Tight race for preseason No. 1 serves as key CFB storyline entering 2025

January 26, 2025

By Shehan Jeyarajah, CBS Sports: Ohio State captured its first national championship since 2014 with a win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, but the Buckeyes’ path to a preseason No. 1 ranking in 2025 won’t be easy. As many as 16 starters could be gone from the championship squad, but wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs will give them a chance.

Across the board, the race for the No. 1 team in the preseason top 25 will be closer than ever. Between NFL entries, transfer portal and plain old eligibility expiring, nearly every major team is experiencing major losses.

Six of the top seven teams in the CBS Sports Way-Too-Early Top 25 are replacing quarterbacks, including both teams in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Two of the four major conference champions are also making a change at the position.

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College football rankings: Tight race for preseason No. 1 serves as key storyline entering 2025 season

Ohio State, Texas rank among top contenders for preseason No. 1

CBSSports.com

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