ESPN Releases Updated FPI Rankings Before Week 1 of College Football Season

Texas Still on Top

The Texas Longhorns remain the preseason favorite at No. 1 in the FPI. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has a roster loaded with returning playmakers, including linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., defensive end Colin Simmons, safety Michael Taaffe and, on the offensive end, receiver Ryan Wingo and running back Cedric Baxter.

Quarterback Arch Manning is the main piece of the attack and could define the entire season for Texas. With a balanced team built around experience and young stars, the Longhorns are projected to be in the national championship conversation all year long.

Of course, the Longhorns play in the showdown Saturday on the road at the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Georgia Holds Firm at No. 2

Georgia stays put at No. 2, continuing its run as one of the sport’s most consistent powers. Kirby Smart will welcome quarterback Gunner Stockton, a redshirt junior, along with a deep group of defensive talent that will once again test every opponent on the schedule.

The Bulldogs may have seen top players leave for the NFL, but their ability to reload has made them an annual playoff contender. Georgia will again be a favorite to reach the SEC Championship Game and beyond.

The Bulldogs start their season at home against Marshall on Saturday.

Alabama Rounds Out the Top Three

Alabama remains locked in at No. 3 in the updated FPI. The Crimson Tide returns a talented roster across both sides of the ball. Head coach Kalen DeBoer will turn to signal-caller Ty Simpson under center. He will look at guys like Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton on offense.

Jam Miller is out with an injury for the Crimson Tide early on, which should give Richard Young and Daniel Hill opportunities from the start.

Alabama’s mix of young talent and proven leaders provides stability that keeps them firmly in the playoff hunt heading into Week 1.

Week 0 Had Few but Meaningful Changes

Week 0 featured only a handful of games, and most of the top programs stayed exactly where they were. Kansas State was among the few to drop after the tough loss to Iowa State in Ireland. The Wildcats are now 21st, while their rivals in Lawrence, the Kansas Jayhawks, moved to No. 25 after their blowout win over Fresno State.

This goes to show, even early matchups can carry weight in computer projections. While the top three held steady, the early action set the stage for movement once the schedule picks up.

Looking Ahead To Week 1

With Texas, Georgia and Alabama at the top, this is how the rest of the Top 10 panned out:

• 4. Ohio State Buckeyes
• 5. Penn State Nittany Lions
• 6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
• 7. Oregon Ducks
• 8. Tennessee Volunteers
• 9. Texas A&M Aggies
• 10. Ole Miss Rebels

The stage is set for the first full week of the 2025 season. The FPI provides the framework, but Week 1 will begin to reveal whether these rankings truly reflect the balance of power in college football.