No. 4: LSU Tigers: The Tigers have put together one of the best transfer portal classes in the country, with Brian Kelly set to do whatever is needed to get to the CFP. LSU posted nine wins last year, but that still wasn't good enough and people were upset with the veteran head coach. Will a big year get haters off his back?
No. 3: Alabama Crimson Tide: Year 2 of the Kalen DeBoer era is here and it might end up being a make-or-break campaign for him. There's buzz that if DeBoer doesn't lead the Tide to the CFP, he could be on his way out already. Ty Simpson, for now, is expected to be the starter with Jalen Milroe off to the NFL. Luckily for DeBoer, his defense should be electric to help take off some pressure for Simpson and the O.
No. 2: Georgia Bulldogs: What does Kirby Smart have up his sleeve for '25? Georgia was ready to push for a natty last season, but the Carson Beck injury shut down any hope. Gunner Stockton will be the starter and while he's not as flashy as Beck, he can still win you games. We almost flipped UGA to No. 3, but we've learned from doubting Smart. This team will be strong this fall.
No. 1 Texas Longhorns: It's time to see what Arch Manning can do. After reaching the national semifinal last year, Texas is built to push for the natty this season. It all depends on if Manning can play the way everyone expects him to. Steve Sarkisian has all the confidence in the world in him. With Texas spending an estimated $40 million to build its roster for '25 too, something tells us the investment will be worth it for the Longhorns.