Who Will Be No. 1 in AP Poll: Texas, Ohio State, or Georgia? Latest Rankings and Dark Horse Teams to Watch

As college football’s 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on the heated debate for the AP Poll’s No. 1 spot between Texas, Ohio State, and Georgia. Texas narrowly edged Ohio State in the Coaches Poll, setting the stage for a potential top-two showdown in their Week 1 matchup.

Dark horse contenders like Penn State and Clemson, both returning stacked rosters, could disrupt the hierarchy. With the AP Poll’s release imminent, analysts predict Texas might claim the preseason crown—but Ohio State’s home-field advantage in their opener could quickly shift the narrative.

Who Will Claim the AP Poll’s Top Spot: Texas, Ohio State, or Georgia?

The battle for No. 1 in the AP Poll has never been more intense, with Texas, Ohio State, and Georgia all making strong cases. Texas holds the top spot in the Coaches Poll, fueled by Arch Manning’s hype and a talented roster. However, Ohio State’s stacked defense and Georgia’s championship pedigree cannot be overlooked.

The AP voters tend to weigh recent performance heavily, which could favor Georgia. But Texas’s historic No. 1 ranking in the Coaches Poll might sway opinions. Ohio State’s QB situation remains unresolved, but their overall talent keeps them in contention.

Ms. Tomato, notice how the AP Poll often diverges from the Coaches Poll in subtle ways. Georgia’s consistency might appeal more to media voters than Texas’s flashier narrative.

But Mr. Lettuce, doesn’t the “first No. 1 vs No. 2 opener” storyline give Texas an edge in media attention? That spectacle could influence voters subconsciously.

Dark Horse Candidates: Which Teams Could Crash the Top 5?

While the spotlight shines on the favorites, several programs lurk as potential disruptors:

• Penn State: Returns 18 starters from last year’s playoff team
• Clemson: Rebuilt offense with elite recruiting classes
• Oregon: Loaded with transfer portal stars

These teams have the schedules and talent to make late-season surges. The AP voters historically reward teams that peak at the right time rather than relying solely on preseason projections.

The Pac-12 Wildcard Effect

The conference’s final season before realignment adds drama. If Oregon or Washington strings together early wins, they could rise faster than typical West Coast teams in the poll.

Arch Manning vs. Ohio State’s QB Battle: Which Situation Scares Voters More?

Texas’s Arch Manning has the name recognition but zero career starts. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz combine for the same lack of experience. The AP Poll’s historical data shows voters typically overvalue proven quarterbacks early in seasons.

This could create volatility in the rankings as these blueblood programs work through early growing pains. The team that establishes quarterback stability first will likely separate itself in the polls.

Watch for week 2 adjustments – the AP voters are quicker than coaches to demote teams with shaky QB play, regardless of overall talent.

Isn’t it ironic that Georgia’s Carson Beck might be the most “proven” QB among the contenders, yet they’re ranked lowest of the trio? The SEC bias might not be as strong as people think.

Schedule Difficulty: Which Top Team Has the Hardest Path?

The AP Poll often rewards teams that schedule aggressively, which benefits Texas. However, Ohio State’s road schedule could prove more challenging than it appears on paper.

Historical Trends: How Past Preseason No. 1s Performed

Examining the past decade of preseason AP No. 1 teams reveals:

• 60% reached the playoff
• Only 30% won the national championship
• 20% fell out of the top 10 by season’s end

This suggests being preseason No. 1 is more curse than blessing. The pressure and target on Texas’s back could actually help Ohio State or Georgia in the long run.

The data shows media voters overcorrect when preseason darlings struggle – if Texas stumbles early, they might fall further than warranted.

But remember when 2019 LSU started outside the top 5 and dominated? Maybe flying under the radar helps Georgia more than we think!

Conference Bias: Does the AP Favor Certain Leagues?

The SEC has traditionally received favorable treatment in the AP Poll, but recent shifts suggest changing attitudes:

• Big Ten teams now receive more first-place votes than SEC teams
• The Pac-12’s demise might create “nostalgia boosts” for its contenders
• ACC teams face steeper climbs unless they dominate early

This evolving landscape could benefit Ohio State over Georgia in close voting scenarios, despite the Bulldogs’ recent championships.