AP Top 25: Texas At No. 1 – College Football 2023 Preview

Aug 11, 2025 by Mei Lin 58 views

AP Top 25 College Football Preseason Poll: Is Texas Really No. 1?

Hey football fans! The AP Top 25 preseason poll is finally here, and it's already stirring up some serious debate. This year, the Texas Longhorns have snagged the coveted No. 1 spot, followed closely by the Penn State Nittany Lions. But is Texas truly the team to beat, or is this just preseason hype? Let's dive into the poll, break down the top contenders, and explore what this all means for the upcoming college football season.

The Top 5: A Closer Look

1. Texas Longhorns: Are They Ready for the Pressure?

Texas at No. 1? This is a bold statement by the AP poll voters, and it’s sure to raise eyebrows across the nation. The Longhorns are coming off an 8-5 season, which, while decent, isn't exactly championship-caliber. However, there’s no denying the talent on the Texas roster. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is poised for a breakout year, and the Longhorns boast a wealth of offensive weapons. Defensively, they’ve made significant strides in recruiting, bringing in some game-changing talent. But the question remains: Can Texas handle the pressure of being the preseason No. 1? The Longhorns haven’t lived up to the hype in recent years, and this ranking puts a massive target on their backs. Their schedule is no cakewalk either, with tough matchups against Alabama, Oklahoma, and Kansas State. For Texas to justify this ranking, they need to show consistency and mental toughness throughout the season. The Longhorns faithful have been waiting for a return to national prominence for years, and this preseason ranking has only heightened those expectations. Will they finally deliver, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Texas this season.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Penn State claiming the No. 2 spot in the preseason poll signals a clear message: the Nittany Lions are serious contenders this year. Coming off a strong 11-2 season capped by a Rose Bowl victory, Penn State is riding high on momentum and brimming with confidence. Head coach James Franklin has built a formidable program in Happy Valley, and this year’s squad might be his most talented yet. The Nittany Lions boast a potent offense led by talented quarterback Drew Allar and a stable of impressive running backs. Their defense, traditionally a strength, is expected to be among the nation’s best, anchored by a disruptive defensive line and a ball-hawking secondary. Penn State’s schedule presents its challenges, including tough road games against Ohio State and Michigan, but the Nittany Lions have the talent and experience to compete with anyone. This high preseason ranking reflects the program's steady climb back to the top of the college football landscape. The Nittany Lions have been knocking on the door of a College Football Playoff berth for years, and this year feels like they have the pieces in place to finally break through. The key for Penn State will be consistency. They need to avoid the slip-ups that have plagued them in the past and maintain their focus throughout the grueling Big Ten schedule. If they can do that, they have the potential to make a serious run at the national championship.

3. [Add a Team Name Here]: The Dark Horse Contender

[Team Name] landing at No. 3 in the preseason poll is definitely noteworthy. This team has been steadily improving over the past few seasons, and they've got the coaching staff and the players to make some serious noise this year. Their offense is explosive, capable of putting up points in bunches, and their defense is physical and aggressive. One of the key factors contributing to [Team Name]'s high ranking is their [Specific Strength, e.g., quarterback]. [Quarterback's Name] is a true dual-threat quarterback who can beat you with his arm or his legs, and he's surrounded by a talented group of receivers. On the defensive side of the ball, [Team Name] is led by [Key Defensive Player], a [Position] who is a disruptive force in the trenches. [Team Name]'s schedule is challenging, but they've proven in the past that they're not afraid of anyone. They've got some big games on their schedule, including matchups against [Rival Team 1] and [Rival Team 2], which will be crucial in determining their fate this season. The coaching staff, led by [Head Coach Name], has done an excellent job of building a winning culture at [Team Name]. They've instilled a sense of discipline and toughness in their players, and they've developed a scheme that maximizes their strengths. If [Team Name] can stay healthy and avoid costly turnovers, they've got the potential to be a College Football Playoff contender this year. The fans are excited, the players are motivated, and the coaching staff is confident. [Team Name] is ready to prove that they belong among the nation's elite.

4. [Add a Team Name Here]: The Traditional Powerhouse

Securing the No. 4 spot in the preseason poll, [Team Name] remains a force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape. This program boasts a rich history of success, with multiple national championships to their name, and they're always in the mix for the College Football Playoff. What makes [Team Name] so formidable year after year is their commitment to excellence in all facets of the game. Their offense is consistently among the nation's best, their defense is known for its physicality and tenacity, and their special teams are always well-coached and disciplined. This year is no exception, as [Team Name] is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Their offense is led by [Key Offensive Player], a [Position] who is a game-changer with his [Specific Skills]. He's surrounded by a stable of talented playmakers, including [Other Key Offensive Players], who can stretch the field and make big plays. Defensively, [Team Name] is anchored by [Key Defensive Player], a [Position] who is a dominant presence in the front seven. He's a disruptive force who can pressure the quarterback and stuff the run, and he sets the tone for the entire defense. [Team Name]'s schedule is always challenging, as they compete in one of the toughest conferences in college football. They've got tough road games against [Rival Team 1] and [Rival Team 2], as well as a key home game against [Rival Team 3]. For [Team Name] to achieve their goals this season, they'll need to stay healthy and avoid costly mistakes. They've got the talent and the coaching to compete for a national championship, but they'll need to execute consistently week in and week out. The fans in [City/State] are passionate and dedicated, and they expect nothing less than the best from their team. [Team Name] is ready to embrace the challenge and prove that they're still one of the elite programs in college football.

5. [Add a Team Name Here]: The Rising Star

Earning the No. 5 ranking in the preseason poll, [Team Name] is a program on the rise, and they're poised to make a significant impact on the college football landscape this year. This team has been building momentum over the past few seasons, and they've got the coaching staff and the players to compete with the nation's best. What makes [Team Name] so intriguing is their innovative approach to the game. They've got an offensive system that is designed to stretch the field and create mismatches, and their defense is aggressive and opportunistic. One of the key factors contributing to [Team Name]'s success is their [Specific Strength, e.g., passing game]. [Quarterback's Name] is a prolific passer who has the arm talent and the decision-making skills to lead this offense to great heights. He's surrounded by a talented group of receivers, including [Key Receivers], who are capable of making big plays downfield. On the defensive side of the ball, [Team Name] is known for their ability to generate turnovers. They've got a ball-hawking secondary and a disruptive front seven that is constantly putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. [Team Name]'s schedule presents its challenges, but they're confident that they can compete with anyone. They've got some key conference games on their schedule, including matchups against [Rival Team 1] and [Rival Team 2], which will be critical in determining their conference championship aspirations. The coaching staff, led by [Head Coach Name], has done an outstanding job of developing this program. They've created a culture of winning, and they've instilled a sense of belief in their players. If [Team Name] can continue to improve and stay focused, they've got the potential to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. The fans are energized, the players are determined, and the coaching staff is optimistic. [Team Name] is ready to take the next step and establish themselves as a national power.

Key Takeaways from the AP Poll

The SEC Still Reigns: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to dominate the top of the poll, with multiple teams ranked in the top 10. This underscores the conference's strength and depth, making it a gauntlet for any team vying for a national championship.
Preseason Polls are Just That: It's crucial to remember that preseason polls are based on projections and past performance, not on-field results. Many teams will rise and fall throughout the season, making the actual rankings much different by the end of the year.
Parity in College Football: While the usual suspects are near the top, there's a sense of growing parity in college football. More teams than ever have the resources and talent to compete at a high level, making for a more exciting and unpredictable season.

What Does This Mean for the Season Ahead?

The AP Top 25 preseason poll sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling college football season. It gives us a glimpse of who the experts believe are the top contenders, but ultimately, the games will be decided on the field. The poll will undoubtedly fuel debates among fans, analysts, and coaches alike, and it will add an extra layer of intrigue to every game. As the season unfolds, we'll see which teams live up to the hype and which ones stumble along the way. One thing is for sure: this college football season is shaping up to be a wild ride, and we can't wait to see how it all plays out. So, buckle up, guys, it's going to be an exciting one!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the AP Top 25 preseason poll is out, and the college football world is buzzing. What do you guys think about the rankings? Are you surprised to see Texas at No. 1? Do you think Penn State is a legitimate contender? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And be sure to stay tuned for more updates and analysis throughout the season. It's going to be a fun one!