The college football world has a new preseason king. Just weeks before the 2025 season kicks off, the Associated Press (AP) released its highly anticipated preseason rankings — and the Texas Longhorns have edged out Penn State and bumped defending national champion Ohio State from the top spot.
On Monday, the AP Poll, which has been the gold standard of college football rankings since 1936, revealed that Ohio State, last season’s national champion, will start this year at No. 3. In a twist, the team that dethroned them didn’t even beat them in the postseason — in fact, the Buckeyes defeated Texas in last year’s College Football Playoff Semifinal. But with the Longhorns returning a star-studded roster and bringing in one of the most heralded recruiting classes in history, the voters have spoken.
Why Texas Longhorns Are the New No. 1 in the AP Poll
Texas narrowly claimed the top ranking in what the AP described as the closest preseason vote since 1998. They also hold the No. 1 spot in the Coaches Poll, marking a rare consensus across major preseason rankings.
The Longhorns’ rise to the top is fueled by both talent and momentum:
Elite Recruiting Classes: Texas has landed a top-six recruiting class in each of the past four years, culminating in the nation’s No. 1 class in 2025.
A New Face at Quarterback: Arch Manning, the former No. 1 overall recruit and member of football’s most famous family, is set to take over as starting quarterback. Manning gained valuable experience last season, starting two games and contributing in high-pressure situations.
Strong Defensive Core: Despite sending 12 players to the NFL in the 2025 Draft — a program record — Texas returns 61% of its defensive production from 2024. This continuity could be key to another deep postseason run.
Playoff Experience: The Longhorns have made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, building a foundation of big-game readiness.
With this mix of proven veterans and elite newcomers, Texas is positioned not just to start No. 1 — but to defend it.
Why Ohio State Slipped to No. 3
Ohio State’s drop isn’t necessarily a reflection of weakness but rather uncertainty at the sport’s most important position: quarterback.
The Buckeyes tied their own program record with 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, including starting quarterback Will Howard. Now, head coach Ryan Day must choose between redshirt freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz.
Experience Gap: Neither Sayin nor Kienholz played meaningful snaps in 2024. Kienholz last attempted a pass in 2023, while Sayin threw just 12 passes in mop-up duty last year.
Roster Turnover: Ohio State ranks 101st nationally in returning production, compared to Texas’ 103rd — meaning both teams are reloading, but Texas boasts a more proven offensive leader in Manning.
While the Buckeyes remain one of the most talented teams in the country, voters are waiting to see if their quarterback situation can deliver under pressure.
Week 1 Showdown: No. 1 vs. No. 3
College football fans won’t have to wait long to see these rankings put to the test. In a blockbuster Week 1 matchup, Texas will travel to Columbus to face Ohio State on September’s opening weekend.
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: FOX
Media Presence: ESPN’s College GameDay and Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff will both broadcast live from Columbus, underscoring the game’s magnitude.
The winner will gain early-season bragging rights, a significant playoff positioning advantage, and possibly control over the No. 1 ranking heading into the heart of the season.
Why This AP Poll Shake-Up Matters
A preseason No. 1 ranking is more than just a number. It can impact recruiting momentum, national perception, and even playoff seeding in the new 12-team College Football Playoff format debuting in 2025.
For Texas, it’s a sign that their long climb back to elite status under head coach Steve Sarkisian has reached its peak — at least on paper. For Ohio State, it’s a reminder that the crown is hard to keep, even after a championship season.
Texas Longhorns’ rise to the top of the AP Poll puts college football on notice — the road to the national title may run through Austin in 2025.
You Must Know:
Who is No. 1 in the AP College Football Poll 2025?
The Texas Longhorns hold the No. 1 spot in the 2025 AP preseason poll, narrowly beating Penn State and pushing defending champion Ohio State to No. 3.
Why did Ohio State drop in the preseason rankings?
Despite winning the national title in 2024, Ohio State faces uncertainty at quarterback after losing Will Howard to the NFL, with two inexperienced players competing for the job.
When do Texas and Ohio State play in 2025?
The Longhorns and Buckeyes meet in Week 1 in Columbus, Ohio, on September’s opening weekend, with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Who is Texas’ starting quarterback in 2025?
Arch Manning, the former No. 1 overall recruit, takes over as Texas’ starting quarterback following a strong debut season in 2024.
How many players did Texas and Ohio State send to the NFL in 2025?
Texas had 12 players drafted, a program record, while Ohio State tied its own record with 14 NFL draft selections.
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