The 2025 college football season is fast approaching, and the USA Today AFCA Coaches Poll has officially set the stage. On Monday, the Texas Longhorns earned the No. 1 ranking in the preseason poll—marking the first time in school history the Longhorns have opened the season in the top spot.
Led by quarterback Arch Manning, Texas claimed 28 of the 67 first-place votes to top the poll. Reigning national champion Ohio State followed with 20, setting the stage for a marquee August 30th showdown in Columbus between the top two teams in the country.
The Penn State Nittany Lions rounds out the top three with 14 first-place votes. The Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish complete the top five.
Top 10 – 2025 Preseason Coaches Poll:
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Texas (13-3) – 28 first-place votes
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Ohio State (14-2) – 20 first-place votes
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Penn State (13-3) – 14 first-place votes
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Georgia (11-3) – 3 first-place votes
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Notre Dame (14-2)
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Clemson Tigers (10-4) – 2 first-place votes
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Oregon Ducks (13-1)
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Alabama Crimson Tide (9-4)
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LSU Tigers (9-4)
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Miami Hurricanes (Fla.) (10-3)
Other Notables:
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The Michigan Wolverins ranks No. 14 after an 8-5 season.
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The Tennessee Volunteers, coming off a 10-win campaign, is No. 18.
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SMU Mustangs (No. 16) and BYU Cougars (No. 23) are among Group of Five programs making the Top 25.
Programs just outside the Top 25 include: Oklahoma Sooners, Missouri Tigers, Louisville Cardinals, USC Trojans, and Utah Utes.
The Longhorns hasn’t won a national title since 2005 but is positioned for a championship run with Manning at the helm and a loaded roster on both sides of the ball.
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to August 30th, when No. 1 Texas travels to No. 2 Ohio State in a potential College Football Playoff preview. Kickoff is set for Ohio Stadium, and the outcome could immediately reshape the rankings just one week into the season.