Way-Too-Early Top 25 College Football Rankings: Identifying the Most Important Newcomer for Every Team Entering the 2025 Season

The college football offseason never truly rests. While fans take a breath between bowl games and spring practice, coaches are reshuffling rosters through recruiting and the transfer portal. With the 2025 season on the distant horizon, we turn our attention to the “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 rankings. Every team in this list has championship aspirations, but for each, a newcomer could prove to be the missing piece. From blue-chip freshmen to seasoned portal additions, here’s a look at the most important new face on every squad currently projected in the Top 25.

1. Georgia Bulldogs – QB Dylan Raiola
Raiola initially committed to Ohio State and later to Georgia, and after a redshirt season, he’s ready to take the reins. The Bulldogs lost Carson Beck to the NFL Draft, and while competition remains in the QB room, Raiola’s arm talent, vision, and pedigree make him the Bulldogs’ most important new piece. If he delivers, Georgia’s national title hopes stay alive.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes – QB Will Howard
The Kansas State transfer gives Ohio State the veteran quarterback presence it lacked last year. With the Buckeyes also adding elite talent across the board—like Quinshon Judkins at running back and Caleb Downs in the secondary—Howard’s leadership and experience could be what elevates Ryan Day’s team from playoff contender to national champion.

3. Texas Longhorns – WR Isaiah Bond
The Alabama transfer wideout is expected to be the centerpiece of Texas’ revamped receiving corps. With AD Mitchell and Xavier Worthy off to the NFL, Bond brings explosiveness and SEC experience. He could become a key target for Quinn Ewers and help keep the Longhorns’ offensive momentum rolling into their SEC debut.

4. Oregon Ducks – QB Dillon Gabriel
Oregon brings in Gabriel from Oklahoma as a proven Power Five quarterback. With Bo Nix gone, Gabriel’s dual-threat ability, accuracy, and leadership make him the perfect one-year bridge to five-star freshman Dante Moore. His success will determine if Oregon can challenge for a Big Ten title right away.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide – OC Ryan Grubb
Alabama’s biggest newcomer isn’t a player, but offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who followed Kalen DeBoer from Washington. His job? Reignite Alabama’s offense after the departure of Tommy Rees and help Jalen Milroe take the next step. Grubb’s system was lethal at Washington, and if it translates, the Tide remain elite.

6. Michigan Wolverines – HC Sherrone Moore
Replacing Jim Harbaugh is no small task, and Moore inherits the program after helping guide Michigan through a three-game suspension last fall. He’s not a new face to the team, but as a first-year head coach, his leadership will be tested immediately—especially with Michigan replacing key players across the board.

7. Penn State Nittany Lions – WR Julian Fleming
The former five-star recruit from Ohio State never broke out in Columbus, but he brings experience and size to a Penn State offense looking for a spark at receiver. With Drew Allar needing trustworthy weapons, Fleming has the chance to be the difference-maker in unlocking the next gear for the offense.

8. Ole Miss Rebels – WR Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr.
Lane Kiffin has no shortage of offensive weapons, but the addition of Wells, the South Carolina standout, might be the biggest of all. He brings physicality, SEC experience, and a big-play mindset that pairs perfectly with quarterback Jaxson Dart. If healthy, Wells can be a top-5 SEC receiver in 2025.

9. Florida State Seminoles – QB DJ Uiagalelei
After a solid year at Oregon State, DJU lands in Tallahassee with a shot to resurrect his five-star potential. Florida State needs a reliable leader to replace Jordan Travis. If DJU finds consistency and chemistry in Mike Norvell’s system, the Seminoles remain playoff-relevant in the new 12-team format.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – WR Kris Mitchell
The FIU transfer quietly posted over 1,100 yards last season. Paired with quarterback Riley Leonard, who comes from Duke, Mitchell gives Notre Dame a home-run threat it lacked last season. The Irish defense will be stout, but Mitchell could help the offense stretch the field and put up points quickly.

11. Missouri Tigers – EDGE Nnamdi Udeogu
The James Madison transfer brings physicality and production to a Missouri front that must replace several starters. Udeogu had 9.5 sacks last season and is capable of disrupting SEC backfields. With Missouri aiming to take the next step under Eli Drinkwitz, Udeogu could be the linchpin on defense.

12. LSU Tigers – CB Jyaire Hill
The former Michigan cornerback joins an LSU secondary that was among the SEC’s worst in 2024. With the Tigers aiming to rebuild their defensive identity, Hill’s length, speed, and ball skills could be essential in turning around the unit. If he’s a lockdown corner, LSU will stay in contention in the West.

13. Arizona Wildcats – HC Brent Brennan
When Jedd Fisch departed for Washington, Arizona stayed in-house with a West Coast flavor, hiring San Jose State’s Brent Brennan. He inherits a loaded roster led by Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan. Brennan’s leadership and ability to navigate Big 12 competition will determine whether Arizona builds on its breakout 2024.

14. Utah Utes – WR Dorian Singer
Back from USC, where he underwhelmed, Singer reunites with a Utah team looking for more explosiveness outside. With Cam Rising returning for a final season, the Utes needed a go-to receiver. Singer could thrive in Kyle Whittingham’s balanced attack if he rediscovers his 2022 Arizona form.

15. Oklahoma Sooners – OL Branson Hickman
The SMU transfer center adds size, experience, and leadership to an Oklahoma offensive line that must hold up in its first SEC season. Hickman is a plug-and-play anchor and could be essential in keeping quarterback Jackson Arnold upright as the Sooners face stiffer competition in 2025.

16. Clemson Tigers – WR Beaux Collins
A familiar name returning to form, Collins chose to re-enter the fold after initially entering the portal. The Tigers’ offense under Garrett Riley must take a step forward, and Collins has the experience and size to be a key target. If he emerges as a go-to option, it could take pressure off Cade Klubnik.

17. Kansas State Wildcats – QB Avery Johnson
Though not technically a newcomer, Johnson is stepping into the starting role for the first time after Will Howard’s transfer. A dynamic athlete with elite speed, Johnson gives Kansas State a new dimension on offense. His ability to mature quickly will determine if the Wildcats can remain near the top of the Big 12.

18. Miami Hurricanes – S Savion Riley
The Vanderbilt transfer brings SEC experience to a Miami secondary looking for toughness and leadership. Riley has the instincts and athleticism to be a difference-maker for Mario Cristobal’s defense. If he helps stabilize the backend, Miami could be a dark horse in the expanded ACC.

19. Oklahoma State Cowboys – WR Deion Burks
The Purdue transfer wideout adds a big-play element to an already potent Oklahoma State offense. With Ollie Gordon II returning in the backfield, Burks could take pressure off the run game by stretching defenses vertically. He’s the kind of transfer that elevates a team from good to great.

20. Louisville Cardinals – QB Tyler Shough
Injuries plagued his career at Texas Tech and Oregon, but Shough brings maturity and leadership to a Louisville offense that must replace Jack Plummer. If Jeff Brohm can keep him healthy, Shough has the tools to be a top-three quarterback in the ACC and take Louisville back to the top of the conference.

21. USC Trojans – DC D’Anton Lynn
Another case where the biggest addition isn’t a player. After revamping UCLA’s defense in one year, Lynn joins Lincoln Riley’s staff with a massive rebuild ahead. USC’s defense has been its Achilles heel, but Lynn’s scheme and intensity could finally balance the Trojans and give them a fighting chance in the Big Ten.

22. Iowa Hawkeyes – QB Marco Lainez III
Lainez likely becomes the starter in 2025 with Cade McNamara departing. Known for his mobility and competitiveness, Lainez could give Iowa’s offense the life it’s desperately lacked. If the Hawkeyes can pair even average offense with their usual elite defense, they’ll stay in Big Ten contention.

23. Tennessee Volunteers – WR Chris Brazzell II
The Tulane transfer posted 711 yards last season and brings length and speed to Tennessee’s vertical offense. With Nico Iamaleava expected to make his mark, Brazzell could become his top deep threat and a breakout SEC star. His development is crucial for Tennessee’s hopes to chase a playoff spot.

24. North Carolina Tar Heels – QB Max Johnson
Drake Maye is gone, and in steps the well-traveled Max Johnson from Texas A&M. He’ll battle for the job, but his SEC background and leadership could help stabilize an offense in transition. If he wins the job and plays efficiently, North Carolina’s offense can stay productive.

25. Texas A&M Aggies – LB Alex Howard
A JUCO product, Howard brings immediate explosiveness to an A&M linebacker room that lost key contributors. With Mike Elko reshaping the defense, Howard could be a central figure. His ability to read plays and close gaps quickly may make him a breakout SEC defender by season’s end.

The 2025 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory with conference realignment, playoff expansion, and roster turnover defining the landscape. But across the Top 25, one thing is clear: how these newcomers perform will be a defining factor in who rises and who fades by December.