The rivalry between the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) strengthens with the release of the preseason Associated Press Top 25. Ohio State and Oregon lead as Nos. 1 and 2, surpassing sixth-ranked defending champion Indiana, highlighting the Big Ten’s recent achievements, including three consecutive national titles. Meanwhile, the SEC boasts depth with five teams in the top 10 and seven in the top 13. The SEC presents nine ranked teams, edging out the Big Ten’s eight, and has had seven different teams in the College Football Playoff since 2024, compared to four for the Big Ten.
The Big Ten received 62 of 69 first-place votes in the preseason poll: Ohio State with 40, Oregon with 14, and Indiana with 8. Notably, no SEC team secured a first-place vote, a first since 2015 when Ohio State was the unanimous No. 1. Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti remarked, ‘Our fans, and I think the SEC fans, really like the rivalry.’ He suggests that more games between the conferences could enhance fan engagement.
The season’s heavyweight matches include Oklahoma visiting Michigan and Ohio State taking on Texas on September 12. Both are revanchists, as the home teams won last year: Oklahoma 24-13 and Ohio State 14-7. The Big Ten finished 4-3 against the SEC last season, with Indiana triumphing over Alabama 38-3 in a CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. However, ESPN’s Bill Connelly ranked seven Big Ten programs below No. 67 Kentucky, SEC’s lowest-ranked team, in his SP+ rankings, focusing on team efficiency adjusted for tempo and opponent strength.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey acknowledges the SEC’s absence from recent national championship games, expressing determination to elevate performance. He emphasizes the league’s breadth and strength, suggesting that while some other leagues show promise, the SEC remains unparalleled.
Clemson’s Unranked Status
Clemson finds itself unranked in the AP poll for the first time since 2011, having narrowly missed the top 25 by just five points to No. 25 Missouri. The Tigers endured a 7-6 season, their worst since 2010, with an underperforming offense and defense. However, optimism arises with offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ return, under whose leadership Clemson’s offense thrived from 2011-14. The defense is also expected to improve under coordinator Tom Allen. Clemson faces a significant test with their opener against No. 11 LSU.
Coaching Changes and Expectations
Four Top 25 teams have new coaches with high expectations. Pete Golding begins his stint at No. 9 Mississippi amidst the residue of Lane Kiffin’s tumultuous departure, retaining key staff and star players like QB Trinidad Chambliss. Golding seeks to repeat a CFP semifinal run. Meanwhile, Lane Kiffin, now at No. 11 LSU, faces pressure for a quick turnaround post-2019 CFP victory and a substantial contract. Kiffin’s LSU challenges include a seven-year deal worth $91 million following Brian Kelly’s costly departure.
At No. 18 Penn State, Matt Campbell’s transition from Iowa State will be scrutinized as he leverages players transferred with him. The Big Ten opener against Wisconsin on September 26 will be telling. Meanwhile, Morgan Scalley, taking over No. 21 Utah, replaces his former boss as head coach, while Kyle Whittingham adjusts to Michigan. With talent like QB Devon Dampier, Utah aims for a strong start against Houston.
Group of Six Teams
For the first time since 2022, no non-power conference teams appear in the preseason Top 25. Group of Six standout Boise State, having transitioned from the Mountain West to the new Pac-12, gathered the most votes among teams outside the top 25, with other teams receiving recognition.
Extra Points
- Ohio State has never concluded a season at No. 1 in any of the previous eight years it began atop the poll.
- The Buckeyes maintain the longest active streak, ranked in the preseason for 38 consecutive years.
- No. 4 Notre Dame ties Southern California for fifth-most preseason top five appearances, with 20.
- This is the 15th instance since 1950’s preseason poll debut where at least seven teams from the previous year’s final poll did not appear in the new preseason poll, including Vanderbilt and TCU.