2025 NCAAF Top 25 Teams: Archvillains and Key Matchups

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the top 25 teams are gearing up for intense rivalries and critical matchups. Here’s a breakdown of the archvillains and key games that could shape the season:

1. Penn State: Ryan Day

Penn State’s James Franklin has struggled against Ohio State’s Ryan Day, losing six straight games. With a veteran squad, the Nittany Lions aim to reverse their fortunes in a pivotal November showdown.

2. Clemson: LaNorris Sellers

Clemson’s defense will be tested against South Carolina’s elusive quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, who nearly derailed their season last year.

3. Texas: Oklahoma

The Longhorns face their annual test against Oklahoma in Dallas, a game that could have major implications for their SEC and national championship aspirations.

4. Georgia: Alabama

Georgia’s Kirby Smart has struggled against Alabama, and this year’s matchup in Athens could be crucial for playoff positioning.

5. Ohio State: Sherrone Moore

Michigan’s Sherrone Moore has become a thorn in Ohio State’s side, leading the Wolverines to four straight victories over the Buckeyes.

6. LSU: Daytime Home Games

LSU’s Tiger Stadium is known for its electric night games, but day games in the sweltering September heat could be a challenge.

7. Notre Dame: Miami

Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman faces a tough early-season test against Miami, led by transfer quarterback Carson Beck.

8. Oregon: Ohio State

Oregon’s Dan Lanning will look to avoid a repeat of last year’s Rose Bowl drubbing by Ohio State, though a rematch could only occur in the playoffs.

9. Alabama: Vanderbilt

Alabama seeks revenge against Vanderbilt after a shocking loss last season, which derailed their campaign.

10. BYU: Utah

The “Holy War” between BYU and Utah is always intense, and this year’s matchup could have major Big 12 title implications.

11. Illinois: Max Klare

Illinois must contain Ohio State’s Max Klare, who had a breakout performance against them last season.

12. Arizona State: Regression

Arizona State faces the challenge of avoiding regression after a strong 2024 season, a common issue in the Big 12.

13. South Carolina: LSU

South Carolina looks to avenge last year’s heartbreaking loss to LSU, which cost them a playoff bid.

14. Iowa State: Kansas State

The season opener in Dublin between Iowa State and Kansas State could be a de facto elimination game for Big 12 title hopes.

15. SMU: TCU

SMU and TCU face off in what could be their last Iron Skillet game for the foreseeable future, adding extra heat to the rivalry.

16. Texas Tech: Baylor

Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire faces his former team, Baylor, in a critical Big 12 matchup.

17. Indiana: UCLA

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti must contend with UCLA, which features former Hoosiers coach Tino Sunseri and player Jamier Johnson.

18. Kansas State: Iowa State

Kansas State’s season opener against Iowa State will be a crucial test for their offense and turnover management.

19. Florida: Georgia

Florida’s Billy Napier faces a tough test against Georgia, which has dominated the rivalry under Kirby Smart.

20. Michigan: Ohio State

Michigan’s Sherrone Moore aims to extend their winning streak against Ohio State, but the Buckeyes are eager for revenge.

21. Miami: Syracuse

Miami looks to avenge last year’s loss to Syracuse, which kept them out of the ACC championship game.

22. Louisville: Kentucky

Louisville’s Jeff Brohm aims to continue their recent success against Kentucky in a heated rivalry game.

23. Texas A&M: Steve Sarkisian

Texas A&M faces a tough test against Texas and Steve Sarkisian, who has revitalized the Longhorns.

24. Ole Miss: Mississippi State

Ole Miss must contend with the dreaded cowbells of Mississippi State in their annual rivalry game.

25. Oklahoma: Texas

Oklahoma faces Texas in the Cotton Bowl, a game that could define their season in the SEC era.