The AP Top 25 college football poll preseason rankings are out. Texas took the No. 1 spot for the first time in an opening poll, narrowly edging out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Defending champion Ohio State ranked No. 3.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The preseason AP Top 25 was released Monday, solidifying Ohio State vs. Texas football as a marquee matchup to open the 2025 campaign. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 3 in the poll. Only, No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Penn State ranked ahead of OSU.

Texas received 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points to give the Southeastern Conference the preseason No. 1 team for a record fifth straight year. The Nittany Lions got 23 first-place votes and 1,547 points for their highest preseason ranking since they were No. 1 to open the 1997 season.