College football Coaches Poll ranks Texas at No. 1

The Coaches Poll reveals strong contenders and potential surprises.

College football preseason Coaches Poll highlights overrated and underrated teams

In the 2025 preseason Coaches Poll, Texas leads the rankings as the No. 1 team, backed by nine SEC representatives. The Longhorns, having finished third last year after a playoff exit, secured 28 first-place votes, just ahead of defending champion Ohio State and Penn State. Georgia, Alabama, and LSU join the Longhorns as the SEC continues to dominate college football. Other notable teams include Notre Dame at No. 5 and Clemson at No. 6. Historical trends show that last year's rankings often influenced current perceptions, as only 12 of the preseason top 25 ended up ranked postseason. The upcoming matchup between Texas and Ohio State on August 30 is already a highlight of the early season.

Preseason rankings set expectations and create buzz among fans, but they can also mislead. Historical data suggests that initial rankings can lead to disappointment for teams that underperform. For example, last year had several ranked teams failing to qualify for bowl games, raising doubts about the accuracy of these polls. Teams like Clemson and Illinois may not just surprise; they could also indicate a shift in power in their conferences. This season could challenge traditional narratives as newcomers like Kansas State loom large with potential.

Highlights

As the season approaches, fans will be eager to see how these forecasts play out on the field.