Top Five Teams to Watch in the 2025 College Football Season
College football is getting intense in 2025. The countdown to Kickoff has begun, and the 2025 college football season promises seismic shifts, breakout stars, and championship-caliber clashes from powerhouse teams reloading with elite talent to rising contenders poised to disrupt the playoff picture. These five teams are set to capture national attention and redefine the gridiron narrative. Here's who you need to keep your eyes on this season.
Texas
The stage is set, and Arch Manning is stepping into the college football spotlight with all eyes locked on his next move. After two seasons of sitting behind Quinn Ewers, Manning now commands the offense. The offensive line is still undergoing adjustments. However, Manning's teammates are unbelievably good. Anthony Hill Jr. is raising the stakes coming off last season, where he had 113 tackles, eight sacks, and one interception. Texas also has outstanding running backs; Tre Wisner had 1,164 yards last season. If Texas starts the season with a fantastic game, they are bound to do well.
Penn State
With returning talent like quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nicholas Singleton. Penn State is going to have an amazing season. After coming within striking distance last season, their window of opportunity has now flung wide open. With perennial powerhouses Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon in rebuild mode, the Big Ten landscape is shifting-and the race for dominance is anyone's game. In addition to the new transfers like Trebor Pena and Kyron Hudson, the team has an advantage with speed and more people on the offense. This team is ready to take on 2025.
Ohio State
Keep in mind Ohio State. Sure, during the draft, they lost many great players, and both of the coordinators are new. Nevertheless, this team rebuilds like no one else. Brian Hartline is the head of the offense now, and former NFL head coach Matt Patricia is in charge of the defense. Julian Sayin is taking the reins under center, and he's not alone. He’s throwing to none other than Jeremiah Smith, widely regarded as the top wideout in college football. Add CJ Donaldson to the mix, bruising back fresh off a transfer from West Virginia, and the Buckeyes' offense looks prime to punish. Defensively, questions linger in the trenches, but the secondary boasts star power. Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles offer stability and swagger, anchoring, which will need to go fast.
Georgia
One of college football's other top dogs is not used to coming in with questions; unfortunately, 2025 brings plenty. Kirby Smart's roster boasts depth across the board, but refinement remains on the agenda. With Gunner Stockton now commanding the offense, his breakout performance in last year's Sugar Bowl serves as rocket fuel for a season brimming with expectations. Georgia's ground game stuttered last season, and with just one returning starter up front, questions linger in the trenches. Still, the Bulldogs are not short on firepower. Elite recruits anchor the offensive line, and explosive backs like Nate Frazier could ignite a swift resurgence. On the other side of the ball, the secondary is stacked with playmakers like KJ Bolden and Daylen Everette, while linebacker CJ Allen commands a youthful but surging defensive line.
Clemson
Clemson's flair is back- and it's not just talk. After three seasons adrift from the playoff spotlight, the Tigers roared through 2024 with an ACC title and a renewed sense of purpose. With 14 starters returning and Dabo Swinney finally leaning into the transfer portal, the blueprint for another national run is firmly in place. Quarterback Cade Klubnik found his rhythm last season, and now he's surrounded by explosive weapons like Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco. With four starters back on the offensive line, the foundation is solid.
