Sports
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2025 NCAA College Football Forecast
Fearless Rick pored over various Top 25 rankings from nine different sources, did additional background research, relied on his own knowledge and managed to stay relatively sober through the arduous - and thankless - task of compiling a preseason list which will likely be shattered the first week of the college season.
Overall, this list is an amagamation of other lists, pasteurized, homogenized, spliced, and diced to offer a perspective of the generally-accepted opening rankings and does not imply that any of these teams will be ranked as such by the end of the season. It's offered to provide a little bit of background on what most people with expertise in these matters believe are among the best teams in America.
2025 Preseason College Football Top 25 Rankings
1. Texas Longhorns
Texas enters 2025 riding the Arch Manning buzz, with the heir to the Manning legacy stepping into a veteran lineup armed with elite skill talent and a favorable early schedule. The Longhorns reinforce one of college football’s top defenses by adding four high-impact transfers along the defensive line, preserving their reputation as SEC contenders. Depth across the roster and a path to run the table underscore why Texas tops the preseason composite rankings.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Coming off a national championship, Ohio State returns blue-chip receiver Jeremiah Smith and a defense loaded with future NFL talent despite losing coordinators. The Buckeyes’ new quarterback—either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz—will plug into Ryan Day’s powerhouse offense behind a stout offensive line. Their title-defense pedigree and roster continuity keeps OSU in a prime spot.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State’s season hinges on senior QB Drew Allar delivering in big moments after falling short against blue-bloods in 2024. The Nittany Lions bolster their backfield with All-American tandem Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and Jim Knowles’ arrival as defensive coordinator promises to restore Penn State’s reputation as a defensive juggernaut. High expectations stem from their back-to-back playoff appearances and an explosive offense.
4. Clemson Tigers
Clemson returns Heisman hopeful Cade Klubnik and promotes Tom Allen from Penn State to overhaul a defense that struggled against the run in 2024. The Tigers’ revamped front seven and deep receiving corps position them to reclaim ACC supremacy. Proven coaching, talent at every level, and championship pedigree keep Clemson in the top four or five of most preseason polls.
5. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia remains college football’s gold standard, adding dynamic transfers Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas to a receiver room that already boasts NFL-level talent. The Bulldogs’ defense, anchored by future first-rounders, and a rebuilt offensive line sustain Kirby Smart’s national title aspirations. With back-to-back semifinal berths and a roster loaded with proven winners, UGA is likely to head into conference play within the top five. After that, it's up to the coaches and players.
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Marcus Freeman led Notre Dame to a national title game last season, and the Irish return All-America tailback Jeremiyah Love along with a dominant offensive line. Though they lose key defensive stars, Notre Dame’s secondary and deep rotation of linebackers remain among the nation’s best. Continuity upfront and proven coaching give them credibility. Their usual lighter-than-most-conferences schedule notwithstanding, the Irish should prove solid.
7. Oregon Ducks
After an undefeated regular season thwarted only by Ohio State in the playoffs, Oregon hands the keys to QB Dante Moore, supported by a strengthened offensive line and dynamic playmakers like Makhi Hughes. The Ducks’ unique blend of speed and power kept them in playoff contention in their first Big Ten campaign, earning them a top-10 spot in every major preseason ranking. The Ducks will simply reload with more talent and hope to improve on defense.
8. LSU Tigers
LSU’s offense, led by returning QB Garrett Nussmeier and Heisman candidate Caden Durham, is poised to soar after adding veteran receivers and blocking upgrades. Defensively, the Tigers retool with transfers Patrick Payton and Mansoor Delane around All-America edge rusher Harold Perkins. Offensive upside and a rejuvenated defense have LSU in the Top 10 in most preseason polls.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite uncertainty at quarterback, Alabama’s roster remains stocked with elite talent at receiver, running back, and along the offensive line. Kalen DeBoer inherits one of the deepest rosters in college football, and an aggressive defense anchored by returning linebackers promises immediate improvement. Tide fans expect a return to top-10 form in 2025. Football is almost a religion in Tuscaloosa, so DeBoer is going to be judged severely by the fans. Last season's mistakes and missteps will not be tolerated. Any loss before week 8 could cause fan mutiny.
10. Miami Hurricanes
Miami’s offseason transfer coup landed two-year Georgia QB Carson Beck to replace Cam Ward, pairing him with a veteran offensive line and dynamic skill talent. Though the Hurricanes lost top receivers, their defense returns multiple starters and should build on a 10–2 regular season. Whether Beck is up to the task remains to be seen. Miami could be an early casualty if he doesn't perform well.
11. Illinois Fighting Illini
Bret Bielema’s Illini exploded for 10 wins in 2024 and return QB Luke Altmyer alongside all five offensive linemen. A front seven led by Gabe Jacas and a veteran secondary keep Illinois among the Big Ten’s best defenses. With continuity and a favorable schedule, Illinois could move up considerably from this spot.
12. Arizona State Sun Devils
Big 12 champions ASU bring back nine defensive starters and feature dual-threat QB Sam Leavitt under center with top target Jordyn Tyson. Army transfer Kanye Udoh shores up the backfield, and a veteran-laden defense aims to repeat in conference play. A repeat as conference champions is not out of the question by any means.
13. Florida Gators
Billy Napier’s Gators avoided the hot seat with an 8–5 finish in 2024 and return QB DJ Lagway entering his second year as the unquestioned starter. Florida retains 13 total starters, including standout receivers J. Michael Sturdivant and Eugene Wilson, and a defense that made significant strides down the stretch. High expectations in the SEC put them in the hunt with potential upside.
14. South Carolina Gamecocks
Under new coordinator Mike Shula, the Gamecocks lean on All-SEC edge rusher Dylan Stewart and emerging QB LaNorris Sellers behind a veteran offensive line. South Carolina’s defense reloads after losing NFL talents but keeps enough experience to compete in the SEC East. Upside on both sides of the ball earns SC five stars and maybe a move up the ladder. Last season's team fell just shy of a plyoff spot. With the expansion to 12 teams, the Gamecocks appear poised for the post-season.
15. BYU Cougars
BYU nearly reached the playoff in their first Big 12 season, opening 9–0 and finishing 11–2 with a top-20 defense and top-40 offense. QB Jake Retzlaff returns, flanked by LJ Martin and Chase Roberts, and Kalani Sitake’s program culture remains a factor. A playoff repeat push is probable, but the competition is stiffer this season.
16. Michigan Wolverines
Sherrone Moore’s debut ended in a signature win over Alabama, buoyed by a top-20 defense and the nation’s toughest schedule. Five-star freshman QB Bryce Underwood enters amid high expectations, and key defensive pieces return. Michigan’s national championship experience and roster depth make them a potential Top 10 prospect and a team to watch in the Big 10.
17. Kansas State Wildcats
K-State reloads after a nine-win season, with QB Avery Johnson and RB Dylan Edwards forming one of the Big 12’s best backfields. Matt Wells steps into the OC role to maximize Klieman’s athletic roster, though offensive line and secondary depth remain questions. The Wildcats have been near the top of the Big 12 for the past few years and may take another step toward national prominence.
18. Tennessee Volunteers
Despite the Nico Iamaleava transfer drama, Tennessee got transfer QB Joey Aguilar from Appalachian State through the portal and boasts a revamped defense led by DJ White Jr. and Josh Josephs. Vols fans expect stability under Josh Heupel, now in year 5, and 8–9 win potential in a challenging SEC slate. The Vols may surprise a few foes with a return to their hyper-offense.
19. SMU Mustangs
SMU bids for back-to-back playoff berths with veteran QB Kevin Jennings and standout TE R.J. Maryland, supported by one of the nation’s top offensive lines. The Mustangs’ defense adds portal talent and leans on secondary experience to keep opponents in check. Big 12 continuity and depth put SMU at No. 19 and maybe better as the season progresses.
20. Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels reload via the portal, adding Harrison Wallace and De’Zhaun Stribling to one of college football’s most explosive offenses. Defensively, Dante Jackson and Suntarine Perkins anchor a unit that ranked second in points allowed. Offensive firepower and defensive prowess makes Ole Miss a potent foe, especially in road games.
21. Iowa State Cyclones
ISU returns experienced QB Rocco Becht and four-man OL continuity after a nine-win campaign under Matt Campbell. Healthier defensive talent and improved depth in the secondary prime the Cyclones for a Big 12 championship run with potential pside in Ames.
22. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech’s elite offense under QB Behren Morton—who threw for 3,300 yards in 2024—pairs with a defense bolstered by Stanford transfer David Bailey. New playmakers in the backfield and downfield create Big 12 title buzz in Lubbock, and success may materialize as the season progresses.
23. Louisville Cardinals
Jeff Brohm’s Cardinals rely on USC transfer Miller Moss at QB and return ACC All-Purpose back Isaac Brown, spotlighting one of college football’s most innovative offenses. Defensive upgrades in the secondary and DL rotation aim to stabilize Louisville as an ACC contender.
24. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma’s offense pivots around transfer QB John Mateer and RB Jaydn Ott, blending power and speed under Brent Venables’ experienced defense. Despite a rebuilding year in 2024, Sooner fans expect a quick turnaround behind Venables’ championship pedigree.
25. Indiana Hoosiers
Curt Cignetti’s resume includes an 11-1 turnaround at James Madison, and he brings that momentum to Bloomington with veteran QB Fernando Mendoza from Cal and reinforcements on both lines. Indiana’s balanced roster and proven coaching staff round out the top 25.
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NFL Pro Football Forecast Feature, Page 6
NFL Preseason Picks Also on Feature, Page 6
College Football Picks Sports, page 7.
MLB Players of the Day Sports Extra, page 7a.
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip NCAA Week 1 Early Games
All times Eastern
Week 0 Results: Rick: 2-3; Flip: 3-2
Thursday, August 28
25 Boise State (-5.5, 62.5) at South Florida 5:30 pm (ESPN) - Last season, Boise State finished 12-2, their only losses to Oregon (37-34) and Penn State, 31-14, in the CFP quarterfinal. They won the MWC without a loss. Sure, there will be some falloff without Ashton Jeanty, the nation’s leading rusher, but Maddux Madsen returns at QB on a very capable offense and the Broncos usually-stingy defense.
The Bulls, in 2024, didn’t do well, finishing 7-6 with a 41-39, 5-OT win over San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl. Losses to Alabama (42-16) and Miami (50-15) were telling. They don’t figure to be much better this season, and may start out 0-3, as they meet Florida and Miami consecutively after this contest. Why is the line less than a TD?
Coin Flip: South Florida
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Broncos 38 Bulls 21
The Bearcats were one of the better defensive teams last season, but lack of consistency on offense cost them losses in their last five games after a 5-2 start.
Nebraska wasn’t much better, 3-6 in the Big Ten and 7-6 overall with a 20-15 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. Much was made about QB Dylan Raiola last season, but he wasn’t magic and he’s back this year. The Cornhuskers lost five of their last six in the regular season.
Defense and turnovers will make all the difference here.
Coin Flip: Nebraska
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bearcats 24 Cornhuskers 21
Miami went 7-1 in the MAC, losing to conference champion Ohio, 38-3, but the stuffed Colorado State, 43-17, in the Arizona Bowl to finish 9-5 overall. They should not be taken lightly, even though QB Brett Gabbert has gone to the NFL. They’re usually disciplined and well-coached and can keep this one close, possibly pulling off an upset.
Coin Flip: Miami (OH)
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Badgers 26 RedHawks 20
Auburn (-2.5, 57.5) at Baylor 8:00 pm (FOX) - Pretty good match-up here, as Baylor was near the crowded top of the Big 12 with a 6-3 record last season and sports a high-energy offense. Auburn had a very rare off-year, going just 5-7 and 2-6 in the SEC, but are expected to rebound in 2025.
This is going to be a tough place to start the season for the Tigers. Baylor may actually be better than last year and Auburn still has many question marks and holes to fill, though their defense appears adequate.
Coin Flip: Baylor
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bears 27 Tigers 21
The Yellow Jackets started off 2024 by upsetting Florida State and completed a grueling schedule a respectable 7-6, losing to Georgia, 44-42 in an epic 8-OT game and dropping a 35-27 decision in the Birmingham Bowl to Vanderbilt to close out the season. The also had Notre Dame, Louisville, and Miami (which they beat, 28-23) on last season’s tab.
Colorado has a huge offensive line and many returning juniors and seniors on defense. This could go down to the wire.
Coin Flip: Colorado
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buffaloes 26 Yellow Jackets 24
Last week, the Conference USA Bearkats got schooled at Western Kentucky, 41-24, and the Rebels are probably looking to repair their reputation. Could be blowout city.
Coin Flip: Sam Houston
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 45 Bearkats 20
1 Texas at 3 Ohio State (-2.5, 48) 12:00 pm (FOX) - This is the big one, a game with eventual playoff implication contested by last season’s national champion and the team they beat (28-14) to claim the crown. Bear in mind, the game was decided late in the fourth quarter on an 83-yard fumble recovery by Jack Sawyer as the Longhorns were close to Ohio State’s goal line with the score 21-14.
There are so many variables in this game that it is impossible to list them all, but the biggest is at quarterback. Arch Manning gets his first big game start for the Longhorns, and he should play to his potential, which is very high. Ohio State will start Julian Sayin, who has limited experience, but can really fling it and has experienced receivers.
This will be a coaches’ game. Texas’ Steve Sarkisian and the Buckeyes’ Ryan Day have both been in big games before.
The teams have met four times before, with two wins each. Tiebreaker goes to Ohio State, though the Longhorns, and their defense, will be tough to beat, but Ohio State, at home? Look out.
Coin Flip: Texas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buckeyes 27 Longhorns 20
Syracuse should prove a worthy opponent in this opener. They also finished 10-3 in 2024, ending their season with a 52-35 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. With losses to Stanford, Pitt, and Boston College, given a some breaks, fewer mental errors and turnovers the Orange could have been undefeated. They also have a new QB, Steve Angeli, a transfer from Notre Dame. The Orange will not go quietly and are probably good enough to make this much closer than the line suggests.
Coin Flip: Tennessee
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Volunteers 34 Orange 30
The Wolf Pack was 0-7 in Mountain West play in 2024 and 3-10 overall. This is a patsy for Penn State in a workout for starters and subs.
Coin Flip: Penn State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Nittany Lions 56 Wolf Pack 6
The Crimson Tide had, for them, a down year, at 9-4, in the first year with Kalen DeBoer as head coach. The Tide faithful will not tolerate anything less than a playoff run this season and a big win here is expected.
Coin Flip: Florida State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 42 Seminoles 14
South Dakota is one of the top Division II teams and will show up with ill intent. Last season, they upset the Badgers, 27-13, at Wisconsin, so they’re capable of winning when they’re road dogs.
Iowa State has the advantage on both sides of the ball, but this is also a trap game for them with Iowa next week. A squeaker?
Coin Flip: South Dakota
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cyclones 27 Coyotes 23
LSU, as usual, a contender in the SEC, lacks consistency in their running game and will find first downs at a premium. Look for Clemson’s defense to give their offense favorable field position and the offense to get off the mark early and score often.
Coin Flip: Clemson
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Clemson Tigers 38 LSU Tigers 17
Michigan is expected to return to the elite ranks of the college world. Bryce Underwood is the starter at QB for the Wolverines, after a season in which they struggled for offense, he is a capable passer. The Michigan defense is going to be top-shelf, proven in their 13-10 win over Ohio State and a 19-13 win over Alabama in the Reliaquest Bowl to close out the season. They may pitch a shutout here.
Coin Flip: New Mexico
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wolverines 45 Lobos 3
Virginia Tech at 13 South Carolina (-8, 52.5) 3:00 pm (ESPN) - South Carolina could be one of the sleeper teams of 2025. They finished the regular season at 9-3 and were within a whisker of making the 12-team national playoff. Instead, they ended up at the Citrus Bowl and lost a dogfight to Illinois, 21-17.
The Gamecocks have very high hopes and plenty of talent, including returning QB LaNorris Sellers, who can, and has, hurt opponents with his hands and his feet. He led the team in passing and rushing in their upset win over Clemson, 17-14, last season.
The Hokies went 6-6 last season, found their way to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and got plastered by Minnesota, 24-10. They’re a mid-level ACC squad with some upside, but this is a tough place to start.
Coin Flip: Virginia Tech
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Gamecocks 34 Hokies 20
There’s a reason Beck left Georgia. His future there was as a non-starter there, thus the transfer portal worked out for him. The Fighting Irish are seeking a national championship and could make life miserable for the Miami faithful.
Coin Flip: Miami
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Fighting Irish 27 Hurricanes 17
TCU (-3, 56) at North Carolina 8:00 pm (ESPN) - The highly anticipated debut of Bill Belichick as a college head coach for North Carolina closes out the big college weekend with a bang.
North Carolina was a disappointing 6-7 last year, losing to UConn, 27-14, in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl fo close out the season. Enter Belichick and many portal moves. The coach knows how to put players into positions in which they can be successful and he’s likely going to do that with the Tar Heels. TCU will give them a good game. They were 9-4, but didn’t play any teams that ended the season ranked.
Tar Heels should take care of business.
Coin Flip: North Carolina
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Tar Heels 30 Horned Frogs 21
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip NCAA Week 0 Early Games
All times Eastern
Saturday, August 23
22 Iowa State @ 17 Kansas State (-3.5, 50) 12:00 pm - First things first. All home teams are favored here in Week Zero, so there are likely to be a few upsets. The first college football game of the 2025 season has ranked opponents, which is a nice touch. Additionally, this is a conference game in the Big 12.
Iowa State finished tied with Arizona State for the best conference record (7-2) but lost in the championship to the Sun Devils, 45-19. They no doubt have their sights set on winning the conference this season and getting into the playoffs. They proved they were no fluke when they topped Miami, 42-41, in the Pop-Tarts Bowl (no really, it was called that).
In the meeting between K-State and Iowa State, the Cyclones came out on top of a 29-21 decision, but that game was played at Iowa State. This game is an annual match-up, one of the oldest in college football history.
K-State was only 5-4 in conference play, and finished 9-4 by defeating Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, 44-41.
Both teams return QBs that were productive in 2024, Rocco Becht for the Cyclones and Avery Johnson for the Wildcats. The difference may be on defense, especially late in the game, but this should be a close one. Taking the points may be a prudent path in what could be a real treat.
Coin Flip: Kansas State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cyclones 31 Wildcats 24
The Idaho State Bengals (FCS - Division 1-AA) went 5-7 and 3-5 in the Big Sky conference. This appears to be a tune-up game for the Rebels, who should win by a wide margin. Idaho State lost five games by 20 points or more and none of them were against ranked opponents, most were vs. FCS teams. Big difference in athletic ability here.
Coin Flip: Idaho State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 52 Bengals 17
Kansas started the season 1-5 with close losses to Illinois, UNLV, West Virginia, Arizona State - all by four points or fewer. If they can take the next step forward in 2025, they will be an interesting team to watch.
Fresno State was mid-pack (4-3) in the Mountain West and didn’t play a very tough schedule. They were stuffed by UNLV, 59-14, in their worst loss of the season. Otherwise, the Bulldogs were capable of hanging in against teams of similar talent levels.
While Kansas should be able to control tempo here, the defense remains a question mark, so giving almost two TDs is a tough task.
Coin Flip: Kansas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jayhawks 31 Bulldogs 23
The difference was Western Kentucky’s non-con schedule which included losses to Alabama (63-0), James Madison (27-17, in the Boca Raton Bowl), and a 52-12 beatdown by Jack State in the conference championship. They did prevail against Eastern Kentucky (31-0) and Toledo (26-21). They buried Sam Houston, head-to-head, 31-14.
The Bearkats beat Rice, 34-14, Hawaii (31-13), Texas State (40-39) and won the New Orleans Bowl, 31-26, over Georgia Southern. The Non-con loss was 45-14 at UCF.
Given that the Hilltoppers return a veteran class, made use of the portal to buoy up their offense, had a tougher scedule, and played for the conference championship gives them the upper hand. Opening at home doesn’t hurt.
Coin Flip: Sam Houston
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hilltoppers 35 Bearkats 21
While neither program has any goals beyond making it to a bowl game, the Cardinal admittedly will have a more difficult task, as they did last season. What may tell the story here are the non-conference losses to UCLA (16-13) and Washington State (42-10) by the Rainbow Warriors last year. Against Big 6 conferences, they just don’t stack up. Home field may be an edge, but Stanford has more talent at more key positions. Who plays QB for Stanford may prove the difference-maker.
Coin Flip: Hawaii
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cardinal 27 Rainbow Warriors 17
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