Ranking the top 10 teams for the 2025 college football season

10. Miami Hurricanes

Miami had a 10-win campaign in Mario Cristobal’s third season, falling just short of an ACC title and the College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes could return to the playoff conversation in 2025 and remain positioned for success despite key departures. That begins with Heisman finalist Cam Ward, but the Canes will also lose 1,000-yard rusher Damien Martinez, and leading wideouts Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George and Isaiah Horton. Starting tackle Jalen Rivers is also gone as are multiple starting defenders.

Still, Cristobal can mask those losses with a top-15 recruiting class and transfers like wideout CJ Daniels, tight end Alex Bauman and cornerback Xavier Lucas. However, the most significant addition is quarterback Carson Beck who could be a seamless replacement for Ward. If new coordinator Corey Hetherman can help the Hurricanes improve defensively, Miami could be playoff-bound, particularly if it can win crucial matchups with Notre Dame, Florida and SMU.