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As the countdown to the 2025 college football season begins, the just-released Coaches Poll has ignited a wave of anticipation and excitement. The Texas Longhorns, for the first time in the history of the Coaches Poll, claim the No. 1 spot heading into the new season, closely followed by the Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 2. Their ranking sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive season opener between the two powerhouses on August 30 at Ohio Stadium.
Historic high for Texas Longhorns
The 2025 preseason Coaches Poll marks a historic moment for the Texas Longhorns, who have never previously opened the season as the No. 1 ranked team. Garnering 28 of the 67 first-place votes, Texas tops the elite list with confidence and momentum behind them.
This accolade comes as a result of a deep, balanced roster and high expectations following their successful 2024 campaign. The selection panel, comprised of coaches from across the nation, picked Texas over perennial title contenders, signaling a changing tide in the college football landscape.
Buckeyes hot on their heels
Ohio State, a team with no shortage of postseason pedigree, comes in at No. 2 with 20 first-place votes. The Buckeyes, known for their disciplined structure and explosive offensive schemes, now find themselves in a familiar position — right in the thick of the title hunt.
The anticipation couldn’t be higher for their clash against Texas on opening weekend, a game that not only holds playoff implications but could also set the tone for the entire college football season.
Top five stacked with contenders
Following Texas and Ohio State in the rankings are No. 3 Penn State (14 first-place votes), No. 4 Georgia (3), and No. 5 Notre Dame, whose consistency has kept them firmly within the national spotlight.
Clemson (No. 6) also attracted a pair of first-place votes and will host No. 9 LSU on August 30, while Alabama (No. 8) will travel to face Florida State the same day. The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes will take on Notre Dame in another marquee clash on August 31, making this opening weekend one of the most stacked in recent memory.
SEC and big ten dominate the rankings
The SEC once again flexes its muscle with nine teams making the top 25, including South Carolina (No. 12), Ole Miss (15), Florida (17), Tennessee (18), and Texas A&M (21). This shows the conference's depth and persistent dominance in recruiting and coaching.
The Big Ten also sees strong representation with six ranked programs, while the Big 12 follows with five. The ACC trails slightly with three, but has two teams in the top 10, thanks to Clemson and Miami.
Boise State represents group of five
The only Group of Five team to crack the preseason top 25 is No. 25 Boise State, underscoring the challenge non-Power Five programs face in making a national splash.
As preseason Coaches Poll spark debates and predictions, one thing is certain — Texas vs. Ohio State will be more than just a game. It will be a spectacle, a potential playoff preview, and possibly, a preview of a national title clash.
This early-season showdown, combined with a slew of high-stakes matchups across Week 1, reaffirms that the 2025 college football season is set to deliver blockbuster drama right from kickoff.
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