The college football rankings for 2025, from number 6 to number 9, are filled with teams that are good enough to win the National Championship if the season goes well for them. Luck is needed by a team to win a championship. The teams ranked in this section of the preseason rankings could win it all if things go the right way for them. These are four teams that really could win the National Championship. Do you think these teams will have luck and win the college football championship?
#9 Rank in College Football: Oregon
The Ducks have only six starters back from a team that was the top-ranked team for most of the 2024 season. Dan Lanning, the Oregon head coach, has his work cut out for him, though talent abounds. New Quarterback Dante Moore is ready to direct the Ducks’ high-powered attack and keep them in contention for another conference title.
The skill positions were restocked through the transfer portal. Watch for Offensive Lineman Isaiah World (Nevada) and Running Back Makhi Hughes. The defense is being rebuilt, too, so Moore and the offense will need to carry this team, especially early on. A big road test at Penn State looms on September 27
#8 Alabama
The nine wins Alabama had last year in Head Coach Kalen DeBoer’s debut were below what is expected at the school. This season should be at least a little better. Alabama took steps with roster additions (both through the portal and in recruiting), roster retention, and coaching hires.
The Crimson Tide defense held the opposition to 17.4 points per game last season and has seven returning starters. They will be stingy again. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is gone, but the offense could improve. Ryan Grubb takes over as the offensive coordinator and will help judge a three-way quarterback battle to replace Milroe. Ty Simpson is a leading candidate. Dynamic Ryan Williams will be a great target for whoever emerges in the quarterback battle.
#7 LSU
The LSU Tigers, under the direction of Head Coach Brian Kelly, spent lavishly in the offseason on both the transfer portal and in recruiting. They improved the roster around starting Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. There is some hope that the additions can help to improve a defense that had slipped from the top of the SEC standings. LSU always plays a difficult schedule, and an opening clash with Clemson is huge. The Bayou Bengals then play Florida, South Carolina, and Texas A&M. At least the three difficult games are at home.
#6 Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish will be in good shape this season and may win the college football National Championship that eluded them last season. Head Coach Marcus Freeman needs five-star talented Quarterback CJ Carr to deliver on his promise. Back to help Carr is a great running game led by returnee Jeremiyah Love.
The wide receiver could emerge as a strength, too. New Defensive Coordinator, Chris Ash, has only five returning starters on that side of the ball. However, stout Cornerback Leonard Moore is one of them. Schedule analysis sees a difficult road game at Miami (Fla.) to start things off. Then Notre Dame could be favored in its remaining 11 games.
Conclusion
The teams ranked in this section of the college football preseason poll are talented. All they need is for something to break right for them to win a college football National Championship. There is not much difference between these teams and the teams at the top of the list.
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