College Football is Back: Texas Claims Historic No. 1 Spot in Preseason AP Top 25

The wait is finally over. College football is officially back, and the excitement has reached a fever pitch with the release of the preseason AP Top 25 poll. In a historic first, the Texas Longhorns will kick off the season ranked No. 1, a monumental achievement for a program on a serious upward trajectory. The Longhorns’ new era, affectionately dubbed “Arch Mania” with Arch Manning at quarterback, has fans dreaming of a championship run after winning 25 of their last 30 games and reaching back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals.

The top of the poll, however, is a testament to the fierce competition awaiting this season. The Longhorns barely edged out a formidable Penn State team, winning by a razor-thin margin of just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998. The Nittany Lions, with their highest preseason ranking since 1997, are a true contender poised for a breakout season.

Meanwhile, the defending national champions, Ohio State, are lurking at No. 3. The Buckeyes received a significant number of first-place votes themselves, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated opening-week matchups in recent memory. On August 30th, the Longhorns will travel to Columbus for a monumental clash against Ohio State—a rematch of last season’s thrilling CFP semifinal. This game isn’t just about revenge; it’s a chance for Texas to prove they belong at the top and for Ohio State to establish their dominance on their path to a potential back-to-back national championship.

The preseason rankings also paint a picture of conference dominance and fresh faces. The SEC leads all conferences with a record 10 teams in the Top 25, solidifying its reputation as the nation’s premier football league. The Big Ten isn’t far behind, with six teams in the rankings, including two in the top three. The poll also features some incredible storylines, like SMU’s first preseason ranking in 40 years and Boise State representing the Group of Five conferences.

As the season gets underway, you can show your support for your favorite team with the latest gear. From jerseys to hats and everything in between, you can find the perfect way to represent your team and get ready for a memorable year of college football. For all your NCAA merchandise needs, be sure to check out the official Pro Merch collection. You can find all the gear you need to cheer on your team right here: https://pro-merch.com/product-category/ncaa/

Associated Press Preseason Top 25

The top 25 teams in the AP preseason poll, released Monday.