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On the heels of a weekend that brought more big developments than any other so far this season, the College Football Power Rankings have been shaken up accordingly.

In a game fans won’t forget anytime soon, Alabama and Georgia put on a show that had us on the edge of our seats until the end. It was a matchup between undefeated conference opponents and Alabama ended up walking out of Bryant-Denny Stadium with a 4-0 record.

It’s a season in which true freshmen are making their mark and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is showing he’s a real problem for opposing defenses. Smith is three touchdowns shy of a program record and we’re only five weeks into the regular season.

With Oklahoma State and Illinois both losing over the weekend, Boise State and Rutgers join the rankings following Week 5 wins and big performances from Ashton Jeanty for the Broncos and Kyle Monangai for the Scarlet Knights.

Here’s the latest top 25 from our college football experts, who provide their insight on each team’s Week 5 performance.

No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Previous ranking: 5

Alabama had owned Georgia with Nick Saban as coach, and now it’s Kalen DeBoer’s time. It was DeBoer’s debut in the rivalry, and this one was wild until the end with Alabama holding on to win 41-34 after leading 28-0 in the first half. A pair of true freshmen came up huge for the Crimson Tide (4-0). Receiver Ryan Williams scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 75-yard catch and spin move to the end zone. And then with Georgia driving to potentially tie the score, cornerback Zabien Brown intercepted Georgia quarterback Carson Beck in the end zone.

DeBoer said afterward there was obviously celebration in the locker room, but added, “We expect to win these games.” He has won a bunch of them, too. He’s 13-2 in his past 15 games against AP nationally ranked teams and has lost only three games as a power conference coach, including his two seasons at Washington. Alabama still has some tough tests remaining, notably Tennessee and LSU on the road. The Tide travel to Vanderbilt this coming weekend. — Chris Low


Previous ranking: 1

This is how good Texas is: The Longhorns, with their backup quarterback, muddled through a sloppy start in their SEC opener against Mississippi State, lost two fumbles, dropped a wide-open touchdown pass and had eight offensive penalties. But they still rolled up 522 yards and won by 22 over the Bulldogs.

It helps, certainly, that Arch Manning is their backup quarterback and could start at most every school in America, throwing for 324 yards, two touchdowns and rushing for 33 more and another TD. But going into a bye week, the Longhorns are 5-0, have played most of their roster during three nonconference wins in which they outscored opponents 159-10, and added a 31-12 road win at Michigan for an exclamation point. — Dave Wilson


No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes

Previous ranking: 4

True freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith again stole the show, this time, with a pair of dazzling one-handed grabs, as the Buckeyes easily dispatched Michigan State 38-7. With five receiving touchdowns already, Smith is only three scores away from breaking Cris Carter’s record set in 1984 for most receiving touchdowns by an Ohio State true freshman in a season. Smith also scored a 19-yard touchdown on a reverse in the second quarter that helped break the game open.

In Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have had four receivers drafted in the first round in the past three years. Smith-Njigba told ESPN over the summer that Smith could be ready for the NFL by next year. Smith, however, won’t be eligible for the draft until 2027. That is a scary proposition for opposing Big Ten defenses. — Jake Trotter


Previous ranking: 3

While Georgia and Alabama were playing one of the wildest games of the season, Ole Miss was falling to Kentucky and Texas was working a little harder than expected to get past Mississippi State, Tennessee was kicked back on a bye week, basking in the glow of a 4-0 start and a 216-28 scoring margin.

The Vols have been mostly untested, and they’ll be comfortably favored in their next couple of games — a road test at Arkansas and a visit from Florida in Knoxville — before a third Saturday in October visit from Alabama. The Tennessee defense has given up the fewest points and yards per drive in FBS, and the offense has rediscovered its explosiveness. But the tests resume soon enough. — Bill Connelly


Previous ranking: 2

Kirby Smart didn’t mince words. He said he didn’t have his team ready to play Saturday in a 41-34 loss to Alabama. The Bulldogs (3-1) fell behind 28-0 before rallying valiantly and taking the lead in the fourth quarter. That kind of fight should serve Georgia well the rest of the way because the Bulldogs have a grueling schedule. They still have to play at Texas, at Ole Miss and get Tennessee at home. Georgia’s defense was much better in the second half against Alabama and kept the Bulldogs in the game.

Perhaps the most disappointing thing for Georgia is that quarterback Carson Beck has not played particularly well the past two games. He wound up throwing for 439 yards and three touchdowns Saturday but turned the ball over four times. His final pick was in the end zone in the final seconds with Georgia trying to tie the score. The Bulldogs need to get Beck back to playing with the efficiency he displayed last season if they’re going to stay in the playoff race. — Low


Previous ranking: 7

Well, that was close. It would be easy enough to look at Week 5’s narrow escape against Virginia Tech Hokies as a reminder that nothing about this Miami season is guaranteed, and the relatively painless first four weeks were but an hors d’oeuvre to a much tougher conference slate.

On the other hand, it could also be a reminder — if you’re into the whole “vibes” thing — there’s something entirely special about this particular group of Canes, and the magic of Cam Ward‘s shovel pass, Xavier Restrepo‘s catch from his back, to Schrödinger’s replay, which was somehow both right and wrong at once. If nothing else, it was probably some needed adversity for a team that will still face plenty more ahead. — David Hale


Previous ranking: 9

At times it looked as if Oregon was going to blow out UCLA by more than 30 points. And yet, there were still moments during Saturday night’s 34-13 win over the Bruins in which the Ducks seemed to be sleepwalking their way into danger against an inferior opponent. A pick-six thrown by Dillon Gabriel (albeit not his direct fault) gave UCLA life that, though short-lived, again raised some eyebrows about the Ducks’ ability to handle better teams than the ones they’ve faced so far.

Still, their talent on both sides of the ball (over 400 yards on offense while giving up fewer than 200 on defense) remains not just undeniable but enough to carry them through dry spells. That’s more than enough to stay undefeated — for now. — Paolo Uggetti


Previous ranking: 8

The Nittany Lions didn’t play their cleanest game but wore Illinois down in a grinding 21-7 win. Penn State’s standout running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 196 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Penalties hampered Penn State, including a block in the back that wiped out what would’ve been a game-clinching touchdown return on an interception.

Sander Sahaydak also missed two 40-yard field goal attempts, and Penn State squandered another scoring opportunity in the red zone, failing to convert on a fourth-and-3. Still, the Nittany Lions controlled the game and are now the only FBS team to begin 4-0 in each of the past four seasons, according to ESPN Research. More importantly, Penn State remains firmly in the thick of the playoff race. — Trotter


Previous ranking: 11

Last we saw of Mizzou, the Tigers were laboring into overtime to get past Vanderbilt. It wasn’t the most top-10 worthy performance in the world, but they got to 4-0 and got to soak in a bye week before a huge trip to Texas A&M this coming Saturday.

Aside from a couple of long-pass glitches, the defense has been mostly awesome, giving up only 12 points per game. But the offense has underachieved, failing to top 27 points in regulation against either of their two power conference opponents so far. Last year, when the Tigers had to raise their game, they very much did so. To live up to top-10 hype and remain in the playoff race, they’ll have to do the same starting this coming Saturday. — Connelly


Previous ranking: 12

The Wolverines recorded a one-score home win for the second straight week, but the team’s outlook doesn’t look quite as promising as it did after beating USC. Michigan again failed to eclipse 100 passing yards, as Alex Orji had 86 — an improvement from 32 against USC — with a touchdown and an interception. But Michigan’s run game wasn’t nearly as potent, even though Kalel Mullings continued to bully his way for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

The Wolverines were outgained in consecutive wins for the first time since 2005, as a Wolverines defense that stoned Minnesota for three quarters really struggled down the stretch, giving up 21 points and 109 yards in the final 14:01. All-American Mason Graham led the defense with two sacks and a quarterback hurry, but Michigan must find a way to balance its offense with Orji or the losses will start coming in October. — Adam Rittenberg


Previous ranking: 14

The Tigers did not get off to as fast a start on offense as their previous two games, but you would never know it if you just looked at the 40-14 final against Stanford. The Cardinal played Clemson much tougher at the outset, before eventually being worn down. Cade Klubnik scored five total touchdowns and now has 16 touchdowns in the past three wins.

The defense gave up an uncharacteristic 236 yards rushing (5.4 yards per carry) but made plays when it mattered, including forcing three turnovers and three fourth-down stops. Next up is a trip to Florida State, where former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei awaits. Clemson sits 2-0 in the ACC with a schedule that looks more manageable by the week. — Andrea Adelson


Previous ranking: 15

For the second week in a row, the Trojans started off sluggish against a Big Ten opponent, but Lincoln Riley’s team made the second-half adjustments necessary to bounce back from a deficit. While a failed goal-line stand at Michigan cost the Trojans their first loss of the season last week, on Saturday against Wisconsin at home, USC didn’t falter. It erased an 11-point halftime deficit with 28 unanswered points in the second half thanks to a strong passing day from Miller Moss, who found nine different receivers for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.

The Trojans’ new-look defense continued to look the part as it didn’t allow a point over the last two quarters and had a pick-six by linebacker Mason Cobb that sealed the result — the program’s biggest win after trailing by 10 points or more at the half in 25 years. Now four games into the season, it’s clear new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has not only revamped the unit, but more importantly, has shown he’s able to make key adjustments during games to shut down opposing offenses with authority. — Uggetti


Previous ranking: 18

Matt Campbell became the winningest coach in Iowa State history Saturday thanks to a 20-0 road victory at Houston, securing the first 4-0 start of Campbell’s nine-season tenure. This was an ugly 3-0 game at halftime, but the Cyclones eventually pulled away with a 240-yard effort from their run game and another excellent effort from Jon Heacock’s defense.

Houston went 1-for-10 on third downs and did not reach the red zone once against a unit that now ranks fourth in FBS in scoring defense at 7.3 points per game. With Baylor and West Virginia up next, a 6-0 start looks entirely possible. — Max Olson


Previous ranking: 16

The Irish saw a bit of everything in their first full month of the season, and came up on the other side still with their CFP hopes probably intact. Notre Dame has clear flaws on offense, especially in the passing game, and was outgained 395-280 in Saturday’s win against Louisville, while running 22 fewer plays than the Cardinals. The Irish are still looking for a convincing offensive performance at home, although quarterback Riley Leonard showed some promise Saturday, completing 17 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, and leading Notre Dame with 52 rushing yards and a score.

Coach Marcus Freeman’s main theme afterward was to maintain “an aggressive mentality,” which he displayed by attempting consecutive fourth-down conversions despite a 10-point lead and a struggling offense. Notre Dame overcame several injuries to key defenders against Louisville and gets a well-placed open week to heal up before hosting Stanford on Oct. 12. — Rittenberg


Previous ranking: 6

One of the most explosive offenses in the country, at least against teams with lesser personnel, got a little dose of reality Saturday. Ole Miss, which had scored a total of 220 points in its first four games, was stopped in its tracks in a 20-17 home loss to Kentucky. The Rebels were held to 92 rushing yards and were just 1-of-10 on third down. And on defense, Ole Miss couldn’t get off the field, as Kentucky nearly doubled Ole Miss in time of possession (39:43 to 20:17).

As damaging a loss as it was for Lane Kiffin and the Rebels (4-1), they still have some chances for resumé-building wins as they now head into the teeth of their schedule, which looked to be one of the more manageable ones in the SEC back in August. Ole Miss goes on the road the next two games, at South Carolina next week and then at LSU on Oct. 12. That will be seven games in seven weeks for the Rebels, and both the Gamecocks and Tigers will be coming off bye weeks. There’s also a home game against Georgia looming on Nov. 9. In other words, the road to the playoff just got a lot more difficult for Ole Miss. — Low


Previous ranking: 20

After jumping out to a 28-7 lead against Baylor, it looked as if the Cougars were on their way to another lopsided Big 12 win, but they were kept out of the end zone in the second half as Baylor cut the deficit to six with 10 minutes left. BYU combined for only two yards over its next three drives, but Baylor wasn’t able to capitalize and the Cougars remain undefeated. With an upcoming bye week, they’ll try to avoid the fate rival Utah suffered over the weekend — a loss at home to Arizona — in an attempt to remain undefeated. The Cougars and Iowa State are the only remaining Big 12 undefeated teams this season. — Kyle Bonagura


Previous ranking: 17

After the season-opening loss to USC, LSU has won four in a row, albeit against teams it should beat, and now the Tigers get a week off before diving into the toughest part of their schedule. LSU (4-1) routed South Alabama 42-10 on Saturday with the Garrett Nussmeier-to-Kyren Lacy connection working well. Nussmeier passed for 409 yards and two touchdowns (also two interceptions), and Lacy had five catches for 107 yards.

LSU had 11 different players catch passes, and the offense rolled up 667 yards. After the bye week, LSU gets Ole Miss at home on Oct. 12 and then road games at Arkansas and Texas A&M before another bye week and then Alabama at home on Nov. 9. If LSU is indeed a playoff team, we should know after that stretch. — Low


Previous ranking: 23

The Wildcats bounced back strong from their first loss of the season with a convincing 42-20 win against Oklahoma State, in a matchup between two of the Big 12’s preseason favorites. Running back DJ Giddens was particularly impressive, running for 187 yards on 15 carries, and quarterback Avery Johnson ran for two scores and threw for three more. With a bye week before back-to-back road games against Colorado and West Virginia, Kansas State should gain more confidence as Johnson gains more experience. — Bonagura


Previous ranking: 22

No first-year coach has brought a more dramatic surge of success and excitement than Indiana’s Curt Cignetti this fall. The Hoosiers are 5-0 for the first time since 1967 — the last time the team shared a Big Ten title — after Saturday’s 42-28 win against Maryland. They also have their highest five-game points total (244) in team history. Even the first signs of shakiness from quarterback Kurtis Rourke couldn’t slow him down or Indiana’s offense, which overcame turnovers on three of its first five drives.

Beginning late in the first half, the Hoosiers scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives as Rourke revved up the big-play passing attack. Elijah Sarratt (128 yards) and Omar Cooper Jr. (78 yards) led the way as Rourke averaged 16.3 yards per completion. Cignetti won’t like four turnovers, but his team still won comfortably thanks to the passing game and a defense that recorded five sacks, two by James Carpenter. — Rittenberg


Previous ranking: 10

It was only a matter of time, it seemed, for the Cam Rising injury saga to catch up with the Utes — and it finally did. With true freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson thrust into another start — this time against a dangerous Arizona team — the Utes were not able to find key conversions when it mattered.

They were 0-for-4 on fourth down, turned three straight red zone trips to open the game into only three points and Wilson tossed two picks in a 23-10 loss to Arizona. With a bye week upcoming, there is some hope Rising will be able to return against Arizona State on Oct. 11, but his availability is firmly in believe-it-when-we-see-it territory. — Bonagura


No. 21 Boise State Broncos

Previous ranking: NR

In what is not a current Pac-12 matchup but will be a future Pac-12 matchup between two teams that are part of the new, seven-team league (for now), the Ashton Jeanty show again took center stage. Jeanty continued his Heisman campaign with a ridiculous performance that nearly matched his record-breaking Week 1 game. On 26 carries, Jeanty totaled 259 yards on the ground and four touchdowns, including a 64-yard score and a 59-yard score on his way to fueling the Broncos’ 45-24 win over undefeated Washington State.

It’s not just the sheer numbers Jeanty is putting together that are impressive (he has 13 touchdowns and is averaging over 10 yards per carry), it’s the way in which he’s doing it. Jeanty has become must-watch TV every time he touches the ball as he’s prone to make defenders miss and rack up yards after contact over and over again. Is he more or less carrying Boise State’s offense? Yes. But right now, that is enough to make the Broncos one of the 20 best teams in the country. — Uggetti


Previous ranking: 24

Brent Venables called it Sooner Magic, and he certainly has a point. How else can you rationally explain what Oklahoma pulled off against Auburn? Down 21-10 early in the fourth quarter of its first SEC road test, the Sooners dug deep and played their best football late, rallying for a 27-21 victory.

New starting quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. sparked the rally with a 60-yard shot to J.J. Hester to set up the first score, and linebacker Kip Lewis made an epic play to flip the game, a 63-yard pick-six with less than 5 minutes left. Oklahoma needed this win in a lot of ways and found a way to get it done. That’s a confidence booster for this squad as it begins preparing for Texas and the Red River Rivalry. — Olson


Previous ranking: 13

After a relatively quiet 3-0 start, Louisville had the chance to make a real splash against Notre Dame and essentially remove the Irish from the CFP picture. Notre Dame provided opportunities, fumbling the opening kickoff and again fumbling near its goal line. But coach Jeff Brohm’s team ultimately couldn’t capitalize, despite spectacular catches from wide receivers Caullin Lacy and Ja’Corey Brooks, solid play from quarterback Tyler Shough and a defense that held Notre Dame to 43 yards in the third quarter.

Louisville had sizable edges in yards, plays and third-down conversions (7-2), but had only one long touchdown drive. Stanquan Clark led a strong defensive effort in the second half. But an inexplicable delay-of-game penalty on fourth-and-1 in the closing seconds sidetracked a potential tying or winning drive for Louisville, one of several moments that will sting Brohm and his players after a missed opportunity in South Bend. — Rittenberg


Previous ranking: 25

How many of these top-25 teams could lose their starting QB and play better without them? The Rebels responded to Matthew Sluka’s sudden departure over an NIL compensation dispute by playing one of their best games yet under coach Barry Odom, a dominant 59-14 win over Fresno State.

New QB Hajj-Malik Williams, a sixth-year senior transfer from Campbell, was excellent through the air (13 of 16 for 182 yards and three TDs) and on the ground (119 rushing yards, one TD) and got a ton of help with UNLV’s defense grabbing four interceptions and its special teams scoring two touchdowns. With the win, UNLV has achieved its first AP Top 25 ranking in program history. If this team can stay on track, the UNLV-Boise State showdown on Oct. 25 will have serious College Football Playoff implications. — Olson


No. 25 Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Previous ranking: NR

Greg Schiano entered the season very confident about his team, and he has been proven right so far. Rutgers is 4-0 for the first time since 2012 and has reflected the brand of football Schiano loves — strong line-of-scrimmage play, bruising defense and a run game led by star Kyle Monangai, who had 132 rushing yards and a touchdown in Friday’s win against Washington, including a highlight-reel 40-yarder when Rutgers was backed up to its own 2-yard line in the third quarter.

Linebacker Dariel Djabome (12 tackles) led a defense that bent but rarely broke, giving up only 2-of-12 third-down conversions and let Washington implode with its own mistakes. Rutgers played clean, efficient football, converting both of its red zone trips into touchdowns and improving to 15-1 since 2020 when not committing a turnover. The Scarlet Knights aren’t a dominant team and will need more from their passing attack as the Big Ten schedule gets tougher, but they’re in position for a very solid season. — Rittenberg

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Minus Knowles, OSU celebrates title in Columbus

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Minus Knowles, OSU celebrates title in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State, the first team to run the gauntlet of four playoff games on its way to the national title, celebrated with 30,000 Buckeyes fans on Sunday at Ohio Stadium.

The Buckeyes did so without their defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, in attendance. On a day when coach Ryan Day lauded Knowles at the podium as “the defensive coordinator of the best defense in the country that was completely dominant in the playoff,” Knowles, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel, was finalizing a deal to join Penn State in the same capacity.

Indeed, the celebration marked a time of change within the program. Just after athletic director Ross Bjork said he was working on a package to make Day the Buckeyes coach “for years to come,” news of Knowles leaving brought immediate attention to Day’s staff.

Roster wise, 13 of 22 playoff starters are out of eligibility, and those seeking an NFL roster spot include quarterback Will Howard, Sawyer and his fellow captains: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and linebacker Cody Simon.

Players leaving the team early for the draft include running back Quinshon Judkins and cornerback Jordan Hancock.

Despite all of that, fans braved 30-degree temperatures to welcome home a team that beat five top-10 rivals on its way to the title, including Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Texas in the Cotton Bowl and Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game.

“It took everybody to become national champions, and today we say thank you,” Day told the crowd.

Ohio State was the first to win the inaugural four-team playoff a decade ago and became the first to win the 12-team version.

It did so in dominating fashion, trailing for just 6 minutes, 5 seconds across 240 minutes of playing time and beating every opponent by double figures.

The team also overcame criticism from a regular-season loss to rival Michigan, which generated calls for Day’s removal.

Among those who addressed the crowd Sunday was defensive end Jack Sawyer, whose scoop-and-score in the waning minutes of the Texas game is now part of Buckeyes lore.

“What I love about this team is it really embodies what it’s like to be from Ohio,” said Sawyer, who is from Pickerington, Ohio. “You get punched in the mouth, you always get back up and keep fighting. That’s what everybody in Ohio does and will continue to do.”

As the Buckeyes look ahead to next season, the locker room is far from empty.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is expected to take the reins from Howard, and he will have prime targets with the anticipated return of star receiver Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Ohio State also picked up former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson from the transfer portal and former Purdue tight end Max Klare.

All-American safety Caleb Downs is not draft eligible, and defensive veterans Sonny Styles and Davison Igbinosun have announced they will return in 2025.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Sources: Penn St. finalizing deal for DC Knowles

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Sources: Penn St. finalizing deal for DC Knowles

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

Knowles is expected to agree to a three-year deal that will average $3.1 million per season, which will make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football. He is believed to be the first coordinator in college football to make a base salary of at least $3 million.

Knowles made a base salary of $2.2 million last season, and his compensation got close to $3 million with bonuses in the wake of Ohio State’s national title run. The Buckeyes extended an offer to Knowles, sources told ESPN, that would have made him the highest-paid coordinator in the country, ahead of Michigan‘s Wink Martindale and LSU‘s Blake Baker, who are both set to earn $2.5 million next season.

Knowles also received interest from Notre Dame and Oklahoma, sources told ESPN.

He led Ohio State to the No. 1 defense in the country this past season, finishing first in total defense and scoring defense at just 12.9 points per game. The Buckeyes were No. 3 in run defense and No. 3 in passing yards allowed.

The move marks a significant maneuver within the Big Ten, as Penn State returns a sizable core of its College Football Playoff team from 2024 and should be considered among the favorites for the national title next season.

Knowles will have some key players to work with. Defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant will be linchpins, along with cornerback A.J. Harris and linebacker Tony Rojas.

The return of quarterback Drew Allar and tailbacks Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, along with a strong offensive line, will be the root of Penn State’s preseason optimism for 2025.

Knowles, who will replace new Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen, is a veteran coordinator who worked at Duke from 2010 to 2017 and Oklahoma State from 2018 to 2021. Knowles has been at Ohio State since 2022, with this past season’s unit representing his best work. Ohio State is expected to have eight players from that 2024 defense drafted, including the entire starting line.

The Philadelphia native has had an unusual path through the sport, as he played at Cornell and began his coaching career at the Ivy League school in the late 1980s. He worked as Cornell‘s head coach from 2004 to 2009, going 26-34, before becoming the defensive coordinator at Duke.

He is coming off strong back-to-back seasons at Ohio State, as the Buckeyes finished No. 2 nationally in scoring defense in 2023.

Ohio State will be on the hunt for a new coordinator. The Buckeyes will return three starters from their national title defense, with all three set to be decorated in the preseason.

Safety Caleb Downs earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and will be among the top prospects for the 2026 NFL draft. Linebacker Sonny Styles is set to emerge as a top prospect after winning second-team all-conference honors, and cornerback Davison Igbinosun is a two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten performer who is returning with the goal of becoming a first-round pick.

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2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25: Where do Ohio State and Notre Dame rank?

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2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25: Where do Ohio State and Notre Dame rank?

ATLANTA — Ohio State’s high-powered offense proved to be too much for Notre Dame in the Buckeyes’ 34-23 victory in Monday’s national title game.

The Buckeyes captured their first national title in 10 years and first under coach Ryan Day. It was the school’s seventh national championship overall.

Even with Ohio State having a boatload of players who are expected to move on and be chosen in April’s NFL draft, the Buckeyes are No. 1 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2025.

The Buckeyes will still have star players, such as receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, and they’ll plug holes with another top recruiting class and group of transfers.

Ohio State will be looking for a new quarterback as well, but it won’t be alone among the potential CFP contenders. Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, Oregon and others will be developing new signal-callers, too.

Here’s the 2025 ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25:

2024 record: 14-2, 7-2 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Carnell Tate, S Caleb Downs

Key losses: RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Emeka Egbuka, QB Will Howard, G Donovan Jackson, LB Cody Simon, S Lathan Ransom, DE Jack Sawyer, DE JT Tuimoloau, CB Denzel Burke

2025 outlook: After winning the program’s third national championship since 2002, the Buckeyes are going to undergo a bit of a makeover — but so are most of the other Big Ten contenders. The core group of seniors who came back in 2024 — led by Sawyer, Henderson, Egbuka and others — will be missed. Julian Sayin, a five-star prospect who transferred from Alabama, will probably be QB1 after Devin Brown and Air Noland entered the transfer portal. Sayin will have the luxury of throwing to Smith, the best receiver in the FBS, and the Buckeyes picked up tailback CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) and tight end Max Klare (Purdue) from the portal. Ohio State’s offense will be even better if RB Quinshon Judkins decides to come back. Some younger players will have to step up on the defensive line and in the secondary, but at least Downs is coming back.


2024 record: 13-3, 7-1 SEC

Key returning players: QB Arch Manning, RB Quintrevion Wisner, LB Anthony Hill Jr., DE Colin Simmons, DE Trey Moore, S Michael Taaffe

Key losses: QB Quinn Ewers, WR Matthew Golden, OT Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Cameron Williams, S Andrew Mukuba, CB Jahdae Barron, TE Gunnar Helm

2025 outlook: In their first season in the SEC, the Longhorns more than proved they were good enough to compete, reaching the SEC title game and CFP semifinals. With Ewers moving on, the highly anticipated Manning era will kick off in 2025. The Longhorns will have to rebuild their offensive line and replace some key receivers, including Golden and Isaiah Bond. There are big losses up front, with Banks, Williams, center Jake Majors and guard Hayden Conner departing. There’s a good nucleus returning on defense, led by linebackers Hill and Simmons, but three of the top four defensive backs are leaving. The Longhorns added linebacker Brad Spence (Arkansas) and defensive linemen Cole Brevard (Purdue) and Travis Shaw (North Carolina) from the portal. Texas opens the season Aug. 30 at Ohio State, a big early test for Manning.


2024 record: 13-3, 8-1 Big Ten

Key returning players: QB Drew Allar, RB Kaytron Allen, RB Nicholas Singleton, C Nick Dawkins, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, S Zakee Wheatley, CB A.J. Harris

Key losses: DE Abdul Carter, TE Tyler Warren, S Jaylen Reed, G Sal Wormley, DT Dvon J-Thomas, LB Kobe King

2025 outlook: With Allar, Allen and Singleton returning, the Nittany Lions might get a senior boost like Ohio State did in 2024. Penn State came up short against Notre Dame in a CFP semifinal game at the Orange Bowl, but it was coach James Franklin’s best season. If Allar can take another step as a passer, and Franklin can find him some capable receivers, the Nittany Lions might be even better on offense in 2025. Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans, the team’s two top receivers in 2024, entered the transfer portal. Penn State added Troy’s Devonte Ross, who caught 76 passes for 1,034 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2024, and USC’s Kyron Hudson. Carter and King are big losses on defense, and so is former coordinator Tom Allen, who left for Clemson. The Nittany Lions host Oregon and Indiana in Happy Valley and play at Ohio State on Nov. 1.


2024 record: 14-2

Key returning players: RB Jeremiyah Love, RB Jadarian Price, WR Jordan Faison, WR Jaden Greathouse, LB Drayk Bowen, S Adon Shuler

Key losses: QB Riley Leonard, TE Mitchell Evans, DT Rylie Mills, S Xavier Watts, CB Benjamin Morrison, LB Jack Kiser, DT Howard Cross III

2025 outlook: With two solid coordinators and vastly improved recruiting, the Fighting Irish seem to be only scratching the surface under dynamic head coach Marcus Freeman. The Irish recovered from a shocking early loss to Northern Illinois at home to reach the CFP National Championship game. They’ll miss Leonard’s leadership, but the coaching staff is excited about freshman CJ Carr, the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who was rated the No. 2 pocket passer in the 2024 recruiting class by ESPN. He battled an elbow injury on his throwing arm this past season. Backup Steve Angeli will compete with Carr for the job. There’s plenty of depth coming back on the offensive line, along with Love and tailback Jadarian Price. The Irish could use more game-changing receivers — they added Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin) from the portal. A few key players will have to be replaced on defense, and tackles Jared Dawson (Louisville) and Elijah Hughes (USC) and safeties DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech) should help fill some holes.


2024 record: 11-3, 6-2 SEC

Key returning players: QB Gunner Stockton, RB Nate Frazier, TE Oscar Delp, TE Lawson Luckie, LB CJ Allen, LB Raylen Wilson, S KJ Bolden, CB Daylen Everette

Key losses: QB Carson Beck, G Tate Ratledge, RB Trevor Etienne, LB Jalon Walker, S Malaki Starks, S Dan Jackson, LB Smael Mondon Jr., DE Mykel Williams

2025 outlook: The Bulldogs seemed a bit disjointed throughout much of the 2024 season, but they still won an SEC championship and reached the CFP for the fourth time in the past eight seasons. Stockton played well in his first start, a 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinals. He will go into the offseason as the front-runner to replace Beck, who left for Miami. Georgia has to do a better job of blocking up front, catching the football and tackling on defense. It’s time for Kirby Smart to get back to the basics. The Bulldogs added former Texas A&M receiver Noah Thomas and USC receiver/kick returner Zachariah Branch from the portal. Safeties Jaden Harris (Miami) and Adrian Maddox (UAB) were important pickups with Starks and Jackson leaving. Georgia’s schedule won’t be quite as hard as it was in 2024, but the team still plays Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas at home and Tennessee, Auburn, Florida (in Jacksonville, Florida) and Georgia Tech on the road.


2024 record: 13-1, 9-0 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Evan Stewart, LB Devon Jackson, LB Teitum Tuioti, LB Matayo Uiagalelei, RB Noah Whittington, C Iapani Laloulu

Key losses: QB Dillon Gabriel, WR Tez Johnson, WR Traeshon Holden, RB Jordan James, OT Josh Conerly Jr., OT Ajani Cornelius, DE Jordan Burch, DT Derrick Harmon, CB Jabbar Muhammad

2025 outlook: The Ducks went 13-0 and captured a Big Ten title in their first season in the league. But their dream season came to a crashing halt with an ugly 41-21 loss to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals. Now, Oregon coach Dan Lanning faces a massive rebuilding job on both sides of the ball. But with a No. 1 recruiting class and a few transfer portal pickups on the way, there’s reason to believe the Ducks won’t fall too far. Former five-star prospect Dante Moore, who redshirted in 2024 after transferring to UCLA, is the favorite to replace Gabriel. Stewart’s return is a boost, and receiver Dakorien Moore of Duncanville, Texas, was the jewel of Oregon’s recruiting class. The Ducks are going to need plenty of young players to step up on defense, with only a few starters returning.


2024 record: 10-4, 7-1 ACC

Key returning players: QB Cade Klubnik, WR Antonio Williams, WR Bryant Wesco Jr., LB Sammy Brown, LB Wade Woodaz, DL T.J. Parker, DL Peter Woods, OT Blake Miller

Key losses: RB Phil Mafah, LB Barrett Carter, S R.J. Mickens, TE Jake Briningstool, G Marcus Tate, DL Payton Page

2025 outlook: Maybe Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is doing it the right way, and we were all wrong. Swinney caught plenty of flak for not utilizing the transfer portal after his team’s ugly 34-3 loss to Georgia in the opener. However, the Tigers rebounded to win another ACC title and reach the CFP. They’ll undoubtedly be the team to beat in the league in 2025, with Klubnik, Williams, Woodaz, Parker, Woods and Miller all electing to return for another season. With Williams, Wesco and T.J. Moore coming back, Clemson’s passing game might be even better. Finding a No. 1 tailback, after Mafah’s eligibility ended and Jay Haynes tore his ACL in the ACC championship game, will be a priority in the spring. The defense will have a new leader after Swinney fired coordinator Wes Goodwin and replaced him with Penn State’s Tom Allen. And guess what? Clemson signed three players from the portal: edge rushers Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama) and Will Heldt (Purdue) and receiver Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State).


2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB Garrett Nussmeier, RB Caden Durham, WR Aaron Anderson, LB Whit Weeks, CB Ashton Stamps, LB Harold Perkins Jr., S Jardin Gilbert

Key losses: WR Kyren Lacy, WR CJ Daniels, OT Will Campbell, OT Emery Jones Jr., TE Mason Taylor, G Garrett Dellinger, G Miles Frazier, LB Greg Penn III, DE Bradyn Swinson

2025 outlook: After the Tigers lost at least three games for the third straight season under Brian Kelly, they seem to be all-in heading into 2025. LSU added more than a dozen players from the transfer portal, including defensive ends Patrick Payton (Florida State) and Jack Pyburn (Florida), receivers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky), offensive linemen Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and Josh Thompson (Northwestern) and cornerback Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech). Nussmeier threw for 4,043 yards with 29 touchdowns this past season, and his return might give LSU an edge over other SEC contenders. Rebuilding the offensive line and shoring up a defense that surrendered 24.3 points per game will be areas of focus in the offseason. It has to be better in 2025, right?


2024 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Jake Retzlaff, RB LJ Martin, WR Chase Roberts, WR/KR Keelan Marion, LB Harrison Taggart, LB Isaiah Glasker, LB Jack Kelly, S Tanner Wall

Key losses: CB Jakob Robinson, DE Tyler Batty, DE Isaiah Bagnah, CB Marque Collins, S Crew Wakley, OT Brayden Keim, C Connor Pay

2025 outlook: If the 2024 season was any indication, you could probably pick any of four teams (or more) to win a Big 12 title. Arizona State, BYU and Colorado were unlikely contenders this past season, and the Cougars are bringing back top playmakers Retzlaff, Martin, Roberts and Marion. There are a couple of starters who will have to be replaced on the offensive line, but reinforcements from the transfer portal should help. On defense, four of the top five tacklers should return, although BYU will have to reload up front. Kalani Sitake has built a solid program that should contend in the Big 12 each season. The Cougars won’t play Arizona State or Kansas State during the regular season, and road games at Iowa State and Colorado might be tricky.


2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB LaNorris Sellers, WR Mazeo Bennett Jr., LT Josiah Thompson, S Jalon Kilgore, DE Dylan Stewart, DE Bryan Thomas Jr., S DQ Smith

Key losses: S Nick Emmanwori, DT T.J. Sanders, DE Kyle Kennard, LB Debo Williams, LB Demetrius Knight Jr., G Kamaar Bell, C Vershon Lee, G Torricelli Simpkins III, RB Raheim Sanders

2025 outlook: After a bounce-back campaign in which the Gamecocks won four more games than in 2023 — including victories over Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson — they’ll have to replace the heart and soul of their defense this offseason. There are big personnel losses at all three levels, including Sanders and Kennard up front and Emmanwori on the back end. Three additions from the portal — defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Texas A&M), LB Shawn Murphy (Florida State) and end Jaylen Brown (Missouri) — might be able to help. Sellers will be working under new offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and improving his pocket presence and consistency will be a priority. Rahsul Faison, who ran for 1,109 yards with eight touchdowns at Utah State in 2024, will get a chance to replace leading rusher Sanders. If Sellers improves, the Gamecocks might be an even bigger surprise in 2025.


2024 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Rocco Becht, RB Carson Hansen, RB Abu Sama III, LB Kooper Ebel, S Jeremiah Cooper, CB Jontez Williams, DL Domonique Orange, LB Caleb Bacon, TE Benjamin Brahmer

Key losses: WR Jaylin Noel, WR Jayden Higgins, C Jarrod Hufford, OT Jalen Travis, S Beau Freyler, DE Joey Petersen, DT J.R. Singleton, CB Myles Purchase, S Malik Verdon, CB Darien Porter

2025 outlook: After one of the best seasons in program history (the Cyclones had never won 10 games or more), there’s one goal left for Matt Campbell to achieve — win the program’s first conference title in 113 years. With Becht and two good tailbacks returning, Iowa State has some firepower returning on offense. But it will greatly miss Noel and Higgins, who each caught at least 80 passes with more than 1,100 yards in 2024. Iowa State is bringing in transfer receivers Xavier Townsend (UCF) and Chase Sowell (East Carolina). A few key contributors are leaving on defense, but much of one of the better secondaries in the FBS is coming back. The Cyclones play Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, to open the season and will host BYU and Arizona State at home.


2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: RB Jam Miller, WR Ryan Williams, WR Germie Bernard, C Parker Brailsford, OT Kadyn Proctor, DE LT Overton, LB Justin Jefferson, CB Zabien Brown

Key losses: QB Jalen Milroe, LB Jihaad Campbell, G Tyler Booker, S Malachi Moore, LB Que Robinson, DT Tim Smith

2025 outlook: The Crimson Tide’s first season under coach Kalen DeBoer was frustrating for Alabama fans, who had grown accustomed to Nick Saban’s consistency over the previous 16 seasons. The Tide lost more than three games in a season for the first time since Saban’s first campaign in 2007. Given DeBoer’s track record of success, expect a second-year leap in the SEC — but maybe not back into CFP title contention quite yet. Replacing Milroe will be a focus in the spring; Ty Simpson, onetime Washington transfer Austin Mack and five-star prospect Keelon Russell will battle for the job. The offensive line has a couple of holes to plug, but the receiver corps should be great with Williams and Bernard returning.


2024 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big Ten

Key returning players: QB Luke Altmyer, RB Aidan Laughery, OT J.C. Davis, C Josh Kreutz, CB Xavier Scott, LB Gabe Jacas, LB Dylan Rosiek, SS Matthew Bailey, FS Miles Scott, RB Josh McCray

Key losses: WR Pat Bryant, WR Zakhari Franklin, NT TeRah Edwards, DE Dennis Briggs Jr., LB Seth Coleman

2025 outlook: The Illini are coming off a breakthrough year under coach Bret Bielema, producing the program’s first 10-win season since the 2001 squad went 10-2 and played in the Sugar Bowl. Now, the challenge is putting together back-to-back successful seasons — Illinois hasn’t had consecutive winning campaigns since going 7-6 in 2010 and 2011. All of the pieces are there for the Illini to run it back in 2025, especially after Davis, Scott and others decided to return. Bryant and Franklin will be missed on the perimeter. Bielema added West Virginia’s leading receiver, Hudson Clement, and Ball State’s Justin Bowick from the portal. All five starters are coming back on the offensive line. The Illini surrendered 21.7 points per game in 2024, but they should be better with so many starters returning. Illinois plays three difficult road games at Indiana, Washington and Wisconsin, and hosts USC and Ohio State at home.


2024 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Sam Leavitt, WR Jordyn Tyson, RB Kyson Brown, S Myles Rowser, S Xavion Alford, LB Keyshaun Elliott, LB Jordan Crook, CB Javan Robinson, DE Clayton Smith

Key losses: RB Cam Skattebo, WR Xavier Guillory, LB Caleb McCullough, S Shamari Simmons, C Leif Fautanu

2025 outlook: There’s no question the Sun Devils are going to face an uphill climb in replacing Skattebo’s production on offense. Not only did the All-America running back pile up 1,711 yards with 21 touchdowns on the ground, but he had 605 receiving yards and even threw for a score. Kanye Udoh, who ran for 1,117 yards with 10 touchdowns at Army last season, should be first in line to replace Skattebo. ASU brings back some key players in Leavitt and Tyson, who were outstanding in their first seasons in the desert. Cornerbacks Nyland Green (Purdue) and Adrian Wilson (Washington State) might help shore up a secondary that ranked 81st against the pass (226.7 yards) in 2024.


2024 record: 11-3, 8-0 ACC

Key returning players: QB Kevin Jennings, S Isaiah Nwokobia, G Logan Parr, OT Savion Byrd, OT PJ Williams, S Ahmaad Moses, CB Jaelyn Davis-Robinson

Key losses: RB Brashard Smith, DL Jared Harrison-Hunte, C Jakai Clark, DE Elijah Roberts, LB Kobe Wilson, WR Key’Shawn Smith

2025 outlook: After reaching the ACC title game and the CFP in their first season in the league, the Mustangs will have plenty of work to do in the offseason to get back into contention. The good news is that quarterback Jennings, despite a rough performance in a 38-10 loss to Penn State in a CFP first-round game, is returning. The bad news: There are plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball departing. Leading rusher Brashard Smith, leading receivers Roderick Daniels Jr. and Key’Shawn Smith, and top defensive linemen Roberts and Harrison-Hunte are all departing. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee is bringing in at least a dozen new players through the portal — quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (Wisconsin), center Addison Nichols (Arkansas) and defensive end DJ Warner (Kansas) are among the most notable.


2024 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big 12

Key returning players: QB Avery Johnson, RB Dylan Edwards, WR Jayce Brown, TE Garrett Oakley, C Sam Hecht, LB Austin Romaine, S VJ Payne, LB Desmond Purnell

Key losses: RB DJ Giddens, WR Keagan Johnson, OT Easton Kilty, DE Brendan Mott, LB Austin Moore, S Marques Sigle, CB Jacob Parrish

2025 outlook: The Wildcats won at least nine games for the third straight season in 2024, and their record would have been better if not for dropping three of their last four regular-season games. Johnson is back after piling up 3,317 yards of offense with 32 scores. Replacing Giddens won’t be easy, but onetime Colorado player Edwards ran for 546 yards last season. Brown’s decision to return bolsters the receiver corps, which added Jerand Bradley (Boston College), Jaron Tibbs (Purdue) and Caleb Medford (New Mexico). Mott, Moore and Sigle were key players on defense. Cornerback Amarion Fortenberry (South Alabama), safety Gunner Maldonado (Arizona) and edge player Jayshawn Ross (Alabama) were intriguing pickups from the portal. Kansas State opens the season against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, and plays Army at home.


2024 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Elijah Sarratt, WR Omar Cooper Jr., OT Carter Smith, G Drew Evans, LB Aiden Fisher, CB D’Angelo Ponds, S Amare Ferrell, DE Mikail Kamara

Key losses: QB Kurtis Rourke, RB Justice Ellison, TE Zach Horton, C Mike Katic, LB Jailin Walker, S Shawn Asbury II, NT CJ West, DT James Carpenter

2025 outlook: Fresh off the greatest season in the 126-year history of the Indiana program, in which the Hoosiers won more than nine games for the first time and reached the CFP, coach Curt Cignetti is trying to reload through the transfer portal again. The Hoosiers are bringing in nearly 20 transfers, led by former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024. Tailback Lee Beebe Jr. (UAB), receiver Makai Jackson (Appalachian State) and tight end Holden Staes (Tennessee) were important additions on offense as well. Defensively, the Hoosiers have good production returning at linebacker and cornerback. Kamara’s return gives them a pass-rushing threat, and defensive tackles Hosea Wheeler (Western Kentucky) and Dominique Ratcliff (Texas State) could fill holes in the interior line. Indiana’s nonconference schedule is soft (Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and FCS program Indiana State at home), and it’ll play Big Ten road games at Iowa, Oregon and Penn State.


2024 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

Key returning players: C Jake Slaughter, LT Austin Barber, QB DJ Lagway, RB Jadan Baugh, RB Ja’Kobi Jackson, WR Eugene Wilson III, TE Hayden Hansen DE Tyreak Sapp, DE George Gumbs Jr.

Key losses: LB Shemar James, WR Elijhah Badger, WR Chimere Dike. RB Montrell Johnson Jr.. DT Cam Jackson, QB Graham Mertz. P Jeremy Crawshaw, CB Jason Marshall Jr.

2025 outlook: Florida coach Billy Napier likes to say that momentum matters in college football, and his Gators are carrying plenty into the offseason after closing 2024 with a four-game winning streak. End-of-the-season and bowl results can be fool’s gold as well, so it might be a bit premature to get carried away about the Gators. More than anything, Florida fans should have hope after Lagway looked like a star in the making during the streak. The Gators will also bring back Baugh, another impressive freshman in 2024, and Slaughter, their All-America center. J.Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) transferred in to help a depleted receiver corps. Napier also signed two four-star wideout recruits, Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III. The biggest concern: Florida will again play one of the most difficult schedules in the FBS. The Gators have home games against Texas, Georgia (Jacksonville) and Tennessee and road contests at LSU, Miami, Texas A&M and Ole Miss.


2024 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC

Key returning players: QB Nico Iamaleava, WR Mike Matthews, RB Peyton Lewis, LB Arion Carter, CB Jermod McCoy, CB Rickey Gibson III, LB Jeremiah Telander

Key losses: RB Dylan Sampson, DE James Pearce Jr., WR Squirrel White, WR Bru McCoy, WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., C Cooper Mays, OT John Campbell Jr., G Javontez Spraggins

2025 outlook: After winning nine games or more for the third straight season and reaching the CFP, Josh Heupel has some work to do this offseason, especially on offense. It wouldn’t be surprising to see UT take a step back in 2025. The Volunteers are losing Sampson, the SEC’s leading rusher with 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns, and their top three receivers (McCoy and Thornton exhausted their eligibility, and White entered the transfer portal). Three starting offensive linemen will also have to be replaced. The Vols added former Arizona guard Wendell Moe Jr. and five-star tackle prospect David Sanders. There’s a solid nucleus coming back on defense, but Tennessee will miss Pearce’s production on the edge. The Volunteers will open the season against Syracuse in Atlanta, and they’ll play Georgia at home and Alabama and Florida on the road.


2024 record: 9-4, 5-3 ACC

Key returning players: WR Chris Bell, RB Isaac Brown, LB TJ Quinn, LB Stanquan Clark, C Pete Nygra, RB Duke Watson, S D’Angelo Hutchinson, OT Trevonte Sylvester

Key losses: QB Tyler Shough, WR Ja’Corey Brooks, DE Ashton Gillotte, DE Ramon Puryear, CB Quincy Riley, S M.J. Griffin, S Tamarion McDonald, G Michael Gonzalez

2025 outlook: The Cardinals lost four games for the second straight season under Jeff Brohm, but there’s no question the 2024 campaign could have been much better. Louisville dropped three games by seven points — against Notre Dame, SMU and Miami — then somehow lost at Stanford 38-35 on Nov. 16. Brohm landed former USC quarterback Miller Moss to lead the offense, and Brown is a blossoming star after breaking Lamar Jackson’s freshman rushing record with 1,173 yards to go with 11 touchdowns. The offensive line should be a strength, even after left tackle Monroe Mills transferred to Virginia. The Cardinals have added 20 players from the portal to shore up both sides of the ball, including top defensive end Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina), linebacker Darius Thomas (Western Kentucky) and cornerback Jabari Mack (Jacksonville State).


2024 record: 8-5, 5-4 Big Ten

Key returning players: LB Ernest Hausmann, LB Jaishawn Barham, DE TJ Guy, DE Derrick Moore, DL Rayshaun Benny, S Rod Moore, C Greg Crippen, G Giovanni El-Hadi, K Dominic Zvada, TE Marlin Klein

Key losses: DT Mason Graham, DT Kenneth Grant, CB Will Johnson, S Makari Paige, DE Josaiah Stewart, TE Colston Loveland, RB Kalel Mullings, RB Donovan Edwards, OT Myles Hinton

2025 outlook: The Wolverines salvaged coach Sherrone Moore’s first season by stunning rival Ohio State 13-10 and knocking off Alabama 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. If Michigan is going to build on that momentum, it will have to get better quarterback play from freshman Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Moore fired offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell and replaced him with Chip Lindsey, who called plays at North Carolina the previous two seasons. Lindsey will try to revamp an offense that failed to produce a 40-yard passing play in 2024. The Wolverines are losing two potential first-round picks in Graham and Grant. They added former Alabama five-star recruit Damon Payne Jr. to help fill one of the holes. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, so it’s unclear if he’ll remain in college football in 2025.


2024 record: 8-5, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB Marcel Reed, RB Le’Veon Moss, RB Rueben Owens, OT Trey Zuhn III, LB Taurean York, CB Will Lee III, S Dalton Brooks, LB Scooby Williams

Key losses: DE Nic Scourton, DT Shemar Turner, DE Shemar Stewart, DB Jaydon Hill, CB BJ Mayes, WR Noah Thomas, WR Jabre Barber

2025 outlook: Mike Elko’s first season at Texas A&M turned south when the Aggies dropped four of their last five games after a 7-1 start. The good news is Reed is returning, along with Moss and Owens, who suffered season-ending leg injuries in 2024. The Aggies hit the portal hard to beef up their receiver corps, adding NC State’s Kevin Concepcion, Mississippi State’s Mario Craver and Texas Tech’s Micah Hudson (although his future with the team is reportedly unclear). Even better, every offensive starter is expected to return. There are massive holes on the defensive front, and a couple of key players will have to be replaced in the secondary. Texas A&M plays road games at Notre Dame, LSU, Missouri and Texas.


2024 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC

Top returning players: RB Mark Fletcher Jr., RB Jordan Lyle, OT Markel Bell, G Matthew McCoy, DE Rueben Bain Jr., CB OJ Frederique Jr., OT Francis Mauigoa

Key losses: QB Cam Ward, OT Jalen Rivers, WR Xavier Restrepo, WR Jacolby George, WR Isaiah Horton, RB Damien Martinez, TE Elijah Arroyo, LB Francisco Mauigoa, DE Tyler Baron, DL Simeon Barrow Jr., DB Mishael Powell

2025 outlook: The Hurricanes will have to replace much of the core that looked loaded for bear in 2024 but came up short again with a late-season loss at Syracuse. Ward, a Heisman Trophy finalist, won’t be easily replaced. Miami is banking on former Georgia starter Carson Beck fully recovering from surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow. He isn’t expected to resume throwing until sometime this spring. The Hurricanes will have to restock their receiver room after the top six pass catchers from 2024 left, but they did get CJ Daniels (LSU), one of the top wideouts in the portal. The Hurricanes have also brought in cornerbacks Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Emmanuel Karnley (Arizona) and Ethan O’Connor (Washington State) and safety Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) to improve a porous secondary. Miami coach Mario Cristobal fired defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and replaced him with Minnesota’s Corey Hetherman.


2024 record: 12-2, 7-0 Mountain West

Key returning players: QB Maddux Madsen, TE Matt Lauter, OT Kage Casey, DT Braxton Fely, DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, LB Marco Notarainni, S Ty Benefield, S Zion Washington

Key losses: RB Ashton Jeanty, G Ben Dooley, WR Prince Strachan, DE Ahmed Hassanein, S Seyi Oladipo

2025 outlook: The Broncos claimed a second straight Mountain West Conference title and reached the CFP. Now they’ll begin life after Jeanty, who ran for an FBS-high 2,601 yards (890 more than Skattebo, the next-closest player) with 29 touchdowns in 2024. Obviously, it won’t be easy. Sire Gaines and Jambres Dubar will probably share carries, and the Broncos added former Fresno State tailback Malik Sherrod from the portal. The good news is that four starting offensive linemen are returning, including All-MWC tackle Casey on the left side. The defense brings back a plethora of experienced and productive players, starting with leading tackler Benefield and top sack man Virgin-Morgan. The Broncos play at Notre Dame on Oct. 4.


2024 record: 10-3, 5-3 SEC

Key returning players: QB Austin Simmons, WR, Cayden Lee, TE Dae’Quan Wright, LB TJ Dottery, LB Suntarine Perkins, DT Zxavian Harris

Key losses: QB Jaxson Dart, WR Jordan Watkins, WR Tre Harris, WR Antwane Wells Jr., LB Chris Paul Jr., CB Trey Amos, DT Walter Nolen, S Trey Washington, S John Saunders Jr., DE Jared Ivey, DE Princely Umanmielen

2025 outlook: The Rebels invested heavily in the transfer portal to make a run at an SEC championship this past season, but came up short and missed the CFP after a late loss at Florida. Ole Miss will undergo a big face-lift in 2025, with Dart and most of his top receivers leaving, as well as much of the offensive line. Pregame might not be as much fun in the Grove this fall. The defensive line will have a new look, with Umanmielen, Ivey, Nolen and JJ Pegues all departing. There are big losses in the secondary, too. Simmons, a left-handed passer, looked good in limited action in 2024. Kiffin is bringing in De’Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State), Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest) and Caleb Odom (Alabama) to replenish the receiver room. Pass rushers Princewill Umanmielen (Nebraska) and Da’Shawn Womack (LSU) were important pickups on defense.

Teams also considered: Auburn, Texas Tech, Missouri, Georgia Tech, Baylor, Duke, Washington, Nebraska, Iowa, Army, Colorado

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