Ladies and gentlemen it is getting closer and closer to the start of football season! I know, the calendar just turned over to summer, but we all know how fast July goes!
Sportsvival is here to discuss our pre-season top 25 and our All-American teams. Enjoy!
TOP 25
#1-Texas Longhorns:
As the No. 1 team in the nation, Texas will debut Arch Manning under Steve Sarkisian in its first SEC season, with all eyes on his transition and the Longhorns’ new offensive identity en route to College Football Playoff contention. They start off the season against #2 Ohio State.
#2-Ohio State Buckeyes:
After capturing the National Championship, Ohio State under Ryan Day returns a star-studded defense and introduces a new quarterback while navigating a rugged Big Ten slate highlighted by a season opener against #1 Texas.
#3-Penn State Nittany Lions:
With Drew Allar returning as a Heisman Trophy contender and Andy Kotelnicki’s offense intact, Penn State aims for its first national title amid a Big Ten schedule featuring rematches vs. Oregon and at Ohio State.
#4-Clemson Tigers:
Led by Cade Klubnik’s maturation into a top-5 quarterback and an offense hailed as the best since Trevor Lawrence, Clemson must shore up its running back depth behind a rising young line to sustain College Football Playoff hopes.
#5-LSU Tigers:
Returning QB Garrett Nussmeier and a veteran offensive line, LSU seeks to contend for the SEC crown with a load of talent on offense and defense.
#6-Georgia Bulldogs:
Tasked with breaking in new QB Gunner Stockton and rejuvenating its run game, Georgia will lean on its nationally dominant defense and a schedule loaded with early tests—Tennessee, and Alabama—to secure another SEC title.
#7-Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
With an opener at Miami and first-ever road meetings at Arkansas and a home game against Boise State, Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman blends rivalry tradition with QB uncertainty as it aims for a return to the College Football Playoff.
#8-Miami Hurricanes:
Head coach Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes, featuring All-American candidates Francis Mauigoa and Reuben Bain and a revamped defense under Corey Hetherman, look to translate an 11-1 ceiling into an ACC title and CFP berth amidst volatility in key roles.
#9-Alabama Crimson Tide:
In Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama replaces Jalen Milroe at quarterback while retaining defensive stalwarts like Deontae Lawson and Keon Sabb, with a critical schedule that includes road games at Florida State and Georgia to restore national prominence.
#10-Oregon Ducks:
Oregon’s second straight Big Ten title defense hinges on sophomore QB Dante Moore stepping in for Dillon Gabriel and a more consistent ground attack as they seek revenge from their quarterfinal loss to Ohio State.
#11-South Carolina Gamecocks:
South Carolina returns LaNorris Sellers at quarterback and key defensive pieces under Shane Beamer, aiming to curb a turnover-prone offensive line and fumble woes while tackling road tests at LSU and a touch home matchup with Alabama in pursuit of SEC contention.
#12-Florida Gators:
Florida must maximize QB DJ Lagway’s development behind a rebuilt offensive line as it faces one of the nation’s toughest schedules in a make-or-break season for Billy Napier.
#13-Illinois Fighting Illini:
Building on Bret Bielema’s program transformation, Illinois returns QB Luke Altmyer and linebacker Gabe Jacas to lead a veteran roster poised for Big Ten title contention and a possible CFP bid after a breakthrough 10-3 season.
#14-Oklahoma Sooners:
Oklahoma’s second SEC season under Brent Venables features transfer QB John Mateer and RB Jadyn Ott in one of the nation’s top backfields while key games vs. Michigan and at Alabama tested the Sooners’ revival efforts.
#15-Arizona State Sun Devils:
Riding the biggest turnaround in college football history, Arizona State and Kenny Dillingham return Sam Leavitt at QB with championship expectations and an offense tasked with replacing All-American Cam Skattebo’s 1,700+ scrimmage yards.
#16-SMU Mustangs:
SMU’s ACC ascension continues under Rhett Lashlee with Heisman buzz around Kevin Jennings at quarterback, but the defense must improve its pass rush to sustain double-digit win totals in Year 2 in the league.
#17-Michigan Wolverines:
After upsetting #2 Ohio State, Michigan under Sherrone Moore bets on freshman QB Bryce Underwood to ignite the offense behind a rebuilt line while maintaining its traditional defensive dominance in a schedule featuring a pivotal trip to Oklahoma.
#18-Kansas State Wildcats:
With Avery Johnson emerging as a dual-threat Heisman candidate and Chris Klieman’s masterful portal strategy adding key pieces like WR- Jerand Bradley, Kansas State stands poised to win the Big 12 and break into the CFP after opening in Dublin against Iowa State.
#19-Ole Miss Rebels:
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels reload behind QB Austin Simmons and a new transfer-filled receiving corps, aiming to leverage a favorable SEC schedule (home games vs. Florida, LSU, and South Carolina) to return to College Football Playoff contention.
#20-Baylor Bears:
Facing 11 power-4 conference opponents, Baylor energizes its student section with home game themes—from a “Blackout on the Brazos” opener to a “Go Gold” night vs. Kansas State—while navigating a juggernaut Big 12 schedule under Dave Aranda.
#21-Boise State Broncos:
As the Group of 5 favorite, Boise State returns a stingy defense under Spencer Danielson and highlights its CFP bid with a marquee Oct. 4 road matchup against Notre Dame after a season-opening dash at USF.
#22-Indiana Hoosiers:
After a historic first CFP berth under Curt Cignetti, Indiana must replace Kurtis Rourke at QB and tighten turnover margins, leaning on rangy LB Tyrique Tucker and a secondary set to anchor a rugged Big Ten hunt.
#23-BYU Cougars:
In its third Big 12 season, BYU has a tough road schedule including Colorado, Arizona and Iowa State. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff looks to take another step in his development.
#24-Texas Tech Red Raiders:
Joey McGuire’s team kicks off with an FCS tune-up vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff and then battles a mix of Big 12 opponents—including Houston, BYU, and Utah State—aiming to improve its defense and reclaim its high-powered identity in Lubbock.
#25-Iowa State Cyclones:
With Rocco Becht back under center and a transfer-fortified O-line, Iowa State must rekindle its historic pass rush to soar in a balanced Big 12 schedule that kicks off in Dublin and features road tests at Colorado, TCU and Oklahoma State.