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.

At the AP, my job was to administer the poll, so I knew that as a first-time voter I'd be undertaking a challenge with no perfect answer.

The 2025 college football season is set to get going later in August. On Monday, August 10, we'll get a first look at the rankings. While some college football coaches have called for the preseason rankings to go away,