Charlotte; Dave Aranda, Baylor; Tim Beck, Coastal Carolina; David Braun, Northwestern; Jeff Brohm, Louisville; Fran Brown, Syracuse; Troy Calhoun, Air Force; Jason Candle, Toledo; Ryan Carty, Delaware; Jamey Chadwell, Liberty; Bob Chesney, James Madison; Curt Cignetti, Indiana; Chris Creighton, Eastern Michigan; Spencer Danielson, Boise State; Ryan Day, Ohio State; Kalen DeBoer, Alabama; Manny Diaz, Duke; Dave Doeren, North Carolina State; Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri; Sonny Dykes, TCU; Jason Eck, New Mexico; Mike Elko, Texas A&M Luke Fickell, Wisconsin; Jedd Fisch, Washington; James Franklin, Penn State; Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame; Hugh Freeze, Auburn; Willie Fritz, Houston; Alex Golesh, South Florida; Thomas Hammock, Northern Illinois; Blake Harrell, East Carolina; Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky; Charles Huff, Southern Mississippi; Brent Key, Georgia Tech; GJ Kinne, Texas State; Zach Kittley, Florida Atlantic; Tre Lamb, Tulsa; Dan Lanning, Oregon; Rhett Lashlee, SMU; Clark Lea, Vanderbilt; Lance Leipold, Kansas; Pete Lembo, Buffalo; Sean Lewis, San Diego State; Mike Locksley, Maryland; Chuck Martin, Miami (Ohio); Joey McGuire, Texas Tech; Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State; Jeff Monken, Army; Jim Mora, Connecticut; Eric Morris, North Texas; Billy Napier, Florida; Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh; Brian Newberry, Navy; Ken Niumatalolo, San Jose State; Jay Norvell, Colorado State; Gerad Parker, Troy; Brent Pry, Virginia Tech; Matt Rhule, Nebraska; Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia; Jay Sawvel, Wyoming, Willie Simmons, Florida International; Kirby Smart, Georgia; Mark Stoops, Kentucky; Jon Sumrall, Tulane; Lance Taylor, Western Michigan; Jeff Traylor, Texas-San Antonio; Scotty Walden, Texas-El Paso.