As the 2025 college football season approaches, fans and analysts alike are scrambling to predict which teams will dominate and which will struggle. In a bold and comprehensive move, college football analyst RJ Young has released his Definitive Top 136 Rankings—a sweeping evaluation that includes every single FBS team in the nation.
From powerhouse programs to emerging underdogs, Young’s rankings provide a complete picture of where college football stands heading into the new season. It’s more than just numbers—it’s a projection of potential, momentum, and power.
What makes this ranking special isn’t just the breadth—it’s the depth of insight. Young’s methodology incorporates a mix of roster evaluations, recruiting success, coaching changes, transfer portal activity, and historical performance trends.
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RJ Young’s Ranking Philosophy
RJ Young is no stranger to deep dives into college football. As a national sports analyst and one of the most passionate voices in the sport, Young’s ranking system isn’t just about the top 10. Instead, he believes in evaluating all 136 FBS teams—because every program has a story.
Key Ranking Factors:
Returning Starters
Experience matters. Teams returning seasoned quarterbacks, veteran offensive lines, or proven defenses tend to score higher.
Coaching Changes
New head coaches or coordinators with strong track records can quickly revitalize a program.
Recruiting and Transfer Portal Success
With the transfer portal becoming a major tool for rebuilding, RJ considers how well teams have reloaded or reshaped.
Recent Performance & Trajectory
A program on the rise (even if under-the-radar) gets a boost, while consistent underperformers may drop despite historic prestige.
Top 10 Breakdown: Powerhouses and Contenders
Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart continues to build a dynasty. Georgia’s dominance in recruiting and defense ensures they stay at the top, even after key NFL departures. Their quarterback situation is stable, and their offensive line may be the best in the nation.
Michigan Wolverines
Even with major NFL losses, Michigan brings in a stellar new QB and keeps much of its offensive core intact. The defense is younger but hungry. Don’t be surprised if they make another Playoff run.
Texas Longhorns
With the Arch Manning era in full swing, expectations in Austin are sky-high. RJ Young sees Texas as a legitimate national title threat for the first time in over a decade.
Alabama Crimson Tide
New coach Kalen DeBoer has big shoes to fill post-Nick Saban. But the talent is still elite, and Alabama has one of the deepest QB rooms in the country.
Oregon Ducks
With a high-powered offense and elite secondary, Oregon is the Pac-12’s best shot at a Playoff berth (assuming the Pac-12 survives the realignment chaos).
Florida State Seminoles
FSU’s return to relevance is complete. RJ believes their balanced roster and seasoned coaching staff make them a serious contender.
Penn State Nittany Lions
RJ loves Penn State’s defense. If their quarterback play improves, this team could crack the final four.
LSU Tigers
Brian Kelly has built a juggernaut. Though the defense has question marks, the offense could be unstoppable.
Washington Huskies
After last year’s Playoff run, Washington has momentum. Their passing game is deadly, and they return most of their offense.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
New QB and a gritty defense. They’re not elite yet, but they’re in striking distance. RJ has them slightly underrated by mainstream polls.
Biggest Surprises in the Top 25
Colorado (#17)
Coach Deion Sanders has transformed the Buffs. A stellar transfer class and explosive athletes have RJ ranking them higher than most.
Miami (#20)
A program long stuck in mediocrity may finally break through. Improved quarterback play and a tough front seven are key reasons.
Ole Miss (#22)
Lane Kiffin’s offense remains dangerous, and the defense is starting to catch up. Don’t sleep on the Rebels.
Falling Giants
Not every traditional power is flying high in 2025. RJ Young isn’t afraid to drop big names if they underperform.
Clemson (#29)
The Tigers have struggled to replace their once-elite QB play. RJ sees them as vulnerable in the ACC.
Oklahoma (#31)
Despite talent, inconsistency and a brutal schedule hurt their chances. RJ doesn’t see them cracking the top 20 this year.
USC (#33)
Even with big-name recruits, USC’s defensive struggles and coaching instability keep them out of the top tier.
Newcomers and Rising Programs
Liberty (#41)
Liberty has quietly built a powerhouse outside of the Power Five. RJ sees them as a team that could break into a New Year’s Six bowl.
Delaware (#102)
Making their FBS debut, the Blue Hens have a long road ahead—but RJ acknowledges their well-structured program.
Missouri State (#118)
Another FCS-to-FBS move. RJ notes the excitement around the transition, even if wins will be scarce in Year 1.
Bottom of the List: Who’s Struggling Most?
At the tail end of the rankings are programs facing long rebuilds, poor recruiting, or institutional neglect.
UMass (#136)
Still searching for a stable identity and consistent leadership.
New Mexico State (#134)
A promising 2022-23 surge has fizzled out. Thin roster depth and coaching changes hurt them.
Akron (#132)
Once a MAC hopeful, now in a painful rebuild phase.
Trends to Watch in 2025
Quarterback-Driven Success
The top 10 teams all boast experienced or high-ceiling quarterbacks. The QB position is more influential than ever.
The Transfer Portal Arms Race
Programs that excel in transfer portal navigation (like Colorado and LSU) have a massive edge over those relying solely on freshman development.
Realignment Shockwaves
With several teams shifting conferences or preparing to do so, 2025 might be the last “normal” season before another seismic realignment.
RJ Young’s Rankings: A Conversation Starter
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Young’s list is how it engages fans. Everyone has opinions, and everyone thinks their team deserves better. But the ranking creates a clear picture: what’s working, what’s failing, and who’s ready to rise.
Frequently Asked Question
Why did RJ Young rank all 136 FBS teams?
Young believes every team has a story worth telling—not just the top 25. This inclusive approach gives recognition to underdog programs and highlights the diversity of college football.
Is this ranking predictive or reflective?
It’s predictive. Young’s list is a forecast based on trends, potential, and off-season changes—not just last season’s results.
How heavily do transfers impact team rankings?
Massively. In the transfer era, teams can rebuild in a single offseason. Programs with strong portal strategy are rewarded in RJ’s system.
Why is Texas ranked so high in 2025?
With Arch Manning leading the offense, elite recruiting classes, and improved defense, Texas is seen as a title contender for the first time in years.
Are teams like UMass or New Mexico State improving at all?
While still at the bottom, these programs are showing signs of better structure and coaching. But the climb is steep.
Which team is most likely to rise dramatically during the season?
Miami and Colorado are top candidates. Both have explosive offenses and major media attention, which could fuel strong starts.
Where can I follow updates to these rankings?
RJ Young regularly updates his rankings and insights on his social media channels and on his college football coverage platforms throughout the season.
Conclusion
RJ Young’s Definitive Top 136 Rankings is more than a list—it’s a full-spectrum analysis of where college football stands in 2025. From powerhouse contenders to rebuilding squads, this ranking ignites discussion, debate, and anticipation. As the season kicks off, we’ll see which teams live up to the hype and which ones prove the rankings wrong. But one thing is certain—college football is as unpredictable and thrilling as ever.
