Joel Klatt’s Post-Spring Ball Top 25 College Football Rankings for 2025: Analyzing the New Landscape of Contenders
As spring ball wraps up across college football, fans and analysts alike are beginning to turn their attention to the upcoming season. One of the most anticipated rankings each year is Joel Klatt’s Top 25 teams, which offers a glimpse into which programs have made significant strides during the offseason and where the major programs stand heading into summer camp. After watching all the spring games, analyzing recruiting data, and speaking with insiders, Klatt has unveiled his rankings for the 2025 season, which sees some familiar faces, new challengers, and a shifting landscape in the ever-competitive world of college football. Let’s dive into Klatt’s Top 25 after spring ball, which serves as an essential roadmap for what to expect as the season draws nearer.
Klatt’s rankings are not just a simple rehash of last year’s finish, and they reflect a deep understanding of the talent on each roster, the stability of coaching staffs, and the momentum gained from spring ball. With key players stepping into bigger roles and new stars emerging, some teams have seen a boost in their rankings, while others may have slipped due to various offseason developments.
At the top of the list is, unsurprisingly, the defending national champions. Georgia, under the steady leadership of Kirby Smart, remains the team to beat. The Bulldogs continue to reload with elite recruiting classes and a stable of top-tier talent at nearly every position. They’ve earned their place at the top, and after a dominant 2024 season, they remain the gold standard in college football. Their spring ball performance reaffirmed that Georgia is equipped to defend its title. The Bulldogs bring back a loaded roster, led by quarterback Carson Beck, and they have the depth necessary to stay atop the rankings throughout the season.
Right behind Georgia, however, is a team that has quietly risen in stature over the past few seasons—Alabama. Despite some challenges, the Crimson Tide is still a juggernaut in college football. Nick Saban’s ability to constantly reload and adjust to the changing dynamics of the sport has kept Alabama at the top of the rankings for years. Alabama’s spring ball was a significant showcase of its young talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, appears ready to take the next step, and Alabama’s defense, always one of the nation’s best, remains a fearsome force. The Tide’s balance and talent keep them firmly in the hunt for a national title.
As for the teams rounding out the top five, it’s no surprise to see Ohio State and Michigan in the mix. Ohio State, after a narrow loss to Georgia in the 2024 College Football Playoff, is hungry to get back to the top. The Buckeyes’ spring practices featured growth in critical areas, including the development of their quarterback, Kyle McCord, and the emergence of several young wide receivers who could help replace the production lost to the NFL. Ohio State’s defense, which was a bit inconsistent last season, showed signs of improvement, making them a formidable opponent heading into the 2025 campaign.
Michigan, on the other hand, continues to assert itself as a national powerhouse. Jim Harbaugh has cultivated an identity of physicality, and Michigan’s strength lies in its consistency. J.J. McCarthy, the Wolverines’ dynamic quarterback, enters his senior season with a wealth of experience. Michigan’s balanced approach, featuring a potent offense and a stingy defense, was evident in their spring ball practices, where they looked as strong as ever. The Wolverines will undoubtedly be a top contender in the Big Ten and beyond.
After the top five, the rankings become even more intriguing, with several programs poised to make a leap into elite status. One of the most notable teams in Klatt’s Top 25 is Texas. The Longhorns are coming off a promising season in 2024 and appear to be primed for a breakout year in 2025. Steve Sarkisian’s offense is one of the most dynamic in the country, and quarterback Quinn Ewers has shown he’s capable of leading Texas back to national prominence. With a loaded roster and a newfound sense of confidence, Texas looks to make a splash in both the Big 12 and the national title picture.
Another team on the rise is USC. Lincoln Riley’s program has steadily built momentum, and the Trojans’ offense, led by Heisman contender Caleb Williams, is one of the most explosive in the country. The defense, which has been USC’s Achilles’ heel in recent years, showed signs of improvement during the spring, providing hope that the Trojans could compete with the top-tier teams in college football. With a top-tier quarterback, a dynamic offense, and a rapidly improving defense, USC is a team that could make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Further down the rankings, Klatt highlights several teams that have shown significant potential after spring ball. Penn State is one such team, with James Franklin continuing to build a program that can compete at the highest levels. The Nittany Lions are known for their tough defense and have a strong quarterback in Drew Allar, who has the potential to take the offense to new heights. Penn State’s performance in the spring showed they are a serious contender in the Big Ten and could make noise nationally as well.
Florida State, under head coach Mike Norvell, has been steadily improving over the past few seasons and could finally be ready to make its return to prominence. The Seminoles have a dynamic offense, led by quarterback Jordan Travis, and their defense has shown vast improvement. With several key playmakers returning and a solid recruiting class, Florida State could be a team to watch in the ACC and beyond.
Oklahoma, despite a few challenges in recent seasons, is also climbing up the rankings. Under Brent Venables, the Sooners’ defense has shown signs of returning to form, and their offense, with Dillon Gabriel at the helm, has the potential to be explosive. Spring ball provided a glimpse into the Sooners’ future, with several young players stepping up and showing that they are ready to contribute in meaningful ways.
The SEC is well represented in the rankings, with teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Ole Miss making their presence felt in the post-spring ball evaluations. LSU, led by Brian Kelly, is one of the most well-coached teams in the country, and with key pieces returning, they should be in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot. Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, has emerged as a major contender in the SEC, and while questions remain about their defense, their high-octane offense keeps them competitive against anyone. Ole Miss, led by Lane Kiffin, is another team on the rise with a strong offense and a coach known for his ability to turn programs around.
As for some of the traditional powers that may be lower in the rankings, such as Notre Dame and Clemson, both programs have some work to do. Notre Dame has a strong roster, but questions remain about their quarterback play and overall consistency. Clemson, after a disappointing 2024 season, has made strides in recruiting, and their spring ball practices featured some exciting developments, especially at quarterback. Both teams have the talent to make a leap, but whether they can crack the top 10 or even challenge for a playoff spot remains to be seen.
Finally, Klatt’s rankings also shine a light on some lesser-known programs that have the potential to disrupt the traditional hierarchy. Teams like Washington, Utah, and Kansas State have the pieces in place to make a serious run at a New Year’s Six bowl or even the College Football Playoff. These programs may not be household names in the national title conversation, but they are no longer considered underdogs—they’ve earned their place in the rankings after strong performances during spring ball.
As we approach the 2025 season, the college football landscape is as exciting as ever. While some teams continue to dominate the top of the rankings, others are making significant strides and could pose a serious threat to the established powers. Klatt’s Top 25 gives us a glimpse of what to expect, and it’s clear that the road to the national title will be more competitive than ever. With a mix of established programs, rising stars, and hungry challengers, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet. As always, it’s all about the play on the field, and the coming months will determine just how accurate these rankings truly are.
