Year 2 of the 12-team College Football Playoff era in the 2025 season. In the way-too-early top 25, you shouldn't need formal introductions. We are referring to the stars of tomorrow, today. Arch Manning (finally) takes over at quarterback for Texas as the Longhorns sit as out preseason No.

The order became more interesting beyond the top two. Fans had plenty to say about where Oregon, Texas and Georgia landed in the rankings. Meanwhile, Alabama and Miami — the two teams that just missed on playoff spots — ended the season ranked No. 16 and No. 17.

Notre Dame is an independent but plays four other ACC schools. The dates for those games have yet to be set but the opponents are: at Pitt, at Boston College, North Carolina State, and Syracuse. The Miami game is scheduled for Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 30 but it could move anywhere from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.

By almost any measure, Indiana football had the best season in its 126-year history in 2024. Can IU run it back in 2025?

The Buckeyes are No. 1 after their national championship win, but which team is between them and runner-up Notre Dame?