The release of the Associated Press’ preseason Top 25 college football poll on Monday has elevated the Texas Longhorns to a historic No. 1 ranking as they prepare for the 2025 college football season. This marks the first time in the program’s history that it has been ranked atop the nation’s most prestigious preseason poll, a testament to the team’s growing prestige and the anticipation surrounding its young quarterback, Arch Manning. Manning, entering his first season as a starter, will take over for Quinn Ewers, who chose to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. The Longhorns’ ascension to the top of the poll is a reflection of the program’s recent success and the high expectations now placed on the team.
Despite this high regard, the path ahead is anything but easy. Texas must contend with a challenging schedule that includes a road matchup against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, who are ranked No. 3 in the AP poll. Additionally, the Longhorns will face strong competition from SEC teams Florida (No. 15) and Georgia (No. 5). These early-season games will serve as crucial tests of the team’s ability to compete at the highest level of college football.
Alongside Texas, other top-ranked teams have also received attention in the AP preseason rankings. Penn State is ranked second in the nation, with a returning offensive weapon in Drew Allar and a strong defensive unit led by defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton. The Buckeyes, despite being a perennial powerhouse, will be looking to bounce back from an earlier season with losses, relying on a young quarterback under development and a veteran core that includes Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. Clemson, meanwhile, is the top-ranked team in the ACC, with quarterback Cade Klubnik expected to lead the offense.
Georgia, though facing some injury concerns from the 2024 season, remains a national title contender under coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs will be led by new quarterback Gunner Stockton and will be supported by wide receivers Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch. The AP preseason rankings indicate that the competition for the national title will be fierce in 2025, with Texas, Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia poised to be among the favorites.
For the Longhorns, the challenge of maintaining its No. 1 ranking in the AP poll while navigating such a demanding schedule will shape its trajectory for the 2025 season. The success of Arch Manning as a freshman quarterback and the overall performance of the team will determine whether Texas can sustain its position as a national powerhouse and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.