As the 2025 college football season approaches, the newly released US LBM Coaches Poll has made history with Texas claiming the No. 1 spot for the first time ever. The Longhorns, seen as one of the top contenders in a highly competitive SEC, secured 28 out of 67 first-place votes, setting the stage for an exciting season kickoff.
Texas will face a tough test right away, opening their season against defending national champion Ohio State, which starts the year at No. 2. The Buckeyes earned 20 first-place votes and lead a strong Big Ten presence. This season opener marks the first-ever No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup in the history of the coaches poll, promising a thrilling showdown in Columbus.
Penn State, the anticipated primary challenger to Ohio State in the Big Ten, is ranked No. 3 with 14 first-place votes. This marks the first time since 2012 that three teams received double-digit first-place votes in the preseason poll. Georgia holds the No. 4 spot, collecting three first-place votes, while last season’s runner-up Notre Dame begins at No. 5.
Clemson, with two first-place votes, sits at No. 6, followed by Oregon at No. 7. Alabama, LSU, and Miami (Fla.) complete the top 10. Notably, Alabama’s No. 8 preseason ranking is their lowest since 2008, reflecting the growing competitiveness in the SEC.
The SEC leads with nine teams in the Top 25, showcasing its depth, while the Big Ten has six ranked teams, including Illinois at No. 12—its highest preseason ranking since 1990—and Indiana at No. 19, following last year’s surprise playoff appearance.
The Big 12 places five teams in the rankings, led by defending champion Arizona State at No. 11. The ACC features two teams in the top 10, with SMU at No. 16 being the only other ranked team from the conference.
Boise State, ranked No. 25, is the sole representative from the Group of Five conferences to make the Top 25 list.
With the season opener set for a historic clash between Texas and Ohio State, college football fans are in for a thrilling and highly competitive 2025 campaign.
