It's pretty rare that there's ever a serious race for No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. Even if there's a debate, it's typically settled long before ballots are cast. Over the last 20 seasons, the difference in first-place votes between No.

The preseason AP Top 25 is expected to confirm what the preseason Coaches poll did a week ago. The first blockbuster matchup of the 2025 college football season should pit No. 1 versus No. 2. Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns were the top program in the Coaches poll. The Ohio State Buckeyes were right behind them at No. 2.