AP Top 25 preseason rankings released

The AP Top 25 preseason poll will be released at noon ET today with a live blog and Q&A for fans.

AP Top 25 preseason rankings released ahead of 2025 college football season

The AP Top 25 preseason poll will be released at noon ET on Monday, August 11, continuing a tradition that began in 1936. A live blog will accompany the release with analysis, a Q and A, and a space for readers to join the conversation as the 2025 season approaches.

Traditionally, the rankings mix traditional powerhouses with rising programs. Analysts will weigh last season’s results, returning production, and recruiting trends to shape the initial picture. Fans will be able to follow real-time updates and commentary as teams prepare for the opening games.

Preseason rankings set the tone for the opening weeks of the season, shaping headlines and rehearsal for storylines to come. They are useful for spotting trends, but they also risk oversimplifying a year that will hinge on coaching changes, depth charts, and injuries. The best rankings balance tradition with scrutiny, rewarding proven programs while elevating surprise contenders.

As the season unfolds, readers should view the poll as a starting point, not a verdict. The early narratives will shift quickly once teams start playing meaningful games and weeks of data replace guesses.

Highlights

What begins as a number can evolve into a season full of unexpected turns