Oregon Ducks Behind Texas, Ohio State In Early Top-25 College Football Rankings

As the anticipation for the 2025 college football season continues to build, preseason rankings are already sparking heated debates among fans, analysts, and insiders. With a fresh crop of talent and returning stars, the early Top-25 rankings reveal where programs stand ahead of summer training and the eventual kickoff. While the usual powerhouses dominate the top of the list, one storyline stands out: the Oregon Ducks, a perennial contender in the Pac-12, are slotted just behind two of college football’s most high-profile teams—Texas and Ohio State.

While being ranked among the nation’s elite is no slight, Oregon fans can’t help but wonder: what’s holding the Ducks back from leapfrogging their Big Ten and Big 12 counterparts? To understand this hierarchy, one must examine the present dynamics of all three programs, their rosters, coaching staffs, and national perception.

Oregon Ducks: Flying High, But Not Quite at the Summit

Over the last decade, Oregon has established itself as a consistent force in college football. From the days of Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense to Mario Cristobal’s physical brand of football and now under Dan Lanning’s emerging leadership, the Ducks have maintained national relevance.

Dan Lanning’s Impact

In just a few short years, Dan Lanning has begun transforming Oregon into a more balanced team. His defensive background, honed at Georgia, is evident in the Ducks’ improved play on that side of the ball. Oregon’s defenses are no longer viewed as liabilities—they’re tough, disciplined, and opportunistic.

Offensive Firepower

Last season, quarterback Bo Nix lit up the stat sheet and made a strong case for Heisman consideration. His decision to return for a final season has galvanized the Ducks and adds tremendous stability to the offense. Nix threw for over 4,000 yards and accounted for 40+ touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks.

Around him, the Ducks boast a wealth of playmakers—speedy receivers, reliable tight ends, and a punishing running game led by Jordan James and Noah Whittington. The offensive line, though undergoing a bit of a transition, remains a strength thanks to quality recruiting and depth.

Recruiting Trajectory

Lanning and his staff have made waves on the recruiting trail. Oregon consistently finishes with Top-10 classes and continues to steal elite talent from traditional SEC and Big Ten schools. The 2025 class features a mix of skill players and defensive studs, positioning Oregon well for both short-term success and long-term dominance.

So with all of these pieces in place, why aren’t the Ducks higher in the rankings?

Texas Longhorns: Finally Back?

For more than a decade, the phrase “Texas is back” has been met with skepticism. However, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, there’s real momentum in Austin—and this time, it feels different.

Offensive Revolution

Texas’ offense in 2024 was one of the most explosive in the country, and that momentum is expected to carry into 2025. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has matured into a confident leader, showing improved poise and decision-making. Surrounded by elite receivers like Johntay Cook II and DeAndre Moore Jr., Ewers has no shortage of weapons.

The offensive line, anchored by future first-rounders, provides time for Ewers to dissect defenses. On the ground, Cedric Baxter Jr. is primed for a breakout season and adds balance to Sarkisian’s dynamic playbook.

Defensive Growth

Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of Texas’ rise is its defense. What used to be a liability has turned into a legitimate strength. The Longhorns have invested heavily in defensive talent through both high school recruiting and the transfer portal.

In particular, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and edge rusher Ethan Burke are poised to make huge impacts. The defensive secondary, often a weak spot, now boasts depth and versatility.

Recruiting & Culture Shift

Texas finished with a Top-5 recruiting class in 2025, headlined by 5-star edge rusher Zion Williams and blue-chip quarterback recruit Jalen Milroe Jr. More importantly, the culture in Austin has shifted—players are buying in, and expectations are once again being met.

All of this makes the Longhorns a legitimate College Football Playoff threat and justifies their high ranking.

Ohio State Buckeyes: The Standard of Consistency

Unlike Texas and Oregon, Ohio State’s place among the nation’s elite has never really been in doubt. The Buckeyes have dominated the Big Ten, churned out NFL stars, and consistently competed for national championships.

Elite Quarterback Play

One of the key reasons Ohio State is always near the top of the rankings is its quarterback factory. With Kyle McCord now gone, the Buckeyes turn to Devin Brown—a talented passer with a strong arm and great field awareness.

Brown is expected to thrive under Ryan Day’s system, which emphasizes high-percentage throws, quick decisions, and vertical threats. Wide receivers like Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss form arguably the deepest WR corps in the nation.

Unmatched Defense

Ohio State’s defense is no longer just serviceable—it’s elite. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has reshaped the unit into a force, particularly in the front seven. Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau return to terrorize quarterbacks, while the secondary, led by Denzel Burke, will make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Recruiting Juggernaut

Every year, the Buckeyes bring in a Top-3 class. Their 2025 class includes several five-star defensive linemen and the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle. Combine that with player development, and it’s easy to see why the Buckeyes are ranked near the top.

Why Oregon Trails Texas and Ohio State

Despite Oregon’s tremendous upside and proven production, they remain just behind Texas and Ohio State in most early rankings. Here’s why:

1. National Brand Perception

Ohio State and Texas carry an aura. Their historic success, alumni bases, and television draw give them a national edge. While Oregon is a respected brand—especially thanks to Nike and their unique uniforms—they don’t have the same “blue blood” cachet as the Longhorns and Buckeyes.

2. Depth and Star Power

Oregon has elite players, but Texas and Ohio State have rosters loaded with future first-rounders at nearly every position. This depth becomes crucial during long seasons filled with injuries, tough opponents, and playoff implications.

3. Strength of Schedule and Conference Standing

With the Pac-12’s recent instability and impending realignment (as Oregon heads to the Big Ten in 2026), the conference’s overall strength has been questioned. Texas and Ohio State are currently playing in more competitive and stable environments, bolstering their strength-of-schedule ratings.

4. Quarterback Comparisons

While Bo Nix has been excellent, he doesn’t quite carry the same national buzz as Quinn Ewers or the next Ohio State signal-caller. Rightly or wrongly, this impacts perception and ranking momentum.

Oregon’s Path to Climbing the Rankings in 2025

The good news? Oregon controls its destiny. The Ducks have multiple opportunities to prove their worth this season and climb into the top tier.

Key Games on the Schedule

Oregon will face several ranked opponents, including USC, Utah, and Washington. Wins in these matchups would catapult the Ducks up the rankings. If Oregon schedules a strong non-conference opponent, such as Georgia or Michigan, and wins, their playoff credibility will skyrocket.

Development of Young Talent

Much like Texas and Ohio State, Oregon’s future lies in the hands of its underclassmen. Players like WR Jurrion Dickey, CB Daylen Austin, and DL Matayo Uiagalelei are future stars who could make a leap this season.

Leadership and Experience

Bo Nix’s leadership is invaluable. His decision to return has inspired the locker room and provided continuity. If he performs at a Heisman level and guides the Ducks to a Pac-12 title, voters and playoff committees will take notice.

Embrace the Underdog Role

Being ranked slightly behind two football giants might be the perfect fuel Oregon needs. With the pressure on Texas and Ohio State to live up to expectations, the Ducks can quietly go about their business, win games, and force the narrative to shift in their favor.

Ducks Ready for Takeoff

While the early Top-25 rankings place the Oregon Ducks behind Texas and Ohio State, the margin between these programs is razor-thin. Oregon has the quarterback, the coach, the talent, and the motivation to compete at the highest level in 2025. The Ducks might not start the year at the very top, but they certainly have the tools to finish there.

The path to a College Football Playoff appearance—and perhaps a national championship—runs through consistency, big-game performances, and staying healthy. If Dan Lanning and Bo Nix can guide this team to its full potential, don’t be surprised if Oregon flips the script and overtakes the likes of Texas and Ohio State by season’s end.

In a sport where perception can be just as important as performance, the Ducks must seize every moment to prove they belong among the very best.