The wait is almost over. The 2025–26 college football season is right around the corner, and the chase for a national championship feels as wide open as ever. Traditional powerhouses are reloading, rising programs are stacking talent, and new stars are ready to take the spotlight. From the SEC gauntlet to the ACC’s resurgence and the emergence of Texas as a true juggernaut, this season has all the ingredients for unforgettable drama.
Here are my top five contenders heading into the fall:
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
For Alabama, the question wasn’t whether the dynasty would survive Nick Saban’s retirement—it was how quickly it could adapt under Kalen DeBoer. In his first season, DeBoer laid the groundwork, reshaping the Tide’s offensive identity while navigating the always-brutal SEC. Now, with that transition year behind them, the Tide look far more dangerous.
Photo Cred: The Crimson White
Quarterback Ty Simpson has waited patiently for his chance. A redshirt junior, Simpson brings experience, poise, and a full grasp of DeBoer’s system. His ability to read defenses and keep the offense on schedule will be critical in high-stakes games. Helping him is one of the most electrifying weapons in the nation—Ryan Williams, the five-star receiver who reclassified early and immediately lived up to the hype. Williams’ speed and explosiveness stretch defenses in ways Alabama desperately needs to compete with Georgia, LSU, and Texas.
The Tide defense, while not quite at the suffocating levels of peak-Saban, is stocked with young talent and developing playmakers. If the defensive line can consistently pressure quarterbacks, Alabama has enough balance to make another serious run at a title.
4. LSU Tigers
When Brian Kelly took over LSU, the goal was to build a consistent national contender—and entering 2025, the Tigers look like one of the most complete teams in America. With stability at head coach, strong recruiting, and portal wins, this roster is built to withstand the weekly grind of the SEC.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the key to unlocking LSU’s ceiling. Last year, he showed flashes of brilliance—big arm throws, tight-window accuracy, and the confidence to push the ball vertically. This year, he’s the unquestioned starter, and he has the luxury of throwing to one of the deepest receiver groups in the country. If Nussmeier can protect the football and elevate his consistency, LSU will boast an offense capable of keeping pace with anyone.
Photo Cred: USA Today
On defense, Kelly has made toughness a priority. The Tigers return a loaded front seven anchored by blue-chip talent, and their secondary looks far deeper than in past years. LSU struggled defensively at times last season, but the improvement in physicality and depth suggests this year’s group could be a true strength. With balance across both sides of the ball, LSU isn’t just a threat to win the SEC—they’re a legitimate national championship contender.
3. Clemson Tigers
Clemson slipped from the national spotlight for a few years, but Dabo Swinney appears to have righted the ship. The Tigers head into 2025 rejuvenated, stocked with talent, and motivated to prove they still belong among the elite. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is one of the most experienced players in the ACC and a proven leader. After throwing for over 3,600 yards and nearly 40 touchdowns last season, Klubnik has shown he can deliver both efficiency and big-play potential. His chemistry with Clemson’s deep receiving corps should only improve this year, making the Tigers’ passing attack a strength once again.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Clemson’s defense remains its calling card. The front seven is loaded with NFL-caliber talent, giving the Tigers one of the nastiest defensive lines in the country. Their ability to disrupt quarterbacks and shut down rushing attacks will be critical when they inevitably face playoff-caliber opponents. Factor in Swinney’s championship pedigree, a favorable ACC schedule, and a team that’s hungry to silence doubters, and Clemson has a clear path back to the College Football Playoff.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
The machine in Athens keeps rolling. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has built a dynasty on relentless recruiting, player development, and suffocating defense. The Bulldogs once again enter the season as one of the most talented teams in the country, and expectations are nothing short of another national title. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton now gets his turn to lead the offense after developing in Smart’s system. Stockton’s composure, decision-making, and athletic ability give the Bulldogs stability at the most important position.
Photo Cred: Dawg Nation
He’ll be surrounded by one of the deepest skill position groups in the nation, including explosive wide receivers and a backfield stacked with versatile runners. Defensively, Georgia is still the gold standard. With a defensive front that features multiple future first-round picks and a secondary that blends size, speed, and versatility, Smart has the pieces to maintain his trademark style: suffocating defenses that take away explosive plays. Georgia has been the model of consistency for nearly a decade, and this season looks no different—the Bulldogs are fully capable of adding another championship trophy to their collection.
1. Texas Longhorns
For years, the phrase “Texas is back” has felt more like a punchline than a reality. But in 2025, under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns finally look like a team ready to dominate college football at the highest level. Quarterback Arch Manning is the centerpiece of it all. The former No. 1 recruit enters his first season as the unquestioned starter, and his natural talent—arm strength, pocket presence, and football IQ—makes him one of the most intriguing players in the sport. Manning has a deep and versatile supporting cast, including dynamic wide receivers and a stable of running backs who can attack defenses in multiple ways.
Photo Cred: SI
On defense, Texas looks every bit as elite. Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr. headline a front seven built to pressure quarterbacks and control the trenches. The Longhorns’ secondary is among the deepest in the country, giving Sarkisian a defense that can match up with any style of offense they’ll face. This combination of offensive firepower, defensive toughness, and roster depth gives Texas everything they need to not just make the playoff—but to win it all. For the first time in a long time, it feels safe to say: Texas is truly back.
