ESPN Projects the No. 1 College Football Program for Next Two Seasons originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
One college football program stands above the rest in ESPN’s new projections through the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
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Factors like returning quarterback, likelihood of a multiyear starting quarterback, offensive line/defensive line outlook, roster management, star power and coaching staff were used by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg to rank programs throughout the Power Four along with independent Notre Dame.
Perennial powers, of course, make up the top 10, featuring the Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 10), Tennessee Volunteers (No. 9), LSU Tigers (No. 8), Clemson Tigers (No. 7), Penn State Nittany Lions (No. 6) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish (No. 5).
The Oregon Ducks kick off the top four after securing the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance under young head coach Dan Lanning. Oregon is the only team to land both a top-four high school and transfer portal class in the 2025 cycle.
Sitting third is the defending SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs and acclaimed head coach Kirby Smart, who led his alma mater to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.
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While Georgia hasn’t logged a playoff win since that run in 2022, Smart and Co. have yet to finish outside the top five in recruiting in nine consecutive years.
The top two came down to the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes and rising SEC powerhouse Texas Longhorns.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian shake hands prior to the College Football Playoff semifinal.Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Head coach Ryan Day’s Buckeyes secured their ninth national championship and the first under Day after bouncing back from two regular-season losses in 2024.
There’s a lot to like about the historic program moving forward, but the Longhorns got ESPN’s nod at No. 1.
The outlook for Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian begins with star quarterback Arch Manning, a former five-star recruit who is entering his first season as a full-time starter.
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Manning, although eligible for the 2026 NFL draft, could benefit from a return to the Longhorns for the 2026 season.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“But Manning is in a unique situation because of his background and the money he has already earned in college,” Rittenberg wrote. “He doesn’t need to rush off to begin his pro career and could benefit from a second season as the starter under coach Steve Sarkisian.”
Sarkisian has led Texas to back-to-back playoff appearances after rebuilding a roster that totaled 13 wins over his first two seasons at the helm.
“Sarkisian got the Texas job largely because of his reputation with playcalling and quarterbacks, but his greatest gains have come up front, especially elevating an underperforming offensive line,” Rittenberg wrote.
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Recruiting, particularly along the lines of scrimmage, has seen a noticeable uptick of late. And Texas is coming off the nation’s top class in the 2025 cycle.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0).Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
As far as star power, Manning is an obvious mention. Elsewhere, the defense returns All-Americans in EDGE Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. alongside safety Michael Taaffe. Offensively, wide receiver Ryan Wingo will be relied upon heavily.
Maintaining elite talent is certainly a barometer of success for future seasons, as is Sarkisian’s job security and a well-built staff.
“He’s (Sarkisian) at an A-list job and likely isn’t going anywhere, and he has done a good job establishing and maintaining a veteran staff that includes coordinators Kyle Flood (offense), Pete Kwiatkowski (defense) and Jeff Banks (special teams).”
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Texas will open the 2025 season with no small task, a playoff rematch against Ohio State on the road. That highly-anticipated matchup will take place on Aug. 30 at noon ET on Fox.
Related: Major SEC Program Pushing For Highly-Touted Texas WR Commit
Related: Nation’s No. 1 RB Sounds Off Against Recruiting Report After Ohio State Visit
Related: Nation’s Top LB To Officially Visit SEC Powerhouse After Trips To Clemson, Oregon
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
