Joel Klatt’s 2025 College Football Rankings: Does Penn State Stay on Top?
Updated Aug. 5, 2025 10:32 a.m. ET
Joel Klatt – Lead College Football Analyst
Michigan. Ohio State. Now, Penn State? Following the spring football season, I ranked James Franklin’s Nittany Lions as the top team in my post-spring top 25 poll. Why? Because they are following the same championship blueprint that led Michigan and Ohio State to national titles in the past two seasons. That blueprint remains firmly in place, alongside my growing interest in another contender. As August arrives and fall camp kicks off, it’s time to revisit the rankings. there are 80 animals in mang pablo’s farm Will Penn State maintain its lead? Or has someone else earned the No. 1 spot?
Here’s a look at my preseason top 25.
25. Utah
Utah is bouncing back this year. This is exactly the type of year when I have a good feeling about the Utes — when nobody is talking about them in the offseason, that’s when they become most dangerous. Utah is coming off a season that was much better than its 5-7 record suggested. They suffered a string of injuries following their 4-0 start, leading them to start four different quarterbacks. The team’s success will hinge on quarterback play. Transfer Devon Dampier from New Mexico, who earned first-team All-Mountain West honors last year, fits the bill. Dampier is a dual-threat quarterback, which I believe will allow the Utes to contend for the Big 12 title.
24. Oklahoma
I faced some difficulty filling out the last few teams on this list, so I went with the teams I trust the most. With Oklahoma, I also trust its quarterback: Washington State transfer John Mateer. I’m quite impressed with him. He has a strong arm, is accurate, and very athletic, which should immediately improve Oklahoma’s play. Last year was rough for the offense, but coach Brent Venables revamped the Sooners’ offensive scheme during the offseason. Venables is back to calling defensive plays, and that unit was among the top 20 last year. However, the schedule is quite challenging, featuring six games against teams ranked later in this list.
23. Baylor
The Bears ended last season on a high note, winning their last six regular-season matchups. Though they lost their bowl game to LSU, they discovered a winning combination with quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who threw for over 3,000 yards. They now have Bryson Washington at running back, potentially giving them the best QB-RB duo in the Big 12. The defense is expected to improve as well. We’ll learn more about Baylor when they face Auburn in Week 1.
22. Iowa
Continuing with the theme of teams I trust, Iowa definitely belongs in that group. I believe the Hawkeyes could achieve eight or nine wins, if not more. They might even be underrated. The offense improved last year — though it needed to do very little to better its performance from 2023 — and I have faith in new quarterback Mark Gronowski. He can turn things around for Iowa, and while you may have heard that before, Gronowski previously won the FCS version of the Heisman Trophy in 2023 and two national titles. He also has 55 starts under his belt.
21. Ole Miss
I believe Ole Miss will perform well, but I’m not completely certain about that. Lane Kiffin needs to replace many key players from last year’s team, including quarterback Jaxson Dart. I think Austin Simmons is a solid player, but I’m not entirely confident in that regard. However, I have a lot of respect for Kiffin, the first Ole Miss head coach to win 10 games in back-to-back seasons in over 60 years. He consistently replenishes the roster and was active in the portal again, securing 247 Sports’ fourth-ranked recruiting class.
20. Iowa State
It seems that Iowa State performs best when they’re flying under the radar. That’s why I am hesitant to pile expectations on the Cyclones here. Still, quarterback Rocco Becht returns after a solid year, though they’ll need to replace his top two targets (Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel). I chatted with Becht during the offseason about his new wide receivers, and he feels confident about the players Iowa State brought in via the portal. The Cyclones’ defense is likely to be strong, but the HC-QB duo should give them an edge in the Big 12.
19. Texas Tech
There’s a lot of excitement brewing in Lubbock, Texas. I think the hype is legitimate, as I moved the Red Raiders into my top 25 after previously excluding them in the spring. Texas Tech’s offense was impressive last year, but their defense struggled significantly. To address this, they hit the portal hard, which could make a substantial difference in the Big 12. Texas Tech secured 247 Sports’ second-best transfer class, bringing in players expected to make an immediate impact. Behren Morton returns for his third year at quarterback after helping Texas Tech finish in the top 10 for passing offense last year.
18. Arizona State
Ending the run of Big 12 teams, this ranking is also based on how much I admire the HC-QB duo. Some may argue that the Sun Devils deserve to be higher after winning the Big 12 and giving Texas a tough challenge in the 2024 College Football Playoff. They return quarterback Sam Leavitt, along with one of the best wide receivers in the country, Jordyn Tyson. Despite my admiration for them and coach Kenny Dillingham, the loss of star running back Cam Skattebo is significant. He ranked second in the FBS for touches and scrimmage yards, making it hard to envision them thriving without him. One can’t simply replace their heart and soul with a transfer.
17. ateneo volleyball coach Indiana
Though it represents a slight step back from last year, the Hoosiers are still in the mix. There shouldn’t be a significant decline. Their schedule looks favorable and coach Curt Cignetti has never had a losing season, boasting a 130-37 record in his 14 years as a head coach. They need solid players to succeed, but I trust Cignetti’s capability in group-building, and I support his choice to replace quarterback Kurtis Rourke with Fernando Mendoza. They have a lot of returning talent as well, with three potential All-Americans on defense (DE Mikail Kamara, LB Aiden Fisher, CB D’Angelo Ponds).
16. Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a sleeping giant. The more I analyzed their situation over the offseason, the more I appreciated A&M. Coach Mike Elko is working hard to get this program back on track as he enters Year 2. Last season ended poorly for them — losing four of their last five games after starting 7-1. Quarterback Marcel Reed showed promise, though. The entire offensive line returns, along with multiple running backs (Le’Veon Moss and five-star recruit Roman Owens). Defensively, Elko should be able to instill confidence on that side of the ball. Texas A&M faces three significant road challenges (Notre Dame, LSU, Texas) that hurt their ranking here, but I’m willing to bet on them in the long run.
15. Kansas State
The Wildcats are my pick to win the Big 12. Chris Klieman’s squad ranks as the most reliable team in the conference, with quarterback Avery Johnson leading the way in returning players. A look at their losses last season reveals that it primarily came down to turnovers. They were minus-eight in those four games, which I believe they can reverse. Defensively, they should feature among the strongest fronts in the conference. While there are some concerns on the offensive line, this program excels at developing talent in that area.
14. Florida
Initially, I had the Gators at No. 10, but recent injury news regarding quarterback DJ Lagway prompted some hesitation. Why does it seem like he’s always dealing with injuries? Florida is a very good team, arguably bordering on great, but Lagway’s injury has raised concerns for coach Billy Napier. Florida finished last season 8-5, winning its last four games as Napier faced speculation about his job security. If Lagway remains injured, I’m less optimistic about UF. On the other hand, if he’s healthy, Florida could definitely be a top-10 team. Things changed significantly when he stepped in as the Gators’ starting quarterback, leading to a 6-1 record — the only loss coming to Georgia, in which he exited early due to injury. Their schedule looks much tougher if Lagway isn’t healthy.
13. Illinois
Similar to Florida, I was optimistic about Illinois in the spring, but some recent concerns have arisen. Regardless, I still hold high expectations because they’re returning 16 starters, including quarterback Luke Altmyer and their entire offensive line. Coach Bret Bielema has solidified his approach at Illinois, and this year’s schedule is favorable since they avoid Penn State, Oregon, and Michigan. If they can secure wins against USC and Indiana early in the season, they should have a good chance at making the College Football Playoff.
12. Miami (Fla.)
I’m bullish on the Hurricanes. I understand the injuries surrounding quarterback Carson Beck are concerning, but the fact remains that Miami has been recruiting and adding transfer portal talent at an impressive level, so they’ll undoubtedly improve. They went 10-3 last year after a stellar 9-0 start, but a late loss at Syracuse effectively ended their CFP hopes. Coach Mario Cristobal must overcome that hurdle. Miami can rely on its run game and strengthen their line of scrimmage, so I don’t think Beck needs to be an absolute savior. I’m impressed with the new defensive coordinator, Corey Hetherman, who previously led Minnesota’s defense, and Miami was aggressive in addressing its defensive shortcomings, particularly in the secondary. Rueben Bain could emerge as a potential star on the edge.
11. South Carolina
I might be overvaluing South Carolina, but they possess an exceptional quarterback in LaNorris Sellers, along with arguably one of the best defensive players in the sport, Dylan Stewart. Just those two assets provide the Gamecocks with a bright path forward. Although the defensive line experienced some losses this offseason, coach Shane Beamer has effectively recruited. The schedule is backloaded for South Carolina, giving them some time to adjust before encountering LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Clemson.
10. Michigan
The Wolverines concluded last season with significant momentum, and their defense performed well despite missing marquee players. They can’t be worse offensively than a year prior, right? Consequently, I believe Michigan will rejoin the elite ranks in college football. The team managed to beat Ohio State and Alabama with minimal offensive production, as only service academies had poorer passing stats than Michigan. I’m curious to see how new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey will integrate into the fold. Will Michigan choose Bryce Underwood or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene as the new starter? Keene missed the entirety of spring practice due to injury. Michigan is expected to replenish a lot of defensive talent, but they successfully defeated Alabama under similar conditions. Their contest against Oklahoma in Week 2 could significantly impact their playoff aspirations. joaquin f. enriquez memorial sports complex
9. Alabama
Coach Kalen DeBoer faces critical stakes in Year 2. Alabama endured a disappointing season, failing to secure 10 wins for the first time since 2007. This program isn’t going to wait around for DeBoer, even though he is a remarkable coach with a successful history. This season, he reunites with his former offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, who previously worked with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. That synergy should substantially support projected starting quarterback Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit who has waited three years for this opportunity. Alabama will boast talent across the board, including two players I currently rank among the top 10 players nationwide. The Crimson Tide’s defense ranked among the top 10 last year, so they should perform well defensively. The upcoming schedule is tough, but the essential task remains: DeBoer must secure victories at Alabama soon, and this program needs to reach the CFP.
8. LSU
LSU may not have achieved as much as Alabama, but I have more confidence in Garrett Nussmeier than I do in the Tide’s quarterback situation. The pressure is on for LSU and coach Brian Kelly. He clearly recognizes this, leading him to diligently enhance the roster through the portal while securing 247 Sports’ No. 1 transfer class. Notre Dame cannot be competing for a title while LSU is absent from the CFP, which is not what LSU hired Kelly to do. Linebacker Harold Perkins is returning for the Tigers, and the hope is that he can regain the freshman level of performance. This is poised to be a very strong team capable of making the CFP.
7. basketball player in philippines Georgia
This is a puzzling team that’s challenging to project, but I’m giving coach Kirby Smart the benefit of the doubt. Gunnar Stockton’s role at quarterback remains uncertain, yet Smart’s teams have proven they do not require an elite quarterback to succeed. His squads simply win, and talent is never in short supply. Georgia has also fortified its receiving corps, adding Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas to address last year’s infamous drop issues. Most of Georgia’s significant matchups will take place at home, a venue where they have not lost since 2019. This is a team built to contend for an SEC title.
6. Notre Dame
In crafting these rankings, I differentiated the top 10 into two tiers, placing Notre Dame at the forefront of Tier 2. The Fighting Irish recently defeated Georgia in the CFP, showcasing that their talent is significantly better than presumed. Coach Marcus Freeman has effectively recruited, signing players with an average rating of 91.5, an improvement from the 90 average of Kelly’s recruits in his concluding years at Notre Dame. This shift propels them from outside the top 10 in recruiting to seventh nationally. Notre Dame possesses the talent necessary for success, with running back Jeremiyah Love leading the charge. The schedule favors them, and they should reach the CFP if they can manage to win at least one of the Texas A&M or Miami matchups. I don’t have major questions about this team; Freeman understands their identity and has embraced it.
5. converge vs ginebra Oregon
Though Oregon is replacing a significant portion of last year’s team after losing 18 starters, they have established a culture of strong recruitment and possess one of the most talented rosters in college football. Coach Dan Lanning has also tapped into the transfer portal adeptly to address gaps. Quarterback Dante Moore takes over for Dillon Gabriel. Though lacking experience, I believe he has the talent to succeed, having learned under Gabriel after transferring from UCLA where he started as a freshman. However, the injury to receiver Evan Stewart is a concern. Freshman five-star Dakorien Moore will need to deliver results promptly. Still, Oregon is poised to make an impression this year.
4. Clemson
I initially aimed to rank Clemson higher, but I decided to proceed with caution. I have been a fan of Clemson throughout the offseason. Cade Klubnik is my No. 1 quarterback heading into the season. The Tigers also return 16 starters, four of whom are offensive linemen. They have genuine talent at receiver, and their defensive line is anticipated to be excellent. Edge rusher T.J. Parker and defensive tackle Peter Woods are among the players I ranked in the top 10 for college football. Tom Allen is Clemson’s new defensive coordinator after holding a prominent position with Penn State’s robust defense last year. As for Clemson’s schedule, its opening game against LSU and the closing matchup at South Carolina appear to be their most formidable challenges. They avoid facing Miami during ACC play, which likely assures their spot in the conference title game. Keep an eye on Clemson, as they might be poised for success under Dabo Swinney’s leadership.
3. Ohio State
I might have placed the defending champions higher, but they are replacing a substantial number of stars. Fourteen players from last year’s squad were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and both coordinators departed — Brian Hartline stepped up as the new offensive coordinator while Matt Patricia replaced Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator. I have confidence in Hartline’s abilities, but I do question how long it might take Patricia to acclimate to the college game. Ohio State has made solid acquisitions via the portal, including tight end Max Klare (Purdue), running back CJ Donaldson (West Virginia), and two prospective starting offensive tackles. The quarterback position sees competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. I suspect Sayin will take the reins, though Ryan Day has indicated Kienholz remains a contender for the job and is excelling in practice. Whomever is named starter will have the chance to throw to Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The bar is set high for Ohio State, even after clinching a national championship.
2. Texas
Ohio State’s Week 1 opponent ranks just above them. The hype surrounding Arch Manning is palpable, and I truly believe he’ll be exceptional. He reminds me of the college version of Trevor Lawrence. As the focus shifts to Manning, Texas presents an incredible opportunity to showcase what might be the best defense in the nation. Five of the last eight national champions boasted the best scoring defense, and Texas has the potential to follow suit. The Longhorns have standout players at every level, with Colin Simmons as edge rusher, Anthony Hill Jr. at linebacker, and Michael Taaffe at safety. Coach Steve Sarkisian has built a sustainable program, but now is the time for them to capitalize after two consecutive CFP semifinal losses. I foresee Texas emerging victorious in the SEC, potentially usurping Georgia as the conference’s flagship team. In their Week 1 clash against Ohio State, I would give Texas the upper hand thanks to Manning.
1. Penn State
The Nittany Lions retain the No. 1 spot I initially assigned them in my post-spring rankings. I am a strong believer in blueprints, and I find that Penn State closely mirrors the blueprints that Michigan and Ohio State utilized to secure their national championships over the last two years. This blueprint consists of an experienced team with a seasoned quarterback, coupled with numerous returning players instead of early-round NFL Draft prospects. Much like those Michigan and Ohio State teams, these players aim to rebound from a disappointing season. Alongside quarterback Drew Allar, standout running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, along with four returning offensive linemen and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, make up a talented core of returning players. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki enters Year 2 with an established offensive system. After Allen’s departure, Knowles has proven to be an exceptional replacement as defensive coordinator. Penn State also brought in three wide receivers through the portal to address a major weakness last year. Kyron Hudson from USC, Trebor Pena (All-ACC slot receiver) from Syracuse, and Devonte Ross (All-Sun Belt) from Troy should provide solid options for quarterback Drew Allar. The key question remains whether coach James Franklin can secure victories against top-five opponents. Penn State faces Ohio State, Oregon, and potentially the Big Ten title game and the CFP. Whether Franklin and his team can compete against these top squads will continue to be a focal point until they achieve a significant victory.
Joel Klatt is the lead college football game analyst for FOX Sports and hosts the podcast “The Joel Klatt Show.” Follow him at @joelklatt and subscribe to the “Joel Klatt Show” on YouTube.
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