Spring Football Re-Rankings Shake Up the Landscape: Is Texas Ready to Rule?
The college football offseason is a time of endless speculation, hopeful projections, and, of course, the ubiquitous preseason rankings. USA TODAY Sports has thrown its hat into the ring with its springtime college football re-rank, offering a glimpse into the perceived power structure heading into the 2025 season. Topping the list, perhaps surprisingly to some, is the Texas Longhorns, fueled by burgeoning hype surrounding new starting quarterback Arch Manning.
This placement signifies more than just a hope for future success. It reflects the culmination of a steady climb for the Longhorns, highlighted by back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, culminating in a trip to the national semifinals last year. The re-rank suggests that expectations in Austin aren’t just high; they’re championship-or-bust. The program is looking to end a championship drought stretching back to 2005, and the pressure is firmly on Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian to deliver.
Following Texas in the top six are a collection of familiar powerhouses: Clemson, Penn State, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. These programs consistently find themselves in the national conversation, and their presence near the top of the re-rank is hardly surprising. However, each faces its own set of challenges. Ohio State, in particular, finds itself in a period of transition. The Buckeyes are tasked with rebuilding on both the offensive and defensive lines, critical areas for sustained success. More immediately, they must navigate an ongoing quarterback competition between Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin, a battle that will undoubtedly shape their offensive identity.
Lurking just outside the top tier are LSU (No. 7), Oregon (No. 8), Miami (No. 9), and Alabama (No. 10). These teams possess the talent and resources to make a significant impact on the national stage, and could very well contend for playoff berths. Alabama, despite losing legendary coach Nick Saban to retirement, remains a force to be reckoned with, largely thanks to the program’s deeply ingrained culture of winning and its ability to consistently recruit top-tier talent.
The inclusion of Miami in the top ten signals a growing belief that Mario Cristobal is finally building something sustainable in Coral Gables. The Hurricanes have struggled to recapture their former glory in recent years, but a strong recruiting class and improved on-field performance have generated optimism among fans.
Rounding out the top twelve are Illinois (No. 11) and Tennessee (No. 12). Illinois’s high ranking is particularly noteworthy, as the article highlights their experienced roster as a key factor in their potential playoff run. In the ever-changing landscape of college football, experience can be a significant advantage, especially when navigating the pressures of a demanding schedule.
The re-rank also shines a light on teams poised to rise throughout the season. TCU (No. 17), Nebraska (No. 18), Texas Tech (No. 22), Oklahoma (No. 25), and Auburn (No. 35) are all identified as programs with the potential to exceed expectations. Nebraska, under the leadership of head coach Matt Rhule, is undergoing a significant rebuild, and the buzz surrounding the program suggests that they are on the verge of a breakthrough. The Sooners will be playing their first season in the SEC and have a chance to turn some heads.
Further down the rankings, Florida State (No. 50) is expected to rebound after a disappointing 2024 season. The Seminoles, who were controversially left out of the College Football Playoff last year, will be looking to prove their worth. Kansas (No. 45) and UCLA (No. 59), after narrowly missing out on postseason berths last season, are also identified as teams to watch.
The dominance of the Big Ten and the SEC is clearly evident in the top 25. These two power conferences combine for 11 of the top 15 teams and 13 of the top 21, further solidifying their position as the premier leagues in college football. Their financial advantages, coupled with their ability to attract top coaching talent and recruit elite players, make them the undisputed kings of the sport.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Kent State finds itself in a familiar position: last in the Bowl Subdivision. The Golden Flashes, coming off a winless season, recently made a coaching change, replacing Kenni Burns with interim head coach Mark Carney. The road ahead for Kent State appears long and arduous.
This year’s re-rank also includes two new additions to the FBS: Delaware and Missouri State. Both programs will be competing in Conference USA this season but will not be eligible for the conference championship or the postseason as they transition from the Championship Subdivision.
Ultimately, these springtime re-rankings are a subjective exercise, designed to generate discussion and build anticipation for the upcoming season. While they provide a snapshot of perceived team strength, the reality is that the college football landscape is constantly evolving, and fortunes can change dramatically from week to week. Injuries, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of new stars can all disrupt the established order. What remains certain is that the 2025 college football season promises to be another exciting and unpredictable ride. Whether Texas can live up to the hype, and whether other teams can challenge the established powerhouses, remains to be seen. The games will ultimately determine who reigns supreme.
