The 2025 Preseason Coaches Poll is out, giving college football fans their first look at the official rankings ahead of the season. Texas made history by earning its first-ever preseason No. 1 ranking, edging out Ohio State for the top spot.
The top seven teams are packed with perennial powerhouses, and several familiar faces are among the early College Football Playoff contenders.
However, closer inspection reveals some interesting and surprising choices in the rankings. Here’s a breakdown of teams that may be overrated or underrated based on the preseason poll.
Overrated: No. 13 South Carolina
The hype surrounding South Carolina seems a bit excessive for a team that still has several question marks. While the Gamecocks boast one of the nation’s top playmakers in quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a potential breakout star in edge rusher Dylan Stewart, their overall roster is still full of holes.
Wide receiver depth remains a glaring concern, with only Mazeo Bennett Jr. standing out as a reliable option.
Rahsul Faison’s eligibility is uncertain, and the defense will need to adjust after losing three key players to the NFL.
After going 9-3 in the regular season and losing to Illinois in the Citrus Bowl, South Carolina finds itself ranked ahead of three College Football Playoff teams from 2024. The upside is there, but ranking them so highly might be premature given the team’s roster and the competition ahead.
Grade: Overrated
Underrated: No. 6 Clemson
Despite receiving two first-place votes, Clemson remains ranked outside of the top five in the Coaches Poll, trailing teams like Georgia and Notre Dame. However, there’s plenty of reason to believe the Tigers should be ranked higher.
Cade Klubnik, a first-round NFL prospect, leads an offense with one of the best wide receiver units in the country and an experienced offensive line.
Defensively, Clemson boasts several future pros, including TJ Parker and Peter Woods.
With 14 returning starters and a strong defense, Clemson is in a good position to compete for the College Football Playoff.
Their ability to develop talent and return so many key players from a 10-win season in 2024 makes them a legitimate title contender. They could make a deep run this season, but for now, they remain underrated at No. 6.
Grade: Underrated
Overrated: No. 14 Michigan
Michigan has the talent to compete, but their No. 14 preseason ranking may be too high. The Wolverines are coming off a strong season under Sherrone Moore, but the team has several issues to address.
The big question revolves around quarterback. Freshman Bryce Underwood is a major talent, but it’s a huge ask for a true freshman to step into the Big Ten and deliver immediately.
Michigan’s wide receivers are lackluster, and they’ll need to replace key players like Kalel Mullings, Donovan Edwards, and top pass-catcher Colston Loveland.
The defense has lost Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson to the NFL, meaning they’ll have to reload.
Despite momentum from big wins, Michigan’s lack of depth at key positions makes this ranking too optimistic for now.
Grade: Overrated
Underrated: No. 21 Iowa State
The Cyclones are often overlooked, but Matt Campbell’s team is quietly one of the most dangerous in the Big 12. They went 11-3 in 2024, with an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game, and now return a majority of key players.
Quarterback Rocco Becht is poised for a breakout, and running backs Carson Hansen and Abu Sama form one of the top duos in the conference.
Iowa State returns 14 starters, including standout defenders like Jeremiah Cooper.
Despite losing Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins to transfer, the Cyclones are primed for another strong season, particularly with a capable receiving group led by Chase Sowell (ECU transfer).
This team is better than their No. 21 ranking suggests, and they’ll be one to watch as the season progresses.
Grade: Underrated
Overrated: No. 18 Tennessee
While Tennessee has the talent to make some noise, their No. 18 ranking is a stretch for now.
After losing Hendon Hooker, the Vols are in quarterback flux, with Joey Aguilar or Jake Merklinger expected to take over. Aguilar has the potential but doesn’t have the ceiling of a Heisman-caliber quarterback.
The wide receiver group is thin, with seven scholarship players, most of whom have little game experience.
They also lost the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Dylan Sampson, and must replace major defensive players like Jermod McCoy (working back from an ACL tear).
Tennessee will have a strong defense, but questions on offense could prevent them from living up to their ranking.
Grade: Overrated
Underrated: Louisville (NR)
Louisville is one of the most underrated teams in the Coaches Poll. Under Jeff Brohm, they’ve won 19 games in the last two seasons, and the 2025 squad is poised to be his best yet.
Transfer quarterback Miller Moss (USC) looks like a perfect fit in Brohm’s offense.
Running back Isaac Brown is a rising star, and wide receivers Caullin Lacy and Chris Bell should provide Moss with reliable options.
The defense, led by linebackers TJ Quinn and Stanquan Clark, is strong, and the Cardinals should be in the playoff conversation by November.
This Louisville team could be one of the biggest surprises of the season, and they should have been in the rankings.
Grade: Underrated
The 2025 preseason Coaches Poll gives a glimpse into the expected contenders, but it’s clear that some teams, like Clemson and Iowa State, are being undervalued, while others like South Carolina and Tennessee are perhaps a bit overrated.
As the season unfolds, these rankings will be tested, and the true picture of each team will emerge.
