MLB Power Rankings: Who are the top teams one week into the season?
We’re one week into the 2024 MLB season, and after the Brewers and Pirates each suffered their first loss of the season on Wednesday, we have one team still undefeated through seven days of play — the Tigers?!
We’ve seen hot starts across the league from not only a few surprising teams but also typical ones, such as the Yankees, whose new slugger, Juan Soto, has shined in his debut for the team. Mookie Betts has also bashed 5 home runs for his Dodgers, who also boast superstars in Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.
Is your favorite team off to a dominant start — and more importantly, will it last? Or are you hoping the first week’s returns aren’t a glimpse of the future?
Our expert panel has gotten together to rank every team in baseball based on a combination of what we’ve seen so far and what we already knew going into the 162-game marathon that is a full baseball season. We also asked ESPN MLB experts David Schoenfield, Bradford Doolittle, Jesse Rogers, Alden Gonzalez and Jorge Castillo to weigh in with an observation for all 30 teams.
Record: 3-2
Previous ranking: 1
The new additions to the rotation had positive results in their initial starts. Pitching against the Phillies, Chris Sale allowed two runs in 5⅓ innings, striking out seven. He did serve up a leadoff home run to Kyle Schwarber, who jumped on an 0-1 fastball down the middle, but settled in after that and recorded five of his seven strikeouts on his fastball, which touched 96 mph. Reynaldo Lopez had an easier matchup against the hapless White Sox on a cold night in Chicago, but he allowed just one run in six innings, throwing an efficient 82 pitches — a key for a guy who didn’t have great control even as a reliever. “This start meant a lot to me,” Lopez said after the game. — Schoenfield
Record: 7-2
Previous ranking: 2
There was so much hype around everything that was new about the 2024 Dodgers that we seemingly forgot one really important thing: Betts is incredible. No worries — he has been kind enough to remind us. He began the spring transitioning full time to second base, then moved over to shortstop to cover Gavin Lux‘s throwing issues, a spot where he will now spend the majority of his time. And despite all the defensive turmoil, Betts has been the sport’s best offensive performer thus far. In 42 plate appearances, he has 16 hits, including a major league-best five home runs, and nine walks. His OPS is 1.686. Not bad. — Gonzalez
Record: 6-1
Previous ranking: 7
Soto’s first week in a Yankees uniform couldn’t have gone any better. The superstar outfielder went 9-for-17 in New York’s season-opening four-game sweep of nemesis Houston on the road, a performance that earned him American League Player of the Week. He drove in the Yankees’ first run of the season. He concluded his debut by throwing out the tying run at home in the ninth inning. He provided the go-ahead home run two nights later. He’s been an exhaustive at-bat for pitchers every night, setting the tone for an offense that prides itself on grinding opponents down. Soto is locked in for his platform season. That’s scary for the rest of the AL East. — Castillo
Record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 4
Jackson Holliday, to just about everyone’s surprise, was left off Baltimore’s Opening Day roster. The official reason, according to Orioles general manager Mike Elias, was that the club wants Holliday, the consensus top prospect in baseball, to face more left-handed pitching in Triple-A. In response, Holliday homered in his first at-bat of the season — off a left-handed pitcher. It’s only a matter of (very little) time before the 20-year-old infielder bulldozes his way to the majors. When he does, the Orioles, a team already loaded with young position player talent, will become that much more explosive as they seek their second straight AL East title. — Castillo
Record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 6
It’s too early to tout anyone for awards honors, but at the very least, we can say that Wyatt Langford did not look overmatched during his first few big league games. Langford was in the Rangers’ Opening Day lineup less than a year after being drafted No. 4 overall in 2023 out of Florida. He even became just the 44th player to be intentionally walked in his debut, though he had worked a 3-0 count before the free pass was issued. Still, Langford leads a deep Rangers lineup in hard-hit balls during the first week even as he acclimates to frequent DH duties, something he never did at Florida or in the minors. — Doolittle
Record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 9
The D-backs doubled down after an unlikely trip to the World Series last fall, signing Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery to bolster their rotation and Joc Pederson to provide more punch to their lineup. But the core group in Phoenix is really good on its own. And nobody represents that better than ace Zac Gallen, who showed out on Tuesday, throwing six scoreless innings to hand the Yankees their first loss of the season. Gallen, in his second-to-last season before free agency, has allowed just one run in 11 innings thus far, having also stifled the Rockies. — Gonzalez
Record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 5
After a rough first two games against the Braves to start the season — the bullpen imploded to allow nine runs after Zack Wheeler had tossed six scoreless innings in the opener, and then Aaron Nola allowed a career-worst 12 hits the next day — the Phillies salvaged the series finale with three runs in the seventh as Alec Bohm delivered the go-ahead hit.
Bryce Harper broke out of an 0-for-11 start to the season on Tuesday with three home runs and six RBIs against the Reds, including a grand slam. Two of the home runs were blasts of 107 and 108 mph — and he almost went 4-for-4 but was robbed of an extra-base hit by a diving catch in center field. And how about this: Following a six-hour drive from Rochester, New York, Ricardo Pinto, back in the majors for the first time since 2019, arrived in the fourth inning and then pitched the final four innings of the game for his first career save. — Schoenfield
Record: 2-5
Previous ranking: 3
The Astros’ early bullpen problems and four straight season-opening losses to the Yankees aren’t forgotten, but their opening week was still dominated by the no-hitter thrown by Ronel Blanco. To say the gem was unexpected is a massive understatement. For one thing, it was the earliest — by date — no-hitter in MLB history, coming at a time of the season when starters seldom work deep. Also, for the 30-year-old righty, the no-no gave him just his third career MLB victory. Blanco hasn’t even been a starter for the most part, with just 34 of his 202 career minor league outings coming in that role. And yet, Blanco authored the 305th single-pitcher no-hitter in history. Go figure. — Doolittle
Record: 3-4
Previous ranking: 10
Perhaps the Mariners’ splashiest offseason pickup was the addition of former All-Star infielder Jorge Polanco, acquired in a trade with Minnesota. The early returns were … not great. Polanco’s Seattle career started in ice-cold fashion as he managed just three singles and a walk over his first six games for the Mariners while striking out more than 40% of the time. It’s only six games, of course, but it would be better if Polanco started hitting sooner rather than later, as these numbers are either an acceleration or an exaggeration of trends that appeared to crop up last year for him with the Twins. Perhaps the worst part about it is that in each of Seattle’s first six games, manager Scott Servais penciled Polanco into the 3-hole as protection for Julio Rodriguez at No. 2. — Doolittle
Record: 3-4
Previous ranking: 8
Wander Franco‘s future as a major leaguer remains unclear. The All-Star shortstop was placed on paid administrative leave through June 1 before the start of the season as a potential criminal case remains unresolved in the Dominican Republic. Prosecutors allege the 23-year-old Franco broke sexual exploitation and money-laundering laws, but he hasn’t been formally charged yet. His status with MLB could change based on developments in the case. Without Franco, the Rays have turned to Jose Caballero at shortstop to start the season. The 27-year-old Panamanian made his major league debut last season with the Mariners. — Castillo
Record: 4-1
Previous ranking: 21
Longtime bench coach Pat Murphy got his managerial career off on the right foot as Milwaukee won its first four games. Meanwhile, first baseman Rhys Hoskins endeared himself to his new team, ticking off the Mets with a hard slide which led to the benches clearing and Hoskins getting thrown at. It’s the kind of spark the Brewers need as they begin a new chapter without former manager Craig Counsell, Brandon Woodruff (for now — he’s out for the entire 2024 season) and Corbin Burnes. Their first week could not have gone better. — Rogers
Record: 3-4
Previous ranking: 11
Offense was the Blue Jays’ projected weakness entering the season, and the first week was evidence of that. They were held to two or fewer runs in four of their first six games and were no-hit by Blanco, a 30-year-old right-hander, in his eighth career start Monday. Toronto’s pitching, meanwhile, has limited opponents to five or fewer runs in four of the six games behind two dominant outings from starter Jose Berrios. The Blue Jays will jockey for a playoff spot if the offense can provide consistent support for the strong pitching staff. Justin Turner is off to a strong start, but it’ll come down to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette carrying the load. — Castillo
Record: 5-2
Previous ranking: 19
New uniform, same Opening Day results for Tyler O’Neill. The former Cardinal homered in his Red Sox debut, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit a home run on five consecutive Opening Days in the team’s win over the Mariners. Red Sox fans were disappointed with Boston’s inactive offseason after they were promised a “full-throttle” effort to improve the last-place club. All they got was a whimper, but O’Neill, one of the team’s few free agent additions, delivered in Game 1 once again. Next up: Frank Robinson’s record eight career Opening Day home runs. — Castillo
Record: 4-0
Previous ranking: 22
Detroit began its season with a three-game sweep of the White Sox. Yeah, the White Sox aren’t expected to be any good this season, but it was monumental nonetheless. The Tigers began 3-0 for the first time since 2016, their most recent winning season. They did so by way of three consecutive one-run victories for the first time in their history. The most encouraging of those wins came on Opening Day, when Tarik Skubal, who many expect to elevate to one of the game’s best pitchers, fired six scoreless innings. Said Javier Baez: “I think he can win a Cy Young if he’s got a good plan, which we do.” — Gonzalez
Record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 14
Justin Steele‘s injury, which will keep him out at least one month, is a big one. Even before he strained his hamstring fielding a ground ball on Opening Day, the Cubs weren’t top-heavy in their rotation. It means when they go up against another team’s ace, they’ll be behind the eight ball from the get-go. However, Japanese starter Shota Imanaga pitched well in his debut, striking out nine. As long as the wind is blowing in at Wrigley — like it was on Monday — the fly ball pitcher can match another team’s ace. But navigating April, which includes a West Coast trip, without Steele is going to be difficult. — Rogers
Record: 5-1
Previous ranking: 25
The Pirates are at it again. After getting off to a good start — and then fading — last season, they have won their first five games to start this one. Their production has been spread out — 12 different players drove in at least one run in their first five games while the bullpen was 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA in that time frame. Shortstop Oneil Cruz carried over his hot bat from the spring to start the season 6-for-23. He’s key to the Pirates’ success, as is center fielder Bryan Reynolds, who drove in eight runs in the first week. — Rogers
Record: 3-2
Previous ranking: 12
Significant injuries have already surfaced in Minnesota. Anthony DeSclafani, signed to take Sonny Gray’s rotation spot, was lost for the season before it started. Three innings into Opening Day, Royce Lewis pulled up lame running the bases after starting the season 2-for-2 with a home run. Lewis, whose career has been marred by injuries, will miss at least two months with a strained quad. Those are two major setbacks for the Twins, who spent just $7.7 million in free agency figuring they were the favorites to win the AL Central anyway. But the division has improved. The Guardians, Tigers and Royals will challenge them — so the margin for error to reach the postseason has already shrunk. — Castillo
Record: 4-5
Previous ranking: 13
New Padres manager Mike Shildt made the rather surprising decision to slot Jake Cronenworth into the No. 3 spot of his lineup — between franchise pillars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado — and Cronenworth has delivered early on, slashing .286/.333/.429 through his first 39 plate appearances. He signed a seven-year, $80 million extension last April and turned in a brutal 2023 season, finishing with an adjusted OPS of just 92. If Cronenworth can get back to producing like he did from 2021 to 2022, when his adjusted OPS was 115, it will be a major boost for a Padres team that traded away Soto and still has major holes in left field and at designated hitter. — Gonzalez
Record: 2-5
Previous ranking: 15
We can’t quite know yet whether the Giants’ flurry of offseason moves will vault them back into the playoffs, but it seems pretty clear early on that San Francisco fans are going to love Jung Hoo Lee. The Giants gave Lee a whopping six-year, $113 million contract, a record for an Asian-born hitter. But he looks like he fits in nicely as a major league center fielder and leadoff man, with six hits and three walks in his first 24 plate appearances. He didn’t have a great series against the Dodgers, but the 25-year-old left-handed hitter had just two whiffs on his first 31 swings this season. He also has a great personality, which is already starting to come through. — Gonzalez
Record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 16
Journeyman Nick Martini was the hero of the first week for Cincinnati, which already has had to tap into its depth after spring injuries and a suspension reared its head. Martini was 4-for-8 with three extra-base hits in his first three games, giving the Reds a boost from the bench they’ll need this season. Meanwhile, starter Frankie Montas‘ debut for the team could not have gone better as he threw six shutout innings against the Nationals. Cincinnati is counting on him to be really good as the veteran at the top of the rotation. — Rogers
Record: 5-2
Previous ranking: 20
The best sign a week into the season: Shane Bieber has thrown two gems, allowing no runs in 12 innings with 20 strikeouts and just one walk. He had 18 swinging strikes in his first start and 10 in his second, so he’s showing swing-and-miss stuff. His velocity is up a tick to 92.0 mph on his four-seamer — up from 91.3 last year, although still below the 94 he averaged in 2020, when he won the Cy Young. Granted, those starts came against the A’s and the Mariners in Seattle (a tough place to hit early in the season), but zero runs are zero runs. — Schoenfield
Record: 3-4
Previous ranking: 17
Shortstop Masyn Winn looks like he belongs after starting the season 5-for-14 while playing flawless defense. The 2020 second-round pick got his feet wet last year, though his production was nothing to write home about. However, that time in the majors might have set him up for this season. The newly 22-year-old looks more comfortable at the plate and doesn’t have that same wide-eyed look about him that he sported last season. So perhaps something came of the Cardinals’ awful showing last year: experience for their new man up the middle. — Rogers
Record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 26
Small sample caveats apply but it sure looks like Bobby Witt Jr. is even better after his second-half breakout in 2023. Witt’s average exit velocity (102.1 mph, based on his first 13 batted ball events) is the best in the majors over the first week, as was his barrel rate (38.5%). Witt is still seeing an average percentage of pitches in the strike zone and his approach remains aggressive: if in doubt, swing. It will be interesting to see how Witt adapts if that strike percentage begins to plummet as pitchers start to treat him with even more deference. — Doolittle
Record: 0-4
Previous ranking: 18
You can argue that no team had a more disappointing/embarrassing/awful first week than the Mets. Let’s see here: (1) Jeff McNeil whining about a tough — but legal — slide from Hoskins; (2) Yohan Ramirez responding by throwing behind Hoskins and getting suspended (manager Carlos Mendoza had to serve one game as well); (3) Luis Severino getting roughed up in his Mets debut; (4) Tylor Megill landing on the IL with a shoulder strain; (5) losing a game in extra innings due to a couple of defensive misplays; (6) Mendoza needing just three games to reshuffle the batting order, moving Francisco Alvarez up to the cleanup spot. Not the start the Mets needed. — Schoenfield
Record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 24
Even though Mike Trout hit about five miles’ worth of homers over the first week, perhaps the most encouraging development for the Halos during those games was that Nolan Schanuel went deep. Schanuel has elite on-base skills, but after he hit just a lone dinger during his 132 plate appearances in 2023, questions remained if he was going to hit for enough power as a corner player. One homer is just one homer, but it’s a start. Schanuel is the kind of hitter who doesn’t need to hit 30 bombs to be a plus offensive player — 15 to 20 will do. Well, that’s less than one per week over a full season, so he’s ahead of pace so far in 2024. — Doolittle
Record: 0-7
Previous ranking: 23
This has not gone well. With Eury Perez, Braxton Garrett and Edward Cabrera all starting the season on the IL after injuries in spring training, these opening weeks were all about just keeping things together until the rotation got healthy. Instead, the Marlins started 0-7, lost two games in extra innings and were outscored 51 to 24, allowing at least six runs in six of their seven games. A.J. Puk had a great spring as he moved from the bullpen to the rotation — and then walked six batters in his first start. The lineup hasn’t hit either, and the early returns on the Tim Anderson signing don’t look good. — Schoenfield
Record: 2-3
Previous ranking: 27
I hate to pick on the Nationals one week into the season but can’t ignore what is going on here with an outfield of Jesse Winker in left field and Eddie Rosario in center. Winker is a notoriously bad outfielder — one of the worst in the game — and while he had a great season for the Reds in 2021 (.949 OPS), he struggled with the Mariners and Brewers the past two seasons as he battled injuries (hitting .199 last season). I could maybe see taking a flier on him as a DH, but not as a left fielder. Rosario is 32 years old and has spent the vast majority of his career in left field (just 39 career starts in center before this season). Why not help your pitchers and at least give them some good defense? — Schoenfield
Record: 1-4
Previous ranking: 28
The White Sox might lose more games this season than the 101 they lost in 2023. They’re debuting an entirely new pitching staff outside of Michael Kopech and now Mike Clevinger. Add two new catchers to the mix and it’s going to take a while for any chemistry to develop. The lone bright spot might be Garrett Crochet, their Opening Day pitcher. He threw well in his first two career starts this week — though Chicago lost the first game. Baby steps. — Rogers
Record: 1-6
Previous ranking: 29
It’s probably going to be another long year for the Rockies, who have been outscored 58-24 through their first seven games and already suffered two blowouts. But it has been nice to see Charlie Blackmon get going. While the Rockies are starting to incorporate some of their younger guys, Blackmon is by far their longest-tenured player, as a 37-year-old outfielder navigating through his 14th season in Colorado. He has been a bright spot thus far, slashing .417/.440/.625. He recorded both the first stolen base and the first outfield assist of the Rockies’ season, and he even gave them their first lead. — Gonzalez
Record: 1-6
Previous ranking: 30
The Athletics’ decision to demote speedster Esteury Ruiz, who stole 67 bases last season, led to some head-scratching. For an explanation, maybe you need to look no further than the guy occupying Ruiz’s position in center field, J.J. Bleday. It’s very early but Bleday was the fourth overall draft pick by Miami in 2019. He entered the season with that baseline talent — and still had just a .190 career average. However, Bleday started 2024 on fire, enjoying perhaps his best week as a big leaguer with 15 total bases over Oakland’s first six games. We need to see much, much more of this to buy in, but on a team that needs all the good news it can get, Bleday’s early play is a reason to smile. — Doolittle
The first AP poll of the 2025 college football season has been released. Texas begins the season at No. 1 followed by Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson and Georgia.
Texas is ranked No. 1 in the preseason coaches’ poll. The Longhorns face a major test right away. Their Aug. 30 opener at defending champion and third-ranked Ohio State is a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal, a 28-14 Buckeyes win in the Cotton Bowl.
The SEC leads the way with 10 teams in the AP Top 25, the most ever by one conference. The Big Ten is second with six teams represented.
With the season about to start, here’s one big stat to know for each team in the AP Top 25.
Stats courtesy of ESPN Research.
All times Eastern
2024 record: 13-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 at Ohio State, noon, Fox
Stat to know: 26. The Longhorns’ 26 turnovers last season were the fifth most in the FBS, yet they still had a plus-5 turnover margin thanks to their 31 takeaways, which were second in the country.
2024 record: 13-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Nevada, 3:30 p.m., CBS
Stat to know: 3,237. Penn State led all Power 4 teams in rushing last season with 3,237 yards. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, who each rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, return in 2025.
2024 record: 14-2
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Texas, noon, Fox
Stat to know: 84. QB Julian Sayin, a freshman in 2024 and former five-star recruit, has thrown for just 84 career yards. However, he is the leading passer on Ohio State’s roster.
2024 record: 10-4
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. LSU, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Stat to know: 0-3. Clemson went 0-3 against the SEC in 2024 (Georgia, South Carolina, Texas). The Tigers haven’t lost four straight games to the SEC since doing so across three seasons from 1974-76.
2024 record: 11-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Marshall, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Stat to know: 53-5. That’s Georgia’s record over the past four seasons, with three of the losses coming to Alabama. Michigan (48-8) and Ohio State (47-8) are the only other FBS schools with fewer than 10 losses in that span.
2024 record: 14-2
Week 1: Aug. 31 at Miami, 7:30 p.m., ABC
Stat to know: 5. The Irish have five true road games this season (Miami, Arkansas, Boston College, Pitt, Stanford). The program last won more than three true road games in 2021 (4-0), compiling an 8-4 record in true road games since then (3-0 last season).
2024 record: 13-1
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Montana State, 4 p.m., BTN
Stat to know: 39. Since 2022, when Dan Lanning took over as head coach, Oregon has led the country in points per game with 39. The Ducks will have a new starting QB in 2025 (Dante Moore). It’s the third year in a row with a different starting QB.
2024 record: 9-4
Week 1: Aug. 30 at Florida State, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Stat to know: 4. Last season, Alabama had four losses for the first time since 2007, which also was the last time the Tide finished outside of the AP top 10. They ended 2024 ranked 17th.
2024 record: 9-4
Week 1: Aug. 30 at Clemson, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Stat to know: 125. Linebacker Whit Weeks, a rising junior, was second in the SEC last season with 125 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
2024 record: 10-3
Week 1: Aug. 31 vs. Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m., ABC
Stat to know: 150. Of Miami’s top seven receivers from 2024, only tight end Elija Lofton is back in 2025. He had 150 yards on nine catches last season.
2024 record: 11-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Northern Arizona, 10 p.m., ESPN+
Stat to know: 39. The Sun Devils have to replace All-Big 12 first-team running back Cam Skattebo, who accounted for 39% of the team’s scrimmage yards last season (T-4th in the FBS).
2024 record: 10-3
Week 1: Aug. 29 vs. Western Illinois, 7:30 p.m., Peacock
Stat to know: 10. Illinois has never won 10 games in consecutive seasons.
2024 record: 9-4
Week 1: Aug. 31 vs. Virginia Tech (in Atlanta), 3 p.m., ESPN
Stat to know: 261. In his first year as starting quarterback, LaNorris Sellers averaged 261 passing yards in his final six games — 100 more than he had averaged over his first six games.
2024 record: 8-5
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. New Mexico, 7:30 p.m., Peacock
Stat to know: 131. Michigan ranked 131st in passing in 2024, behind only the service academies. The Wolverines did bring in veteran Fresno State QB Mikey Keene and signed five-star QB Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025.
2024 record: 8-5
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Long Island, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Stat to know: 20. Florida recorded 20 sacks over its last four games of the season, fifth most among FBS teams after Week 11 and the most among non-CFP teams.
2024 record: 11-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. East Texas A&M, 9 p.m., ACC Network
Stat to know: 40.8. Last season the Mustangs scored 40.8 points per game (fifth most in the FBS) after Kevin Jennings took over as starting QB against TCU in Week 4.
2024 record: 9-4
Week 1: Aug. 23 vs. Iowa State (in Dublin), noon, ESPN
Stat to know: 605. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson led all Big 12 quarterbacks in rushing in 2024 with 605 yards.
2024 record: 6-7
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Illinois State, 6 p.m., ESPN+
Stat to know: 26. The Sooners have played in a bowl game in 26 consecutive seasons. Only Georgia (28) has a longer active streak.
2024 record: 8-5
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. UTSA, 7 p.m., ESPN
Stat to know: 16.2%. Defensive end Cashius Howell had a 16.2% pressure rate last season, the sixth best among FBS players and best of any returning SEC player.
2024 record: 11-2
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Old Dominion, 2:30 p.m., FS1
Stat to know: 8. Should Indiana win eight or more games, it would mark the first time since 1987 and 1988 that the Hoosiers won at least eight games in consecutive seasons.
2024 record: 10-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Georgia State, 7:45 p.m., SEC Network
Stat to know: 45. Ole Miss returns 45% of its defensive production. In 2024, the Rebels ranked first in the SEC in points allowed per game (14.4) and rush yards allowed per game (81).
2024 record: 11-3
Week 1: Aug. 23 vs. Kansas State (in Dublin), noon, ESPN
Stat to know: 5.35. Iowa State yielded 5.35 yards per rush in 2024, which ranked 126th in the FBS. ISU allowed 81 carries of 10 or more yards last season, ranking 125th in the FBS.
2024 record: 8-5
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 7:30 p.m., ESPN+
Stat to know: 2018. The Red Raiders have not appeared in an AP poll since 2018. No power conference program has played more games as an unranked team over the past six seasons than Texas Tech (74). On the other hand, 89 FBS programs have played at least one game as an AP-ranked team since 2019.
2024 record: 10-3
Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Syracuse (in Atlanta), noon, ABC
Stat to know: 39. Tennessee returns 39% of its offensive production from last season, which is ranked 110th in the FBS for returning offensive production. Nico Iamaleava was the headliner among the departures, but the Vols brought in App State QB Joey Aguilar, who has thrown 56 touchdown passes in the past two seasons.
2024 record: 12-2
Week 1: Aug. 28 at USF, 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Stat to know: 2,601. Boise State is looking to replace Ashton Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards. The Broncos brought in Fresno State transfer Malik Sherrod, who rushed for 966 yards and 10 total touchdowns in 2023. Sherrod appeared in only five games in 2024 before suffering an ankle injury.
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Pamela Maldonado
Before the first whistle of the 2025 college football season blows and play begins, the betting market is already moving. Week 1 lines are live at ESPN BET with season win totals and futures shaping up. Each team in the preseason AP top 25 poll has a story, whether it’s a rebuild, a reload or a revenge tour.
I’ve combed through the markets and picked one betting angle for every Top 25 ranked team, including win totals, long shots and even some bets for Week 1. There is plenty of head-to-head matchups, stability edges and fade-worthy hype. Here are 25 bets to consider before the college football chaos begins.
All odds are accurate as of time stamp. All times Eastern. For the latest odds go to ESPN BET.
The bet: Texas to miss the playoff (+220)
Texas is currently the favorite to win the national championship at ESPN BET, but this feels more like hype than substance. If the Longhorns drop two road games at Ohio State and Georgia, they have zero margin for error the rest of the way. And winning games against teams like Florida, Kentucky and Texas A&M isn’t guaranteed with such a young roster. All three games are tricky spots for Texas, especially late in the year. Even with a strong recruiting class, asking Arch Manning to go nearly perfect through that stretch is a lot. That’s why Texas going 10-2 feels like the smart bet. Taking the Longhorns to miss the playoff has real value.
The bet: Penn State over 10.5 wins (+120)
Penn State is built for another deep playoff run this year. Drew Allar enters his third season as the Nittany Lions’ starter with continuity around him. Top backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton return, and while Tyler Warren is gone, the receiving room stays intact with Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans. The key is Allar taking the next step, but the pieces are there. With OC Andy Kotelnicki in his second year and a veteran core, this team is ready. Trusting James Franklin is a big ask but with an experienced roster, the path is clear for Penn State to take a leap.
The bet: Ohio State (-2.5) vs. Texas
Week 1 brings a heavyweight showdown in Columbus, a game of experience versus transition. Texas rolls in with tons of hype around QB Arch Manning but question marks remain, as the Longhorns attempt to break in a new quarterback and new skill players after losing their top two wideouts and key depth in the backfield.
The defending champion Buckeyes aren’t starting from scratch. Ohio State returns core defensive pieces and still has firepower at receiver with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The Buckeyes’ defense could be the difference against a Texas offense likely to lean heavily on the ground game early. Also, Ohio State rarely loses at Ohio Stadium, where it has gone 27-3 since 2021.
The bet: Tigers to make the playoff (-145)
I’m all in on the Tigers this year. Don’t be surprised if Cade Klubnik is the best quarterback in the country by December. He has got the experience, the green light and a trio of dangerous receivers in Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore. Continuity and talent are finally aligned for the Tigers on offense as well as a friendly schedule with LSU as the only true litmus test early. While I’m not quite ready to say Clemson is my pick to win the national championship, the Tigers are a team to watch in 2025. Look for a lot of Clemson’s games to go over as this offense will be electric.
The bet: Georgia over 9.5 wins (-180)
The Bulldogs have questions, a new quarterback, a revamped offensive line and unproven edge rushers, but they’re still stacked with recruiting talent and depth at nearly every position. They get Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss and Kentucky all at home, where they’re an absurd 47-1 since 2017. QB Gunner Stockton has the tools, the defense is still loaded and the receiving room finally has explosiveness. Even if this team isn’t vintage Georgia, 10 wins feels more like the Bulldogs’ floor than their ceiling.
The bet: Head-to-head Most Regular Season Wins: Notre Dame (-130) vs. Texas
Notre Dame’s defense is the reason they could go undefeated, and it starts up front. Despite losing three starters on the defensive line, the Irish return 11 linemen who combined for nearly 2,400 snaps last season, which means this group is deep, experienced and versatile. The Irish added key transfers and have multiple breakout candidates like freshman quarterback CJ Carr. The defense is loaded with size, length and pass-rushing upside and can rotate in waves. Against a Texas team still retooling with a new quarterback and key losses at the skill positions, Notre Dame has a stable path to more wins this season.
The bet: Oregon to miss the playoff (+210)
I’m not as high on Dante Moore as the market. He has arm talent but struggled with turnovers, pressure and consistency when he last started as a freshman at UCLA in 2023. He also lacks the mobility to escape the pocket when things break down. Losing WR Tez Johnson to the NFL strips away a key weapon, especially in the short and intermediate game. That impact showed late in the season where Oregon nearly lost 16-13 to Wisconsin without him. If Moore doesn’t progress quickly and Johnson’s absence lingers, this team will take a step back.
The bet: Alabama to miss the playoff (+125)
This is a wager against the current roster’s limitations, road vulnerability and a path with no margin for defensive error. The Crimson Tide’s defense isn’t what it used to be. In 2024 they were ranked 52nd in run defense while giving up scores on 85% of red zone trips on the road. Throw in road games at Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina and Auburn. The offense might keep Alabama alive, but with key losses on defense, 10-2 feels more like the ceiling. In a crowded 12-team Playoff, that might not be enough. The name still carries weight, but the cracks are there.
The bet: LSU under 8.5 wins (+135)
The Tigers at plus money have value when you consider their schedule and roster concerns. LSU opens the season at Clemson, a more complete team, then travels to Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma, all three teams with strong home-field edges. Even home games against Florida and South Carolina are not guaranteed wins. Especially with an offensive line in transition after losing both starting tackles to the NFL and a run game that is relying on a freshman to carry the load after the team averaged just 116 yards per game this past season, 104th in the country. Most of the wide receiver room is new, so early chemistry with QB Garrett Nussmeier could take time. There’s talent, but between the turnover, health questions and a brutal road slate, nine wins is a tall ask.
The bet: Notre Dame (-2.5) at Miami
This isn’t a bet on Miami, but it’s a wager that offers the most value. Notre Dame returns a loaded defense with depth, experience and a pass rush that can expose Miami’s rebuilt receiving corps. The Hurricanes are still replacing their top five receivers, starting a new quarterback in Carson Beck and rolling out a brand-new defensive coaching staff. That’s a lot of moving parts against a team with continuity and Playoff expectations. If Beck’s turnover issues from this past season show up early, Notre Dame has the defense to make the Hurricanes pay. The bet on Miami is Beck to throw an interception in this game.
The bet: Arizona State under 8.5 wins (-135)
I don’t love this, but it makes more sense when you factor in the loss of Cam Skattebo. He accounted for over 2,300 yards (rushing and receiving) and 21 of the team’s 30 rushing touchdowns. Without him, the pressure shifts entirely to second-year quarterback Sam Leavitt, who’s talented but still young, and now without his safety valve. The Sun Devils’ schedule looks manageable on paper, but close games become harder to close without Skattebo’s power and consistency. ASU still has upside, but losing its most reliable weapon lowers the floor.
The bet: Illinois under 7.5 wins (+130)
Call it contrarian, but I’m not as high on the Illini as others. Yes, they beat Nebraska, Michigan and South Carolina this past season, but those wins came with major context. Michigan was still figuring itself out early in the season, and the Citrus Bowl win came in a watered-down matchup filled with opt-outs. Losing Josh McCray to Georgia, the Illini’s most physical running back and leader in rushing scores, matters. The backfield is still solid, but not as proven, and with a tougher schedule ahead, under eight wins could be valuable.
The bet: South Carolina over 7.5 wins (-105)
This is an underrated play given the ceiling the Gamecocks have built around quarterback LaNorris Sellers and what he brings to this team. He has Jayden Daniels potential as a dual-threat QB with the ability to carry a team when the defense is in transition. Yes, South Carolina’s defense lost a lot of experienced players, but the system remains aggressive and there are still difference-makers in edge Dylan Stewart and DB Jalon Kilgore. The Gamecocks finished 2024 with six straight regular season wins and now have momentum, confidence and a clear offensive identity. If the young skill guys step up even modestly, Sellers can guide South Carolina to a winning season.
The bet: Michigan to win the Big Ten (+850)
The Wolverines closed this past season with three straight wins, including impressive performances at Ohio State and against Alabama. They should be able to use that momentum this season with a deep group of pass rushers and a secondary that could be among the best in the country. Michigan’s schedule sets up well for a potential undefeated Big Ten run, with The Game back in Ann Arbor where Michigan has won four straight in the rivalry. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood, a 5-star recruit, provides upside and depth far better than last year’s carousel. If the quarterback position hits, along with the defense, this ticket has legs.
The bet: Florida under 7.5 wins (-135)
The juice on this bet isn’t ideal, but it’s warranted. Florida’s schedule is brutal with road trips to LSU and Texas A&M, plus games against Texas, Georgia and Tennessee — all teams with solid defenses. Quarterback DJ Lagway has potential, but he has dealt with shoulder issues and has no proven depth behind him. The Gators’ defense finished strong this past year but are thin in the interior and their secondary has durability concerns, especially with DB Devin Moore. If Lagway misses any time or the trenches wear down, this could easily be a 6-6 season for Florida with Billy Napier heading out the door.
The bet: SMU over 8.5 wins (-120)
With Kevin Jennings back at quarterback, SMU’s passing game is ready to roll. Jennings brings big-play ability and has experience around him in proven receivers Jordan Hudson, Romello Brinson and tight end RJ Maryland. The Mustangs’ passing offense should be their strength again, especially early while the backfield settles in. If Jennings can cut down on his turnovers, this team’s floor is nine wins.
The bet: Kansas State to win the Big 12 (+550)
Quarterback Avery Johnson has taken the next step as a leader and passer, and the offense is balanced with a deep backfield and a promising receiver group. The Wildcats’ defensive front is among the best in the conference, and linebacker Austin Romaine gives them a true anchor. Kansas State’s early schedule is quirky, but winnable, starting with Iowa State in Dublin, a game the Wildcats should handle. If the secondary holds up, this veteran team has all the tools to make a serious run at the conference title.
The bet: Oklahoma under 6.5 wins (+135)
Cal transfer running back Jaydn Ott brings name recognition, but he wasn’t fully healthy this past season and didn’t log a single 100-yard rushing game. Even if Ott and Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer click in this offense, the Sooners’ offensive line is still a major liability after giving up 50 sacks in 2024. I like Mateer’s potential. He is a solid quarterback, but Oklahoma’s schedule is brutal with Michigan early followed by what could be a challenging game against Texas and games against South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Alabama in a row. For a team that went 2-6 in the SEC this past season and still lacks proven playmakers, seven wins feels like a reach.
The bet: Texas A&M over 7.5 wins (-170)
I’m high on the Aggies but fully aware I’m probably walking into heartbreak again. The Aggies offense has serious upside with dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed, a healthy RB Le’Veon Moss and one of the best offensive lines in the country. Mike Elko’s defense collapsed late this past year, including a blown 17-point lead to USC, but they also shut out Texas in the second half and made key portal additions. Elko took over playcalling and publicly called out the issues: coverage, tackling and focus. If Texas A&M’s defense makes even a moderate jump, eight wins should be this team’s floor.
The bet: Indiana over 8.5 wins (+115)
There are only two clear roadblocks for Indiana this season, Iowa and Penn State. Everything else is winnable, especially with quarterback Fernando Mendoza stepping into an offensive system that just set school records for scoring and upgraded the offensive line and backfield. The defense returns All-American talent at every level and finished seventh in points allowed last year. With continuity, explosive skill talent and a proven head coach in Curt Cignetti, this is a program built to sustain success. At plus money, the Hoosiers upside is worth the risk.
The bet: Ole Miss to miss the playoff (-190)
The Rebels lost nearly their entire defensive identity with most of the secondary gone. Offensively, quarterback Austin Simmons is talented but unproven, and he’s playing behind an offensive line replacing four starters. That’s not a great setup with road trips to Georgia and Oklahoma on the schedule, both could expose the Rebels’ inexperience behind center and vulnerable defense. Add in home games against LSU and South Carolina, two teams with explosive skill players and physical fronts. Even if the Ole Miss offense holds up, the defense has too many question marks, and four potential losses means the playoff is likely out of reach.
The bet: Iowa State-Kansas State over 49.5
The Big 12 can be a volatile conference so let’s go straight to a Week 0 play. Iowa State’s run defense ranked 105th nationally this past year and now faces a Kansas State offense that thrives on the ground with dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson. Add in the Cyclones’ pass rush concerns, just 17 sacks in 14 games, and a reworked defensive line still searching for chemistry and it’s easy to see where explosive plays could come from. Both teams return experienced quarterbacks, and with defenses typically starting slow early in the season, especially internationally, this neutral-site opener has all the ingredients for a high scoring affair.
The bet: Texas Tech over 8.5 wins (-140)
Quarterback continuity with Behren Morton means steady production at the most important position. Offensive line upgrades give Morton time to attack vertically and keep the run game strong, utilizing added players to the receiving group and backfield. Adding LBs David Bailey and Romello Height and Lee Hunter up front, turn the the Red Raiders’ defensive front into a strength, while added secondary depth lets defensive coordinator Shiel Wood be aggressive and fix last year’s leaky pass defense. Texas Tech’s schedule is front-loaded, with a strong chance to start 4-0. From there, splitting the tougher road games gets them to 9-3, making over 8.5 wins worth backing despite the -140 price.
The bet: Tennessee over 8.5 wins (+105)
The Volunteers’ defense is legit, one of the most disruptive in the SEC and that gives them a reliable floor in a season full of toss-up games. With this sneaky athleticism, Joey Aguilar might be unproven at this level, but he could bring more mobility than last year’s starter and enough upside to keep the offense functional. While not a true dual-threat, he moves well in the pocket, can extend plays, and is comfortable throwing on the run. Aguilar has all the tools, but it’s still projection, not production. With a veteran defensive line, solid corners, and DB Boo Carter emerging as a weapon in all three phases, this is a team that can grind out wins even when their offense isn’t perfect. If Aguilar settles in early, a 9-3 record is within reach.
The bet: Boise State to win the Mountain West (-125)
Taking Boise State over 9.5 wins at -190 is a heavy tax with little reward. The Broncos have a 21-2 record in Mountain West play since 2022. Their toughest league opponents this season, UNLV, Fresno State and Colorado State, are all home games. If the Broncos go 7-1 or 8-0 in conference play, they will likely host the conference title game on their home blue turf. Even if they lose to Notre Dame and Air Force, they could still easily win the Mountain West. Consider skipping the juiced win total and take a bet on the clearer path for the Broncos against a soft conference schedule.
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