2025 post-spring Way-Too-Early Top 25: Where does Texas and Notre Dame rank?

2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25: Post-Spring Edition

With spring practice wrapped up and the transfer portal temporarily closed, the college football calendar is taking a brief pause. This lull provides the perfect opportunity to dive into the second edition of the 2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25. The rankings have seen significant changes since the initial release on January 20, with some teams experiencing as much turnover as Clemson’s roster, while others, like Texas Tech, have seen even more.

There’s a new leader at the top, with Penn State climbing from No. 3 to claim the No. 1 spot. This shift comes after defending College Football Playoff national champion Ohio State lost a significant number of players to the NFL draft, along with both of its coordinators. Following Penn State in the rankings are Clemson, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio State.

Meanwhile, Tennessee has dropped out of the rankings after losing quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the transfer portal. The Volunteers were previously ranked No. 19. Boise State, which was No. 24, is also no longer in the Top 25. On the other hand, Texas Tech and Oklahoma, both active in the transfer portal, have secured spots at No. 16 and No. 25, respectively.

Here’s a closer look at the top teams in the 2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25:

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

• 2024 record: 13-3, 8-1 Big Ten
• Previous ranking: 3
• 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 transfer portal additions: WR Trebor Pena (Syracuse), WR Devonte Ross (Troy), WR Kyron Hudson (USC), S King Mack (Alabama), DE Owen Wafle (Michigan), DE Enai White (Texas A&M)

2025 outlook: After a successful 2024 season under coach James Franklin, Penn State is poised for another strong year. With Allar, Allen, and Singleton returning, the Nittany Lions boast one of the most balanced offenses in the FBS. The addition of Pena, Ross, and Hudson is crucial, especially after the team’s receivers failed to make a reception in a 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in a CFP semifinal. On the defensive side, new coordinator Jim Knowles, who helped Ohio State to a national title, is a significant addition.

2. Clemson Tigers

• 2024 record: 10-4, 7-1 ACC
• Previous ranking: 7
• 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 transfer portal additions: DE Will Heldt (Purdue), LB Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama), WR Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State)

2025 outlook: Clemson’s offense is stacked with talent, including a deep receiver corps and an experienced offensive line. However, the team lacks a two-player attack at tailback, which remains a concern. The Tigers’ defense, which struggled against the run in 2024, has been bolstered by the addition of defensive coordinator Tom Allen and key players like Heldt.

3. Texas Longhorns

• 2024 record: 13-3, 7-1 SEC
• Previous ranking: 2
• Key returning players: QB Arch Manning, RB Quintrevion Wisner, LB Anthony Hill Jr., DE Colin Simmons, DE Trey Moore, S Michael Taaffe
• Key transfer portal additions: DL Maraad Watson (Syracuse), DL Travis Shaw (North Carolina), DL Cole Brevard (Purdue), DL Lavon Johnson (Maryland), P Jack Bouwmeester (Utah), TE Jack Endries (Cal), WR Emmett Mosley V (Stanford)

2025 outlook: The Arch Manning era is underway in Austin, and the Longhorns are looking to build on their success. Manning is ready to take over for Quinn Ewers, and the team has added key players through the transfer portal to bolster both the offense and defense.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

• 2024 record: 11-3, 6-2 SEC
• Previous ranking: 5
• Key returning players: QB Gunner Stockton, TE Oscar Delp, TE Lawson Luckie, LB CJ Allen, LB Raylen Wilson, S KJ Bolden, CB Daylen Everette
• Key transfer portal additions: RB Josh McCray (Illinois), LB Elo Modozie (Army), WR Noah Thomas (Texas A&M), WR Zachariah Branch (USC), S Jaden Harris (Miami), S Adrian Maddox (UAB), DL Josh Horton (Miami)

2025 outlook: Georgia’s receiver corps has been strengthened by the additions of Thomas and Branch, addressing a problem area from 2024. Stockton is expected to secure the starting quarterback position, and the team has made key additions on defense to fill gaps left by NFL departures.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

• 2024 record: 14-2, 7-2 Big Ten
• Previous ranking: 1
• Key returning players: WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Carnell Tate, WR Brandon Inniss, S Caleb Downs, CB Davison Igbinosun, CB Jermaine Mathews Jr., LB Arvell Reese, C Carson Hinzman, G Luke Montgomery
• Key transfer portal additions: TE Max Klare (Purdue), G Phillip Daniels (Minnesota), OT Ethan Onianwa (Rice), DE Beau Atkinson (North Carolina), OT Justin Terry (West Virginia)

2025 outlook: Ohio State faces the challenge of replacing key players and coordinators from their national championship-winning team. The quarterback battle between Sayin and Kienholz is one to watch, and the team will rely on its strong receiver corps. The defense has seen significant losses, but new coordinator Matt Patricia will look to make an impact.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, these rankings provide a snapshot of the current state of the top teams. With the transfer portal still in play and the season just around the corner, fans can expect more changes and surprises in the coming months.