Top 5 NCAAF Teams to Watch: A MyBookie Review of Early Season Rankings

As the 2025 college football season kicks in, all eyes turn to the nation’s top contenders. Who’s hot, who’s primed to win, and who you probably shouldn’t bet on this year? The fresh stats place Texas, Penn State, and Ohio State in the leading positions of the preseason AP rankings.

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Top Five NCAAF Teams

Drawing from AP polls and MyBookie ag reviews, here are the top 5 NCAAF teams you should pay close attention to in the 2025 college football preseason:

1. Texas Longhorns

For the first time, Longhorns lead the preseason AP Top 25 rankings — the team is the epitome of flipping the script. This swift rise stunned even the most devoted fans. Heisman frontrunner Arch Manning at QB (of the renowned Manning family) makes the team stand out this season. Yet, despite his presence, MyBookie sees Longhorns as a volatile but potentially rewarding pick, vulnerable if early pressure builds. A fluke? Remains to be seen. The Longhorns are listed with +700 odds (after post-Week 1 loss) to win the National Championship, and the team has a season win total set at 9.5, with odds of -110 for the over. Arch Manning is obviously the key focus with touchdown or passing yard totals.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

Another strong contender for this year’s prize is Penn State. It’s not the Nittany Lions’ first rodeo: in 2024, they finished with a 13-3 record and managed to reach the Orange Bowl semifinals. Running back Nick Singleton requires only nine touchdowns to match Saquon Barkley's school record (51). With their balance and experience, Nittany Lions are the definition of a safe ride for any bettor out there. So far, the markets place them at +700 to win the Championship. You can bet the over on their 10.5 win total at even money or direct your attention to prop bets, like Singleton’s rushing TDs.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

Last year’s national champion may sit at No. 3 in the early AP rating, but they’ve begun the season with absolute momentum, knocking Texas Longhorns down a peg. There’s a reason why sports analysts and seasoned bookies favor them: they’ll likely continue their winning streak this year, too. Considering the preseason +600 futures odds to win the national championship, this swift rise to the top of the chart wasn’t that much of surprise. For bettors, their win total is set at 10.5 with the over at -120, making Buckeyes a solid choice.

4. Clemson Tigers

Although preseason rankings placed them solidly in the top five, the opening-week performance against LCU threw a little rain on their parade. Tigers are among the most powerful opponents for the playoffs for a reason, namely their reliable defence and returning talent. MyBookie ag reviews place Tigers as a strong up-and-comer. So far, the markets price them at +2,500 for the title. Target their 9.5 win total over at -110.

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Another top team to watch is the Bulldogs, who finished 11-3 in 2024, winning the SEC Championship. QB Gunner Stockton is a real menace, bringing his dual-threat capabilities to the field. Georgia’s offence is also snappier and more dynamic. Expect another SEC title and even a challenge for a College Football Playoff spot in the near future. Bulldogs are undervalued in the market with +700 odds, while their win total sits at 9.5 with over at -130; their SEC futures at +360 are a strong play, or over/under on Stockton’s total TDs.

Bottom Line: What Bettors and Fans Can Expect

The 2025 season is shaping up to be full of surprises and teams flipping the script. Here are the top contenders:

Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Clemson, and Notre Dame are clearly early-season favorites.

Ohio State’s recent win over Texas cements its position as one of the leaders.

Keep an eye on Notre Dame Fighting Irish; they might yet surprise you.

Expect these teams to set the pace for the entire season!

Overall, this year’s college football season holds a promise of some truly spectacular performances. Texas’ volatility, Ohio State’s momentum from the previous year, or Georgia’s dual-threat offence — all set a tone for a thrilling 2025 campaign.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!