For the first time, Texas will open a college football season ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25. The Longhorns hardly have a mandate in the poll released Monday: They edged out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998.

The AP Top 25 college football poll preseason rankings are out. Texas took the No. 1 spot for the first time in an opening poll, narrowly edging out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Defending champion Ohio State ranked No. 3.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The preseason AP Top 25 was released Monday, solidifying Ohio State vs. Texas football as a marquee matchup to open the 2025 campaign. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 3 in the poll. Only, No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Penn State ranked ahead of OSU.