Coaches Poll Crowns Texas and Ohio State as Top Two Teams: Eleven Dubcast Breaks Down the Early Rankings

The first major checkpoint of the 2025 college football season has arrived, and with it comes one of the most closely watched pieces of preseason news: the Coaches Poll. The release of the opening rankings has sparked debates across the nation, and at the top of the list, two powerhouse programs have staked their claim. Texas sits at No. 1, while Ohio State earns the No. 2 spot, setting the stage for a season filled with intrigue, expectation, and high-stakes matchups.

The Eleven Dubcast, a prominent podcast dedicated to Ohio State athletics and college football insights, wasted no time dissecting the new rankings. Their latest episode delves into why the Buckeyes came up just short of the top spot, what it means for the program, and how the rest of the preseason landscape could impact the national championship race.

Texas Claims the No. 1 Spot

It’s been over a decade since Texas football felt this level of national attention heading into a season, but 2025 appears to be different. The Longhorns’ ascension to the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Coaches Poll reflects both recent success and high expectations for the program’s trajectory under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Texas boasts a roster loaded with returning talent, elite recruits, and key transfers who have elevated the team’s outlook. The poll voters were clearly impressed by the Longhorns’ ability to combine veteran leadership with explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Arch Manning enters his junior season as a Heisman favorite, while the defense, anchored by a ferocious front seven, is widely regarded as one of the deepest in the country.

The Dubcast team acknowledged that Texas “earned the hype” but cautioned that holding onto the top spot will be its own challenge. The schedule, which includes SEC competition and a handful of non-conference tests, will quickly reveal whether this is the year Texas finally breaks through to capture a national title.

Ohio State Lands at No. 2

Ohio State, the perennial Big Ten contender and College Football Playoff regular, sits right behind Texas in the preseason rankings. The Buckeyes received significant support from the Coaches Poll voters, including several first-place votes, but ultimately came up just short of the Longhorns.

For Ryan Day and his team, the No. 2 ranking is both a recognition of the program’s stability and a reminder that expectations are sky-high in Columbus. Eleven Dubcast analysts pointed out that this might be the ideal scenario for the Buckeyes: they are firmly in the national spotlight without the pressure of carrying the preseason No. 1 label.

A closer look at Ohio State’s roster reveals why the program is considered a front-runner for the 2025 College Football Playoff. The offense features a deep stable of wide receivers, highlighted by returning stars and promising underclassmen ready to make an impact. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation is solidified, giving the Buckeyes a reliable leader capable of guiding the team through the rugged Big Ten schedule.

Defensively, Ohio State appears poised to build on last season’s strong performance. With a loaded secondary and disruptive edge rushers, the Buckeyes are expected to challenge any offense they encounter. The Dubcast team emphasized that while Texas might have captured the early buzz, Ohio State is fully equipped to take control of the rankings as the season unfolds.

Early Takeaways from the Coaches Poll

Beyond the top two spots, the Coaches Poll offered several storylines worth watching. Traditional powers such as Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama also earned top-five placements, underscoring the competitive nature of the 2025 landscape. Eleven Dubcast highlighted a few key points during their breakdown:

1. The Margin Between Texas and Ohio State is Razor Thin – While the Longhorns earned the No. 1 ranking, the difference in total points between the two programs is minimal. A strong early-season statement from the Buckeyes could easily flip the narrative.

2. Perception vs. Performance – Preseason rankings are based largely on projections and program reputation. Both Texas and Ohio State will need to validate their rankings on the field, as any slip-up could open the door for teams like Georgia or Michigan to leapfrog them.

3. The Big Ten-SEC Rivalry is Front and Center – With Ohio State and Texas leading the way, the two dominant conferences are once again in position to shape the playoff picture. Eleven Dubcast suggested that the eventual champion will likely emerge from these leagues, barring a surprise surge from an outsider.

4. Pressure is High on Both Programs – Being ranked No. 1 or No. 2 before the first snap of the season brings immense scrutiny. For Texas, it’s about proving they belong back among the elite. For Ohio State, it’s about finishing what they’ve started in recent years, turning consistent playoff appearances into championships.

Setting the Stage for 2025

The release of the preseason Coaches Poll serves as a starting line rather than a finish line. For Texas and Ohio State, the spotlight is brighter than ever. Both programs carry championship expectations, elite rosters, and coaching staffs capable of navigating the challenges of a grueling season.

As Eleven Dubcast concluded in their latest episode, the early rankings are a testament to the strength and tradition of these two programs—but they also set the stakes. A single misstep could redefine the conversation, while a dominant start could set either team on a collision course for a College Football Playoff showdown.

For fans, the wait is almost over. The 2025 season promises drama, intensity, and high-stakes football from week one. And with Texas and Ohio State sitting atop the mountain, every game will feel like a step toward—or away from—college football glory.