
2025 College Football Rankings: Ohio State and Oregon Dominate; Alabama Stumbles
2025-09-01
Author: Ting
Ohio State Reigns After Stunning Win
Ohio State has claimed victory over some heavyweights, topping Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, Notre Dame, and Texas once more in their recent five-game stretch. Remarkably, two of these victories came against the top-ranked Texas, yet they’ve only held the No. 1 ranking once – right after clinching the 2024 national championship.
In a nail-biting game against No. 1 Texas, Ohio State displayed its grit and determination. Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin may not have set the field ablaze with statistics, but the Buckeyes' defense dominated with crucial key plays: two massive goal-line stands, a pivotal interception, and stellar fourth-down defense, allowing Texas only one conversion out of five attempts. Coach Ryan Day’s directive was crystal clear: "Just win," and win they did.
The Latest Rankings Are Here!
Here’s how the top 25 schools stand after an electrifying Week 1 of the 2025 college football season.
1. Ohio State (1-0) - Defeated Texas 14-7
Making his debut against an AP No. 1 opponent, Julian Sayin led the Buckeyes to victory, marking the first win for a freshman QB in this scenario since 1984. Ohio State's defense shined, holding Texas in check while the offense managed to clinch victory with just 215 total yards.
2. Oregon (1-0) - Defeated Montana State 59-13
Oregon's balanced attack dazzled with 253 yards rushing and passing, totaling 507 yards in a rout of Montana State. Quarterback Dante Moore shined in his debut, tossing three touchdowns and completing 78% of his passes, helping secure their 16th consecutive home victory.
3. Georgia (1-0) - Dominated Marshall 45-7
Gunner Stockton dazzled with 263 total yards and four touchdowns in his first start. His connection with USC transfer Zachariah Branch was electric, showcasing a 47-yard touchdown catch in a game where Georgia led 45-0.
4. LSU (1-0) - Edge Past Clemson 17-10
On the road, LSU achieved what few have under coach James Franklin: a win against an AP top-five team. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 230 yards and a touchdown, putting himself in early contention for the Heisman.
5. Texas (0-1) - Upset by Ohio State 14-7
The Longhorns faltered under pressure, failing on four of five critical fourth-down attempts. Star QB Arch Manning struggled, tossing a touchdown and an interception while the offense rushed for 166 yards, making it a tough start to the season.
6. Miami (1-0) - Bested Notre Dame 27-24
Miami’s well-rounded performance against the defending national runners-up signals potential for a strong season. Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck showed promise, while the Hurricanes' defense held strong.
7. Penn State (1-0) - Thrashed Nevada 46-11
Penn State's defense was relentless, forcing three turnovers and registering three sacks in a dominant showing. New WR Kyron Hudson impressed with six catches for 89 yards in his debut.
8. Clemson (0-1) - Lost to LSU 17-10
The Tigers face concerns after a fourth consecutive loss to SEC rivals, bringing into question their title aspirations.
9. Oklahoma (1-0) - Defeated Illinois State 35-3
Newcomer John Mateer shattered the record for passing yards in a debut, guiding Oklahoma to an impressive win.
10. Notre Dame (0-1) - Fell to Miami 27-24
Despite strong plays from first-time starter CJ Carr, Notre Dame struggled to handle Miami’s defensive pressure, missing key opportunities.
The Rest of the Rankings
The rest of the teams from 11 to 25 included strong performances from schools like Indiana, Michigan, and Florida State, the latter bouncing back from a dismal previous year with a stunning defeat over Alabama.
Alabama dropped to 22nd after their loss, marking a startling turn of events for a program once deemed untouchable. As we move further into the season, the stakes get higher, and every game matters!
Final Thoughts
With the college football landscape constantly shifting, this season promises plenty of excitement and unexpected twists. Keep an eye on these teams as they battle for glory!