The confetti from last season has barely settled, yet the college football world is already turning its eyes toward what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in PCFB history. With a national champion returning hungry, traditional powers reloading, and several rising programs ready to break through, the 2028 preseason Top 25 sets the stage for a fascinating year.
At the top sits a familiar name, but the margin between contenders has never been thinner.
1. Notre Dame – The Standard Bearer
Notre Dame opens the season as the preseason No. 1 for good reason. The Irish were within reach of a national title last year and return a roster stacked with veteran leadership, elite quarterback play, and one of the deepest defensive units in the nation.
After falling to Florida in the semifinals, Notre Dame enters 2028 with unfinished business. They are experienced, disciplined, and balanced on both sides of the ball. The expectations are clear: anything short of a championship appearance will feel like a missed opportunity.
2. Michigan – The Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Michigan begins the year at No. 2, coming off a heartbreaking national championship loss to Florida. The Wolverines bring back championship-caliber trenches, physical defense, and a culture built for playoff football.
The question for Michigan is emotional as much as tactical. After being one drive away from a title, can they channel that disappointment into motivation rather than pressure? If they do, they may be the most complete team in the country.
3. Tennessee – A Program on the Brink
Tennessee slots in at No. 3, and quietly, the Volunteers may be one of the most dangerous teams in the field. With explosive skill talent and a defense that took major strides late last season, Tennessee has the look of a program ready to make its deepest run in years.
If quarterback play remains consistent, Tennessee could easily find itself competing for the SEC crown — and possibly more.
4. Clemson – Reloaded and Refocused
Clemson enters at No. 4 after another strong campaign, and the Tigers once again boast one of the nation’s most athletic rosters. The talent is undeniable, particularly on defense and at receiver.
However, recent playoff heartbreaks have left Clemson searching for that final edge. The ceiling remains national-title high, but execution in big moments will determine whether this is a good season — or a historic one.
5. Florida – Defending Champs, Dangerous Underdogs
The reigning national champions surprisingly open at No. 5, a reflection of both respect and skepticism.
Florida returns sophomore star Reshard Overeem, now one of the most electrifying players in college football, along with elite weapons and a championship-tested defense. But questions linger after an uneven Week 0 showing and the turnover concerns that followed Overeem throughout last season.
Still, dismissing the defending champs would be foolish. With two SEC titles in three years and their first national championship now secured, Florida enters 2028 battle-tested, confident, and fully aware of what it takes to win in January.
6. Nebraska – Quietly Elite
Nebraska at No. 6 may not generate headlines, but this is a program built the right way. Elite quarterback play, disciplined defense, and consistency across the roster give the Cornhuskers one of the highest floors in the country.
If Nebraska can find another gear offensively, they could emerge as a legitimate title contender by midseason.
7. Texas – Talent Everywhere, Expectations Rising
Texas begins at No. 7 with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Speed at receiver, depth in the trenches, and an aggressive defensive philosophy make the Longhorns a nightmare matchup.
The only thing missing? A defining postseason run. 2028 may be the year Texas finally turns talent into trophies.
8. Georgia – Reload Mode Activated
Georgia sits at No. 8, a ranking that might feel low by Bulldog standards. Yet this roster is young, explosive, and stacked in the front seven.
Georgia’s season will be defined by quarterback development. If that position stabilizes early, don’t be surprised to see the Bulldogs climbing rapidly into playoff contention.
9. UCLA – West Coast Power
UCLA continues its rise with a No. 9 preseason ranking. Balanced offense, fast defense, and disciplined execution have turned the Bruins into a consistent national presence.
Their challenge will be navigating a brutal schedule while proving they belong among the true elite — not just the best of the West.
10. Miami – Back in the Spotlight
Miami rounds out the top 10, returning speed, swagger, and a roster built to stress defenses vertically. The Hurricanes have the athletes to beat anyone on any given Saturday.
Consistency remains the question. When Miami plays clean football, they look like a playoff team. When they don’t, they become vulnerable. 2028 will reveal which version shows up.
The Middle Tier: Legitimate Threats Everywhere
11. TCU
Fresh off a strong playoff run, TCU remains one of the most dangerous teams outside the top tier. Quarterback play and offensive creativity make them a constant upset threat.
12. LSU
LSU at No. 12 feels more dangerous than the ranking suggests. Physical defense and elite athletes across the board give them one of the highest ceilings in the SEC.
13. Wake Forest
Wake Forest continues to defy expectations. Smart football, experienced leadership, and disciplined schemes keep them firmly in the national conversation.
14. Alabama
Seeing Alabama at No. 14 is shocking by historical standards. Talent remains elite, but recent inconsistency has lowered expectations — for now.
15. Duke
Duke’s rise continues. Strong quarterback play and defensive fundamentals make them one of the most stable programs outside the traditional powers.
16. USC
USC enters at No. 16, loaded with offensive firepower but still searching for defensive identity. If the Trojans find balance, they could surge quickly.
17. Penn State
Penn State remains solid across the board, but big-game execution has limited recent playoff pushes. This roster has the tools to change that narrative.
18. Texas Tech
An aggressive offense and fearless approach make Texas Tech one of the most unpredictable teams in the country.
19. Tulane
Tulane’s continued presence in the Top 25 reflects program stability and strong development. They are built to win close games.
20. Kansas State
Physical, disciplined, and dangerous in the trenches, Kansas State will once again be a factor in the Big 12 race.
The Final Five: Dark Horses and Wild Cards
21. Arizona State
Arizona State enters with momentum and upside. If quarterback play holds, this could be a breakout year.
22. Oklahoma State
Veteran leadership and defensive depth keep Oklahoma State in the rankings, though offensive consistency will define their ceiling.
23. Florida State
FSU at No. 23 feels like a sleeping giant. Talent is there — the question is whether it finally translates into wins.
24. North Carolina
Explosive offense and improving defense give UNC upset potential every week.
25. Minnesota
Minnesota sneaks into the rankings with a physical identity and strong returning production. A dangerous team few will want to face early.
Themes Entering 2028
Several storylines dominate the preseason landscape:
- The Florida Target – The defending champs will see every opponent treat their game as a season-defining opportunity.
- Notre Dame’s Moment – The Irish finally have the roster and experience to finish the job.
- SEC Chaos – Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, and Alabama form the deepest conference race in years.
- Parity at the Top – There is no dominant favorite. The top eight teams are separated by razor-thin margins.
Final Thoughts
The 2028 season opens with rare balance across the country. Traditional powers are strong, rising programs are dangerous, and the defending champion sits just outside the top four — a rare position for a title holder.
From Notre Dame’s quest for redemption to Florida’s attempt to repeat, from Michigan’s hunger to Tennessee’s rise, this season has all the ingredients for a chaotic, unforgettable journey.
And if history tells us anything, by October, this list will already look very different.
