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Cecil Merkerson III is a sports writer and editor whose bold, fan-first voice brings fresh perspective to the NFL, college football, and beyond. With a background in newsroom editing and SEO strategy, Cecil not only delivers sharp analysis and storytelling but also understands how to connect with audiences at scale. His work ranges from breaking down blockbuster trades to spotlighting rising stars, always blending strategy, spectacle, and insight.
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Heading into Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) still has Texas sitting at the top, followed closely and rounding out the top 5 are Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Penn State.
The FPI, a predictive measure of team strength, was recently updated to reflect the outcomes of Week 0 matchups, offseason recruitment, and projected performance for the rest of the season.
Andrew Mukuba #4 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after intercepting a pass in the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Andrew Mukuba #4 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after intercepting a pass in the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Tim Warner/Getty Images
While some teams, like Iowa State, pulled off notable Week 0 performances that included a win over Kansas State. This latest ranking from the FPI held them outside the top 25.
The system evaluates both past performance and future potential given schedule strength, giving fans a clearer picture of which programs are expected to flourish or struggle this season.
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Texas’ No. 1 ranking reflects high expectations for the Longhorns, who enter the season with a balanced roster and a mix of explosive playmakers.Georgia and Alabama, perennial powerhouses, are positioned to challenge for conference supremacy, while Ohio State and Penn State remain elite threats in the Big Ten.
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As the season begins, all eyes will be on how these top programs perform relative to their updated projections. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Penn State each carry high expectations among the Power 4, but early upsets or standout performances could shift the FPI landscape dramatically in the coming weeks.
Fans will be glued to their seats to see how these results will impact the rankings as they hint at the power balance that could define the 2025 season.
For more on the Texas Longhorns football and college football, head to Newsweek Sports
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