College Football Top 25 (10-15)
The college football rankings for 2025 from number 10 to number 15 are special. Ranked here are three of the most successful programs of all time. There is no doubt that all three would prefer to be ranked higher in this initial college football poll.
However, questions abound about each college football program. In particular, how hard will the NCAA come down on Michigan? They should find out just after their first game. Teams in this section of the college football ranking all have some strengths and weaknesses. How do you think Michigan should be punished?
#15 Rank in College Football: Michigan
Michigan finished the 2024 college football season strong, with victories over Ohio State and Alabama. They have an exciting new quarterback in five-star high school recruit, Bryce Underwood. If Underwood develops under the tutelage of second-year Head Coach Sherrone Moore, this could be a college football playoff team.
The Wolverines bring back six defensive starters. They also have a strong running game with Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall. However, the big question hanging over the Wolverine program is how much the NCAA will punish them because of their significant infractions. That could mean no playoff for them.
#14 Arizona State
The Sundevils exceeded all expectations for 2024 with a playoff appearance. However, a repeat of that performance will not be easy. Gone to the National Football League is dominant college Running Back Cam Skattebo. But Head Coach Kenny Dillingham has 16 starters back, the most in the conference.
They include Quarterback Sam Leavitt and Wide Receiver Jordyn Tyson. The defense that held opponents to 12.6 points per game last year might be even better. However, tough road games loom large. The Sundevils play at Iowa State, Baylor, and Utah.
#13 Kansas State
The No. 13-ranked team in college football in this preseason is the Kansas State Wildcats. They have won nine games in each of the last three seasons. Plus, they have some important starters back in quarterback Avery Johnson, a dynamic dual threat, and big play threat Dylan Edwards taking over at running back. Coach Chris Kleinman certainly has some offensive weapons. They play in Ireland against Iowa State in their first game of the season. However, with road games at Utah, Kansas, and Baylor, one could easily say their schedule is rough.
#12 South Carolina
The emergence of Quarterback LaNorris Sellers almost got the Gamecocks into the 2024 CFP. He is back, and for them to take the next step, he will have to be even better because running back Rocket Sanders has left. So has three starters on the offensive line. On defense, South Carolina is changing up new players in all three position groups. Defensive End Dylan Stewart is back after an outstanding freshman season. Road games against LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M will be crucial.
#11 Florida
The No. 11 team in the rankings is the Florida Gators. This is an interesting team with the emergence of Quarterback DJ Lagway. However, he had a shoulder injury in spring camp that could be an issue. The Gators have one of the SEC’s best offensive lines. There is also great talent back at the skill positions.
Florida must avoid the same kind of slow start it had last year and get the same kind of defense that held their last four opponents to an average of 13 points. However, there is a difficult schedule with no fewer than seven of the preseason top 25 teams.
#10 Miami (Fla.)
The Hurricanes are ranked 10th. They had another great recruiting class as they continued to stock talent. They also procured a good deal of talent from the transfer portal. Their largest transfer portal acquisition was Quarterback Caron Beck (from Georgia).
He replaces Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Beck suffered a shoulder injury in the playoffs and will need to be healthy. He also needs a young receiving corps to develop. Transfer help to bolster the secondary of a defense that should be strong. However, Beck’s health remains a key question.
Conclusion
This is an interesting section of the 2025 college football rankings. If things break well for these teams, they could easily make the 12-team CFP. If things break poorly for them, these teams may lose six games.
