We continue our early look at College Football’s top 25 with teams 11-20.
11 FLORIDA
Florida ended the 2024 season on a 4-game winning streak. The biggest question heading into fall camp will be the health of QB DJ Langway. The rising star was limited in spring practice because of a shoulder injury. They do have one of the top offensive lines in the SEC. The defense was strong down the stretch and they will have to be with a very tough schedule ahead.
12 SOUTH CAROLINA
The Gamecocks were on the verge of a College Football Playoff behind QB LaNorris Sellers. If they are to make another run at the playoffs Sellers will need to take it up another level since RB Rocket Sanders and three offensive linemen departed. The defense is in a rebuilding stage. Road SEC games at LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M will speak volumes.
13 KANSAS STATE
The Wildcats have all the pieces to have the best team in the Big 12 since the 2022 season. Kansas State knows how to win with three straight seasons of at least nine victories. Having QB Avery Johnson and RB Dylan Edwards will be the keys on offense. The only weakness on defense is the secondary.
14 ARIZONA STATE
Nobody expected the Sun Devils to do what they did in 2024. They surprised the experts with a Big 12 title and a near upset of Texas in the Peach Bowl. Repeating won’t be easy, but they do return 16 starters. QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson are back. The defense allowed only 22.6ppg and could be better in 2025.
15 MICHIGAN
The Wolverines are hoping to build momentum off wins against Ohio State and Alabama to finish the 2024 campaign. Signing 5-star QB Bryce Underwood will give Michigan a true QB. Michigan also returns six starters from an outstanding defense.
16 INDIANA
Can the Hoosiers surprise the college football world again with another trip to the college football playoffs? It won’t be easy with a tougher Big 10 schedule. IU picked up QB Fernando Mendoza from California. Indiana will have a solid defense led by DL Makail Kamara.
17 ILLINOIS
Illinois fans should be optimistic after winning 10 games in 2024 and returning 16 starters. The defensive line and receiving corps will need some work, but they have a excellent QB returning in Luke Altmyer and a strong offensive line.
18 OLE MISS
The Rebels return only four starters, but QB Austin Simmons is an up and coming star. Lane Kiffin got plenty of help in the transfer portal.
19 TEXAS A&M
The season didn’t end the way the Aggies had hoped. They lost four of their final five games. Coach Mike Elko added talent to help QB Marcel Reed.
20 OKLAHOMA
Injuries tool its toll on the Sooners offense in 2024. Two new signal callers (Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer) will be a spark in 2025. The defense returns six starters.
