Ohio State No. 3 Texas, Penn State Top 2025 AP Preseason Poll

The 2025 college football preseason AP Poll ranks Ohio State third behind Texas and Penn State, despite Ohio State being the defending national champions. Ohio State will face both Texas and Penn State at home during the season, with Texas ranked No. 1 and Penn State No. 2, even though Ohio State defeated both teams last year. The Buckeyes are adjusting to replacing 14 players drafted into the NFL, including star quarterback Will Howard, with a competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz for the starting QB role. Ohio State returns key offensive talents like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate and maintains a strong defensive lineup. The Big Ten has six teams in the preseason AP poll, including Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana, highlighting the conference's competitive depth. Meanwhile, Oklahoma enters the season ranked No. 18 in the AP poll, with a critical game against Michigan early in the schedule, marking a pivotal year under coach Brent Venables after previous losing seasons.