College Football Preseason Top 25

Mike’s College Football Preseason Top 25 – The high-profile spring transfer portal athletes have found new schools. Coaches are turning their attention to recruiting for 2025. EA’s College Football 25 is almost here. It’s about time for a Top 25.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia just reloaded. Turnover is usually an issue for top collegiate teams, as many of their players leave for the NFL, but Georgia has a stockpile of four-to-five-star reserves waiting to be unleashed. Carson Beck (whom I have the Raiders picking 9th overall in my way too early mock draft) is entering his second year as a starter and will play behind a nasty offensive line. Former Miami wide receiver Colbie Young adds to a nice receiver room with Dillon Bell, Dominic Lovett, and Rara Thomas. The defense is set to be swift, eager, and laden with seasoned veterans such as safety Malaki Starks and linebacker Smael Mondon. Rising sophomore linebacker CJ Allen made a notable impression in the spring game.

2. Texas Longhorns

The return of Quinn Ewers is a significant boost, as is the acquisition of wide receiver transfers Isaiah Bond from Alabama, Matthew Golden from Houston, and Silas Bolden from Oregon State. To strengthen a pass rush that showed weaknesses in 2023, UTSA edge Trey Moore and Clemson Andrew Mukuba were recruited. Rising sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr. made an impressive start to the spring game with a 75-yard reception. However, the primary concern continues to be the secondary, which had difficulties in last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal and this year’s spring game.

3a. Alabama Crimson Tide

If anything, the Tide should be better than last season. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is more established and will be playing in Kalen DeBoer’s offense which is better suited for him. Running back Justice Haynes is poised to be next in a line of Alabama greats at the position, and Jamarion Miller will be a great change of pace and receiver out of the backfield. They will be running behind Tyler Booker, Parker Brailsford, and Jaeden Roberts who are arguably the best interior in the nation. Former Washington wide receiver Germie Bernard and center Parker Brailsford were huge additions, and tackle Kadyn Proctor is back after a dalliance with Iowa. The front seven looks strong as always, and the Crimson Tide shored up their defensive backfield with Michigan Safety Keon Sabb and USC Cornerback Domani Jackson. I have them at 3a here because it was so close with Ohio State, I eventually had to choose Alabama simply because of the quarterback position.

3b. Ohio State Buckeyes

I wanted to rank them higher. I just have too many major question marks.

Ohio State has crafted an impressive all-star lineup, keeping top draft prospects such as receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, while also acquiring talents like former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins (who may cause some issues with his attitude) and former Alabama safety Caleb Downs via the transfer portal. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith has already made his mark in his first spring. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson create a formidable backfield, while Emeka Egbuka and the standout freshman Jeremiah Smith spearhead an exceptional wide receiver group. Head coach Ryan Day has brought in his mentor Chip Kelly to oversee the offense. However, my ranking of the Buckeyes is tempered by the ongoing quarterback battle between Kansas State transfer Will Howard and incumbent Devin Brown (neither of which I see as a valid QB for a top 5 team), along with some uncertainties on the offensive line.

5. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks are emerging as the Big Ten’s top contender, aside from Ohio State. Dillon Gabriel, an Oklahoma transfer, displayed impressive form in the spring game, connecting well with Tez Johnson and fellow transfer Evan Stewart from Texas A&M. Jay Harris, from Northwest Missouri State, could be the perfect running mate for Jordan James. Houston transfer Jamaree Caldwell and several young defensive linemen made a strong impression this spring. Jabbar Muhammad, a transfer from Washington, is a significant gain for the secondary. Dan Lanning boasts a 22-5 record with back-to-back bowl wins in his first two years at Eugene. With Jordan James, one of the nation’s most dynamic running backs, and a top-tier offensive line, the Ducks are poised for success. Lanning is set to elevate the defense once more, leveraging the transfer portal extensively to meet Big Ten standards. A critical matchup in October against Ohio State will gauge the Ducks’ potential, but their November lineup—facing Michigan, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Washington—will be the true test for their playoff aspirations.

6. Ole Miss Rebels

On offense, the team is well-equipped with quarterback Jaxson Dart, running back Ulysses Bentley IV, and receivers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins. The offensive line has been bolstered by Washington transfers Nate Kalepo and Julius Buelow. Lane Kiffin has committed to enhancing his defense through the portal and continues to make additions. His latest acquisition is former Jacksonville State defensive end Chris Hardie, who topped Conference USA with 8.5 sacks last season. Hardie will join forces with returnees Jared Ivey and JJ Pegues, as well as Texas A&M transfer Walter Nolen and Florida transfer Princely Umanmielen, among others.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Experienced quarterback Riley Leonard from Duke could excel under new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s running game. Sophomore Jeremiyah Love is poised to become the lead running back, and the Irish’s receiving corps is expected to improve with Kris Mitchell from FIU joining the team. However, replacing offensive tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher will be challenging. Defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, linebacker Jack Kiser, safety Xavier Watts, and cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who were part of last year’s defense that ranked fifth nationally in yards allowed per play, are returning. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, an early enrollee, impressed during the spring game.

8. Utah Utes

After consecutive 10-4 seasons, the Utes dropped to an 8-5 record last year in the absence of their starting quarterback and tight end. A tale as old as time, QB Cam Rising returns for a seventh year. This season, they welcome back wide receivers Money Parks and Mycah Pittman, tight end Landen King, and running backs Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover. In terms of defense, eight starters from the 2023 lineup will return in 2024. Cornerback transfers Cameron Calhoun from Michigan and Kenan Johnson from Georgia Tech made a notable impact during the spring.

9. Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines, reigning champions, are expected to be formidable on defense once again, with three potential first-round picks leading the charge: defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, along with cornerback Will Johnson. Ex-Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham is anticipated to join the starting lineup. The quarterback situation for Michigan remains uncertain, as senior Davis Warren, a former walk-on, competes with sophomore Alex Orji. Questions also surround the offensive line. However, new head coach Sherrone Moore is confident in the abilities of standout running back Donovan Edwards and tight end Colston Loveland. Sophomore receiver Fredrick Moore made a notable impression during the spring game. The success of the Wolverines hinges on their quarterback conundrum. I can’t rank them any higher due to this and the departure of Jim Harbaugh.

10. Florida State Seminoles

Mike Norvell will once again depend heavily on the transfer portal, starting with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei from Clemson/Oregon State. Alabama transfers, wide receiver Malik Benson and running back Roydell Williams impressed during the spring, and Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. appears poised to become FSU’s next standout pass rusher. The secondary, featuring corners Fentrell Cypress II and Azareye’h Thomas, should be robust, although the defense overall will lack experience. The Seminoles may not repeat an undefeated season, but they possess the talent to contend for a College Football Playoff spot.

11. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Following an unexpected 10-win season, the Cowboys are ranked fourth nationally in returning production according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly. This is underscored by quarterback Alan Bowman, Doak Walker awardee Ollie Gordon II, and the entire offensive line. The defense, led by linebackers Nick Martin and Collin Oliver, boasts a wealth of career starts, despite ranking 123rd in yards per play last season at 6.5. Mike Gundy appears confident in his team, having brought in several transfers.

12. Missouri Tigers

Missouri is coming off their best season in a decade with an 11-2 record, and they retain much of their offensive firepower. Quarterback Brady Cook, along with receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease, are returning from that team. To replace All-American Cody Schrader, transfer running backs Marcus Carroll from Georgia State and Nate Noel from Appalachian State are stepping in. Eli Drinkwitz has strengthened the offensive line by bringing in All-AAC tackle Marcus Bryant from SMU. Although the defense has seen the departure of several key players, it has been bolstered by the addition of former Florida defensive back Chris McCellan, former Michigan State end Zion Young, and former Clemson cornerback Toriano Pride. The depth chart shows no significant gaps, but the performance of Eli Drinkwitz’s team on defense, with a completely new secondary and without DC Blake Baker, remains to be seen.

13. Arizona Wildcats

Jedd Fisch departed for the Washington position, bringing multiple coaches and players along. The new head coach, Brent Brennan, succeeded in keeping many of the Wildcats’ essential players, such as quarterback Noah Fifita, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and four starting offensive linemen. The running back position is still uncertain. Prominent cornerback Tacario Davis, having retracted his transfer after spring practice, teams up with Gunner Maldonado and Dalton Johnson to form a formidable secondary. Arizona relies on linebackers Jacob Manu and Justin Flowe, although the defensive line might lack experience.

14. Miami Hurricanes

After a 12-13 record in his first two seasons, Mario Cristobal sought results by utilizing the transfer portal. Miami has significantly overhauled its roster through the portal. The key addition is Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward, along with All-Pac-12 running back Damien Martinez from Oregon State, former Houston receiver Sam Brown, and former Tennessee pass rusher Tyler Baron, who all committed in the spring. Brown will team up with Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George at receiver, while Baron is set to join forces with star Rueben Bain on the defensive line. The acquisition of former Washington safety Mishael Powell is notable, yet the secondary might still present vulnerabilities.

15. Kansas State Wildcats

Sophomore Avery Johnson might be among the top dual-threat quarterbacks nationwide. Running back DJ Giddens is back, and Chris Klieman has brought in Dylan Edwards, Colorado’s leading rusher, this spring. The addition of Penn State transfer wide receiver Dante Cephas is noteworthy. The offensive line raises some concerns, yet the acquisition of North Dakota tackle Easton Kilty is promising. The defensive line, rich in experience, is expected to be robust, with the main defensive uncertainties lying in the secondary. Nonetheless, under Chris Klieman’s adept leadership, the program is on track for its fourth consecutive season of more than eight wins.

16. Tennessee Volunteers

Anticipation is mounting for the Nico Iamaleava era. Alongside returning receivers Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, five-star freshman Mike Matthews and ex-Tulane standout Chris Brazzell II have made impressive strides in the spring. However, there are concerns about running back depth. All-SEC defensive end James Pearce Jr. anchors a seasoned defensive line, while cornerback Jermod McCoy (Oregon State) and safety Jakobe Thomas (Middle Tennessee) have effectively addressed gaps in the secondary. In Knoxville, Nico Iamaleava has been heralded as the chosen one, and with Josh Heupel at the helm, their confidence is understandable.

17. Penn State Nittany Lions

Innovative offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, previously with Kansas, aims to maximize quarterback Drew Allar’s performance. However, the first-team offense’s difficulties in the spring game did little to alleviate concerns about the unit’s outlook among fans and analysts. With leading receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith transferring to Auburn in the spring, it’s up to Harrison Wallace III and ex-Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming to step up. Nolan Rucci, a transfer tackle from Wisconsin, joins the offensive line. Defensive star Abdul Carter has transitioned from linebacker to end in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s 4-2-5 alignment. Should Georgia transfer A.J. Harris and Cam Miller fulfill their potential, the Nittany Lions are poised to have a pretty solid defense.

18. Louisville Cardinals

Following the portal’s initial activity, Jeff Brohm experienced significant attrition during the spring, including the departure of winter transfer acquisitions Tyler Baron and running back Peny Boone from Toledo. The Cardinals’ roster will largely consist of new faces, featuring quarterback Tyler Shough from Texas Tech, running back Donald Chaney Jr. from Miami, and wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks from Alabama. Spearheading a formidable defensive line are first-team All-ACC defensive end Ashton Gillotte and former Harvard defensive tackle Thor Griffith. However, the secondary remains an area of potential concern.

19. Oklahoma Sooners

In Year 2 of Brent Venables’ tenure, the Sooners improved by four victories. And while momentum could stall out a bit in Year 1 in the SEC, especially with turnover at QB and OC, those around the program believe Jackson Arnold is a future star, and new play-caller Seth Littrell (former UNT head coach) knows a thing or two about generating offensive production. Purdue transfer wideout Deion Burks dazzled in OU’s spring game (five catches, 174 yards, two TDs), adding to an already deep receiving corps. But the offensive line, which lost four starters (three to the NFL Draft), remained a big concern coming out of spring. Star linebacker Danny Stutsman, defensive end Ethan Downs and safety Billy Bowman lead an experienced defense that must improve from 54th nationally in yards per play.

20. Kansas Jayhawks

With nine consecutive wins, KU is poised to receive its first preseason ranking in 15 years. The team’s star quarterback, Jalon Daniels, is in good health, and the Jayhawks will see the return of their leading two running backs, Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr., as well as their top three receivers, Lawrence Arnold, Quentin Skinner, and Luke Grimm. Cornerbacks Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson, known for their playmaking abilities, are set to bolster a defense that has traditionally been overshadowed by the offense. Additionally, Javier Derritt, a transfer from North Dakota State, is expected to contribute significantly at the defensive tackle position.

21. North Carolina State Wolf Pack

Dave Doeren is shaping a remarkable offense, spearheaded by the exceptional Coastal Carolina transfer quarterback Grayson McCall, All-ACC receiver KC Concepcion, and transfer talents such as running back Jordan Waters from Duke, receiver Wesley Grimes from Wake Forest, and receiver Noah Rogers from Ohio State. Zeke Correll, the former Notre Dame center, is stepping in to fill the sole open starting position on the offensive line. However, the defense might experience a decline in the absence of standout players Payton Wilson and Shyheim Battle.

22. Clemson Tigers

The Tigers were the only non-service academy school to not dip into the transfer portal, which is concerning following their poorest performance since 2011. T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, and Barrett Carter are now spearheading a skilled defense. Meanwhile, Dabo Swinney is heavily relying on Cade Klubnik to excel in his second year with OC Garrett Riley, a risk that could lead to a conference title or another disappointing season. The return of wide receiver Antonio Williams from injury is certainly a positive development.

23. Texas A&M Aggies

Mike Elko and offensive coordinator Collin Klein are expected to enhance the Aggies’ offense, beginning with quarterback Conner Weigman, running back Le’Veon Moss, and the receiving corps. Nic Scourton, a former Purdue defensive end and last year’s Big Ten sack leader, showcased dominance in the spring game. He teams up with tackle Shemar Turner to fortify a robust defensive line. Linebackers Taurean York and Scooby Williams, a transfer from Florida, appear promising. However, the offensive line and secondary units remain areas for development.

24. Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes are ranked in Connelly’s top 10 for returning production, despite the initial lack of offensive output. With new offensive coordinator Tim Lester, a fresh scheme has been introduced. Kirk Ferentz has recruited ex-Northwestern quarterback Brendan Sullivan, yet Cade McNamara continues as the starting QB. Iowa is expected to present a formidable defense once again, featuring All-American linebacker Jay Higgins, defensive end Deonte Craig, defensive tackle Yahya Black, and defensive back Sebastian Castro.

25. Kentucky Wildcats

Mark Stoops is set to welcome a new offensive coordinator. With Liam Coen departing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bush Hamdan will step in as the OC. Hamdan’s tenure at Boise State was marked by considerable success, which he aims to replicate in the SEC. The Wildcats have also acquired quarterback Brock Vandagriff through the transfer portal, who has the potential to shine in Lexington. Despite beginning his career at Georgia as a five-star recruit, Vandagriff transferred to Lexington after struggling to secure a significant role. The Wildcats also added linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (the #25 ranked transfer recruit by 247sports) from Georgia who should anchor the defense.

HMs: USC Trojans, Memphis Tigers, LSU Tigers, Liberty Flames, & Boise State Broncos.

Let me know in the comments if you think I got anything wrong! We’ll know so much more about 2-3 games into the season. The transfer portal is such a huge part of college football now that it gets harder and harder each year to discern who will gel well in their new team and who will fail to make an impact.