2025 COLLEGE TOP 10 WEEK 1
By Wayne Allyn Root
Here's a breakdown of the strengths and potential weaknesses for each of the top 10 college football teams in 2025.
One thing is certain, this list will revolve like my rolodex throughout the season
1. Texas
- Strengths: The Longhorns have a potentially loaded defense at all three levels. Sophomore Colin Simmons leads a strong defensive end group. Junior Anthony Hill Jr. could be the best linebacker in the country. A top-10 backfield and receiving corps will support new QB Arch Manning. The Longhorns have a talented running back room, led by junior Quintrevion Wisner.
- Weaknesses: The offense will feature four new offensive line starters. The biggest hole to fill is at tight end. There will be reliance on portal additions at defensive tackle. The team needs to improve its rushing attack.
2. Penn State
- Strengths: The Nittany Lions return a dynamic running back duo in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The team returns a majority of its offensive line. Quarterback Drew Allar is experienced. The team might have the fewest holes of any title contender.
- Weaknesses: The team struggles against highly-ranked opponents. The team lost tight end Tyler Warren, who caught a program record 104 passes last season.
3. Clemson
- Strengths: Quarterback Cade Klubnik is returning. The team returns its top three receivers, and Tyler Brown is back from injury. The team has a veteran roster and a loaded depth chart. The team has an experienced and improved offensive line.
- Weaknesses: The running back room could be a weakness. There is inexperience on defense, especially in the cornerback room.
4. Ohio State
- Strengths: The Buckeyes return wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. The receiving corps remains the best in college football. The team has a deep defensive line rotation.
- Weaknesses: The offensive line projects as average. The team lost all four starters from its 2024 defensive front. The team must replace eight starters on defense. Quarterback Julian Sayin has limited experience.
5. Georgia
- Strengths: The team should have a top-10 defense. The linebacker unit should be a real strength. The team has a new wave of talent stepping in.
- Weaknesses: The passing game has plenty of questions. The team has a brand new quarterback in Gunnar Stockton. The run game lacks a clear bell cow running back. The team lost its entire elite interior offensive line.
6. Notre Dame
- Strengths: The ground game is strong with running back Jeremiyah Love and one of the nation's top offensive lines returning. The transition from Al Golden to Chris Ash as defensive coordinator should be seamless. The team has a strong secondary.
- Weaknesses: The development of new quarterback C.J. Carr looms large. The team has inexperience at quarterback.
7. Oregon
- Strengths: The Ducks have depth and talent, especially post-transfer portal. The team has a strong elite edge rush, receiving depth, and an explosive backfield. The defense is talented at all three levels. The team might have their next great quarterback in Dante Moore.
- Weaknesses: The team has quarterback inexperience. The team needs to get more out of the ground game.
8. LSU
- Strengths: Garrett Nussmeier returns as LSU's starting QB. The team has an expensive and expansive receiver room with multiple potential stars. Linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins form a strong duo.
- Weaknesses: The Tigers lose four starting offensive linemen from a year ago. The team's defense was its Achilles' heel. The rebuilt offensive line must improve in run blocking.
9. Alabama
- Strengths: The team has a star-studded defense. The team has a wide receiver core. The team has a strong supporting cast to ease new quarterback Ty Simpson into the lineup.
- Weaknesses: The team has inexperience under center. The team's pass rush, specifically from the interior of the defensive line, could be a weakness.
10. Miami
- Strengths: The Hurricanes have several All-American candidates on both sides of the ball. The team addressed last season's biggest issue by hiring new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. The secondary is going to feature a lot of transfer players.
- Weaknesses: The team allowed 25.3 points per game last season. The team has a difficult non-conference schedule with a season opener against Notre Dame and a match-up against in-state rival Florida. There is a chance that Hetherman's new defensive scheme could cause communication issue