1 word for each college football top 25 teams 2025 offseason | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

On By Littum

Atlanta, GA January 20: ESPN's Receive Davis interviews Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day following the conclusion of the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 20, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium In Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Rich Von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

5. Penn State: Impressive

Tight end Tyler Warren and edge-rusher Abdul Carter leave monstrous gaps at Penn State. The Nittany Lions are also undeniably the early winner of the high season. They bring back a lot of NFL-worthy talent, from QB Drew Allar and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen to defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant. Penn State’s dream of a championship run is well underway.

Have you heard the name “Arch Manning” lately? Want to learn more about Arch Manning? Arch Manning, who has several famous relatives, will be the quarterback at Texas next season. In all seriousness, the hype is justified for the Longhorns as a whole. The defense was exceptional and should again be a loaded unit in 2025, setting up Texas for another CFP charge if the Horns can manage a schedule with trips to Ohio State, Florida and Georgia, among others.

Even if the CFP turned into a disaster for Oregon, the letdown is presumably just a blip on the radar. Armed with healthy financial backing, the Ducks are big players on the recruiting trail and in the portal — with a strong coaching staff, too. How effectively the offense switches from Dillon Gabriel to Dante Moore will determine Oregon’s upside.

That stunning loss to Northern Illinois won’t be forgotten, but it certainly doesn’t matter to Notre Dame anymore. That nightmare can only be remembered as the fuel for 2024’s runner-up finish, one that legitimized Marcus Freeman’s vision in South Bend. Notre Dame is always an attractive destination, and a 14-win season only adds to the appeal.

On the heels of winning a national title, Ohio State faces a lineup. The program should absolutely celebrate this achievement – and fans in particular will enjoy it during the peak season. However, the team is tuned for many changes as the senior-heavy roster moves on. Throw in an impending QB competition and the Ryan Day-led coaching staff has a busy spring and summer ahead.