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Initial ESPN SP+ Rankings Reveal Clear No. 1 Team in College Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 2:06 PM ET

Looking ahead to the 2025 college football season, ESPN's Billy Connelly revealed SP+ computer model rankings that feature a clear leader at No. 1.

Rosters are certainly not set at this time with the final transfer portal window (April 16-25) remaining. However, by using current rosters combined with returning production and recent history, SP+ ranked all 136 FBS teams.

Not surprisingly, perennial powers stock the top 10, including eight programs coming off College Football Playoff appearances in 2024.

The SEC, by far, leads all conferences with an average rating of +14.9, followed by the Big Ten (+8.3), the Big 12 (+5.4) and the ACC (+4.7).

Leading all teams, though, is the Ohio State Buckeyes after finishing at 14-2 last season with a national championship under head coach Ryan Day.

Despite the program losing a slew of key contributors, Ohio State is projected to field the nation's sixth-best offense (38.6 rating) and second-best defense (10.6), according to SP+.

Initial top-10 rankings, per SP+

Ohio State
Alabama
Penn State
Georgia
Notre Dame
Oregon
Texas
Tennessee
Ole Miss
LSU

The Buckeyes will look differently next season after losing multiple key starters to the NFL draft.

Offensively, quarterback Will Howard is turning pro along with both starting running backs in Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Program-leading wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is also off to the NFL, as is offensive tackle Josh Simmons.

However, the Buckeyes do return All-American receiver Jeremiah Smith, former five-star receiver Carnell Tate and and former five-star quarterback Julian Sayin.

Defensively, two-time All-American safety Caleb Downs will lead a defense that loses sack leaders JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.

The number of notable departures would probably paint a worrisome picture if not for Ohio State's success on the recruiting trail. The Buckeyes signed top-five classes over the last two cycles and should have plenty of talent to fill those voids.

The 2025 season will open with a major challenge for Day and Co, as Texas (No. 7 in SP+) will visit Columbus on Aug. 30 for a rematch from the Cotton Bowl semifinal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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