The preseason AP Poll Top 25 is out—Texas grabs Number 1 over Ohio State and Penn State. See the full predicted rankings, how they compare to Coaches Poll, and what the outlook means for CFB fans today.
Preseason Poll Release & Top Teams
- Release timing: The AP Preseason Top 25 is scheduled for Monday, August 11 at around 12 p.m. ET.
- Likely top picks (by Big media predictions): Texas, Ohio State, Penn State—these three headlined preseason AP predictions across Athlon Sports, CBS Sports commentary, and more.
Coaches Poll Preview — Insight Into AP Tendencies
Although separate from the AP Poll, the 2025 Preseason Coaches Poll offers clues about AP likely placements:
- Texas (28 first-place votes)
- Ohio State (20)
- Penn State (14)
- Georgia (3)
- Notre Dame
…through #10 Miami.
AP voters often align closely with Coaches Poll, and all media projections place Texas first, followed by Ohio State and Penn State—a historic Number 1 vs Number 2 matchup looms in Week 1 if those rankings hold true.
Preseason Predictions—What Analysts Forecast
Media outlets have already released preseason AP poll projections:
- Athlon Sports: Texas, Ohio State, Penn State dominate top three.
- The Spun: Puts Alabama at No. 3, with Ohio State at 4, Penn State at 4 in alternate view.
- SI predictions: Detailed placements for middle tiers and group-of-five teams but echo top-tier consensus.
The full, official AP Preseason Top 25 poll will provide definitive rankings—but these predictions shape expectations.
Why Preseason Polls Still Matter (Even If Imperfect)
- Historically, only a few preseason No. 1 teams have won the national title.
- But most CFP teams started within the preseason Top 5, making early placement a symbolic advantage.
- The polls shape perceptions, fan narratives, and even playoff optics—so while not destiny, they serve as a useful barometer for college football focus.
The AP Top 25 preseason poll drops Monday, Aug. 11. First launched in 1936, the poll will be joined by a live blog with analysis, a Q&A, and ways for you to join the conversation as college football season kicks off. pic.twitter.com/ZP4dfc8qre
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) August 11, 2025
Program Spotlights: Texas, Ohio State, Penn State and More
- Texas Longhorns: Likely preseason No. 1, featuring Arch Manning-led offense, riding recent CFP success.
- Ohio State Bucks: Defending CFP champs, still highly regarded despite roster turnover.
- Penn State Nittany Lions: Often ranked No. 3—returning talent and high expectations for 2025.
- Others to watch: Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame, LSU, Clemson—regular preseason Top 10 contenders.
What’s Next — Watching Football Today & Rankings Coverage
- When poll drops: Be ready at Monday ~12 p.m. ET for the reveal.
- Live coverage: ESPN, CBS Sports, AP News, and official AP site will publish the rankings immediately.
- Historical context: Data on how preseason rankings correlate with playoff success will emerge in analysis updates.