Texas Tops 2025 Preseason USA Today Coaches Poll

The 2025 USA Today Coaches Poll has ranked Texas Longhorns No. 1 for the first time in program history, with 28 first-place votes, while defending national champion Ohio State is second with 20. These teams will meet in a season-opening rematch of last year's College Football Playoff semifinal on August 30 in Columbus. Penn State, Georgia, and Notre Dame complete the top five, reflecting last season's playoff strength. The SEC and Big Ten lead with nine and six teams in the top 25, respectively, while Arizona State is the highest-ranked Big 12 team at No. 11 out of five Big 12 schools. Boise State represents the only Group of 5 school in the top 25 at No. 25. Other preseason polls, such as PFF, have placed Ohio State and Oregon above Texas, fueling debates over who should be the true preseason favorite.