SOUNDOFF: Texas Longhorns Begin 2025 College Football Season at No. 1, Alabama Crimson Tide Eighth, Auburn Tigers Shockingly Unranked
The release of the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 College Football Poll has sparked immediate debate across the country, and for good reason. In the newly unveiled rankings, the Texas Longhorns stand proudly at No. 1, the Alabama Crimson Tide come in at No. 8, and perhaps most surprisingly, the Auburn Tigers are nowhere to be found on the list. For a sport that thrives on tradition, rivalry, and constant conversation, the poll has given fans and analysts plenty to talk about before the first kickoff of the season.
Texas fans have every reason to be ecstatic. The Longhorns’ rise to the top spot is the culmination of years of rebuilding, recruiting dominance, and steady improvement on the field. Under their current leadership, Texas has transformed from a program stuck in cycles of inconsistency into a legitimate national powerhouse. Their offense is loaded with playmakers, their defense is deep and disciplined, and they’ve managed to keep most of their key contributors healthy heading into the new season. The No. 1 ranking is not just about talent—it’s about momentum, confidence, and the belief that this is their year to finally make good on the “Texas is back” mantra.
At the same time, Alabama’s position at No. 8 has raised eyebrows. For a program accustomed to starting every season inside the top five—and often at No. 1—the drop to eighth represents a shift in national perception. It’s not that the Crimson Tide lack talent; they rarely, if ever, do. Instead, this ranking reflects uncertainty about their ability to replace key departed stars, question marks surrounding their quarterback situation, and the stiff competition they’ll face in the SEC this year. Still, Alabama’s history under their legendary coach suggests that they’ll use this lower-than-usual ranking as fuel. The Tide have thrived before when doubted, and it would surprise no one if they climbed back into the top five by midseason.
And then there’s Auburn—a program with a proud history, fierce rivalries, and passionate fan support—finding themselves completely unranked heading into the season. For the Tigers and their faithful, this is a tough pill to swallow. Being left out of the Top 25 means national voters are skeptical about Auburn’s chances to compete at the highest level this season. Whether it’s due to last year’s underwhelming record, uncertainty in their offensive identity, or lingering questions about their ability to hang with SEC heavyweights, the message from the poll is clear: Auburn has a lot to prove.
Of course, preseason polls are far from perfect indicators of how the season will unfold. History has shown that teams ranked outside the Top 25 in August can make deep runs into the postseason, while highly ranked squads sometimes falter under the weight of expectations. For Auburn, this unranked status could be an unexpected blessing—a chance to fly under the radar, develop without constant national scrutiny, and shock the college football world with early upsets.
For Texas, the challenge now becomes handling the pressure that comes with the No. 1 ranking. Every opponent will be gunning for them, treating each game like their own championship opportunity. One slip-up could cost them their position, and the path to the College Football Playoff will be lined with teams eager to prove that Texas’ top billing is undeserved. The Longhorns must balance confidence with humility, knowing that staying at the top requires week-to-week discipline, not just preseason hype.
Alabama’s position presents a different kind of challenge. Ranked at No. 8, they’re close enough to make a run at the top but far enough down to feel disrespected. This is exactly the kind of motivational spark that has propelled Alabama in past seasons. With their blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, the Crimson Tide could easily surpass expectations, especially if they can solidify their quarterback play and avoid costly injuries.
For Auburn, the road ahead is steep, but not impossible. The Tigers’ schedule offers several chances to turn heads early. A strong start could catapult them into the rankings quickly, and once there, momentum could carry them further than most expect. Their coaching staff will no doubt use this snub as locker room material, reminding players daily that respect must be earned on the field. Auburn’s fan base is among the most loyal in the sport, and they’ll pack stadiums regardless of the preseason outlook, creating an atmosphere that could help the Tigers pull off key wins.
Beyond the individual team narratives, these rankings also paint an interesting picture of the college football landscape in 2025. Texas at No. 1 signals a potential shift in power, with programs outside the traditional SEC stronghold staking their claim to dominance. Alabama’s lower ranking hints at the growing parity in the sport, where even the most elite programs are not immune to doubts. Auburn’s absence underscores the unforgiving nature of national perception—one or two down seasons can quickly remove a program from the spotlight.
Rivalry implications are also worth noting. The Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn already carries massive weight every year, but with Alabama trying to climb back into the top five and Auburn seeking redemption from an unranked start, the stakes could be even higher. Likewise, if Texas can maintain their top spot deep into the season, every matchup they play—especially against ranked opponents—will have national playoff implications.
Critics of preseason polls argue that they are inherently flawed, often relying too heavily on last year’s results, recruiting rankings, and brand reputation. Supporters counter that they generate excitement, give fans talking points, and provide a baseline for the season’s storylines. Regardless of where one stands, the reality is that these rankings shape early-season narratives and can influence perceptions of conference strength, player awards, and playoff positioning.
For players, these rankings can be both a motivator and a distraction. Texas players will be reminded daily that they are the hunted, with every slip-up magnified. Alabama’s roster will be told they are being overlooked, setting the stage for a “prove them wrong” mentality. Auburn’s athletes, meanwhile, will hear the constant drumbeat of doubt, which could either fracture their resolve or forge it into a powerful weapon.
Coaches will handle the rankings in different ways. Texas’ staff will likely preach humility and focus, warning against the dangers of reading too much into preseason praise. Alabama’s leadership will emphasize the need to control their own destiny, ignoring outside noise. Auburn’s coaches will frame the snub as a challenge, urging their players to relish the chance to earn back national respect.
Fans, of course, will react passionately. Texas supporters are already buzzing with playoff dreams and national championship talk. Alabama fans, while slightly surprised by the No. 8 ranking, will remain confident in their team’s ability to climb. Auburn fans, though disappointed, will circle key games on the calendar as opportunities to make statements and quiet doubters.
The truth is, these rankings are just the first chapter in a long, unpredictable story. By the time December rolls around, the landscape will almost certainly look different. Injuries, upsets, breakout stars, and late-season surges will shuffle the order, and teams currently overlooked could find themselves in the thick of the playoff race. For Texas, Alabama, and Auburn, the preseason poll is less a verdict and more a starting point—a place from which each will try to write their own narrative.
One thing is certain: the 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. Texas will try to prove they truly belong at No. 1, Alabama will aim to climb back into their familiar perch among the top five, and Auburn will fight to show that being unranked was a mistake. The beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability, and this year’s preseason poll has set the stage for months of drama, debate, and unforgettable moments.
In just a few weeks, the talking will stop, and the games will begin. When that happens, rankings will no longer be based on projections—they’ll be earned on the field. And that’s when we’ll truly see whether Texas can handle the weight of being No. 1, whether Alabama can silence those who doubt them, and whether Auburn can rise from the outside looking in to reclaim their place among the nation’s elite. Until then, fans will keep talking, analyzing, and arguing, because that’s what makes college football in late summer so electric.
