Final 2025 NCAA Football SP+ Rankings Released

The 2025 college football season is just around the corner, and with it comes the final preseason SP+ rankings. These rankings, developed by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, provide a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of team efficiency, offering a predictive look at the most sustainable aspects of football performance. Here’s what you need to know:

Top Teams in the SP+ Rankings

1. Ohio State (26.1) leads the pack with a strong offense and defense.
2. Alabama (25.5) follows closely, showcasing a balanced team.
3. Georgia (24.2) rounds out the top three, continuing their dominance in recent years.

Key Takeaways

• Ohio State and Alabama are projected to dominate, with both teams expected to contend for the national championship.
• Georgia remains a powerhouse, but questions linger about their ability to maintain elite status.
• Texas (23.1) and Notre Dame (22.0) are dark horses, with potential to surprise if their young talent steps up.

Notable Projections

• Iowa State vs. Kansas State: K-State is favored by 4.8 points.
• Texas at Ohio State: The Buckeyes are projected to win by 5.5 points.
• LSU at Clemson: Clemson is expected to edge out LSU by 2.6 points.

SP+ vs. Conventional Wisdom

While the SP+ rankings align closely with preseason polls, there are some notable discrepancies:

• Texas Longhorns: Ranked No. 1 in polls but No. 5 in SP+ due to concerns about their offensive line and receiving corps.
• Clemson Tigers: Pollsters have them at No. 5, but SP+ places them at No. 10, questioning their national title potential.

Teams to Watch

• Michigan Wolverines: Despite losing key players, SP+ projects them as a top-10 team.
• Ole Miss Rebels: Ranked No. 9 in SP+, higher than their No. 18 poll ranking, indicating potential for a breakout season.

Conference Power Rankings

1. SEC: Alabama, Georgia, and Texas lead the way.
2. Big Ten: Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan dominate.
3. Big 12: Kansas State and Texas Tech are the teams to watch.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 season promises to be another thrilling year of college football. With the SP+ rankings in hand, fans can get a glimpse of what to expect as teams battle for supremacy on the field.