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EA Sports College Football 25: Predicting the overall team rankings

The wait is almost over: One of the most important offseason dates in recent memory is approaching, as EA Sports will officially release its highly anticipated College Football 25 video game on July 19th, bringing fans back for the first time in more than a decade reach will be able to play the game.

EA Sports has already released its covers and a short gameplay trailer, showing players some of the details they can expect this summer. We have already tried to predict the top rated players in the game. Now let's project the rankings of the best teams overall.

These rankings are typically based on player averages, so it stands to reason that the schools with the highest-rated players are also the highest-rated teams on a 0-99 scale.

We celebrate a touchdown during an Oklahoma Sooners game during the college football season.

Predicted rating: 89. Jackson Arnold may lack experience at quarterback, but his skillset lends itself well to the Sooners' SEC debut, bolstered by gifted receivers and an improved defense. But we'll see how well OU's new-look offensive line performs against much tougher opponents.

Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland catches a pass during a college football game in the Big Ten.

Predicted rating: 90. Michigan earned a spot on the front page of College Football 25, with tailback Donovan Edwards taking the spotlight. He will help power the offense for the Wolverines, who have now lost most of their national title contingent, with question marks at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line.

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen on a rushing attempt during a college football game in the Big Ten.

Predicted rating: 91. The depth at wide receiver took a hit when KeAndre Lambert-Smith transferred, depriving young quarterback Drew Allar of needed safety, but Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming is a quality addition. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton will keep this offense in contention, but the Nittany Lions have questions to answer on offense as well.

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart attempts a pass during a college football game in the SEC.

Predicted rating: 92. Lane Kiffin built arguably one of Ole Miss' best rosters ever, which even explains the loss of back Quinshon Judkins. Key defensive additions include two frontline rushers in Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen, while wide receiver Antwane Wells adds another dimension to an experienced offensive core for quarterback Jaxson Dart to work with.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard attempts a pass before the team's spring football game.

MANDATORY CREDIT GREG SWIERCZ / USA

Predicted rating: 93. While the Irish try to make up for losses on offense with players like quarterback Riley Leonard – a potential dual threat at the position – and former Clemson wideout Beaux Collins, their third-year coach Marcus Freeman brings one of the best secondary defenses in college football.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Justice Haynes on a rushing attempt during a college football game in the SEC.

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Predicted rating: 94. We'll see how well Kalen DeBoer fits into what Nick Saban has built in a seemingly impossible task. But the Tide's new head coach is a proven winner with a near 90% win rate and inherits key talents like quarterback Jalen Milroe, an improved offensive line, a strong rushing attack and a more than capable front-seven rotation.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers attempts a pass during a college football game in the SEC.

Predicted rating: 95. One of the other cover athletes in “College Football 25” leads the Longhorns into the SEC as quarterback Quinn Ewers returns as center at the helm of an offense guarded by an experienced line and featuring credible skill threats, including receivers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden We face a challenging schedule.

Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James attempting a run during a college football game.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Predicted rating: 96. Heading into the Big Ten, the Ducks appear to be a real contender for the conference championship. Veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel steps in under center behind a strong line and is armed with targets like transfer wide receiver Evan Stewart going downfield.

Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson celebrates a touchdown during a Big Ten college football game.

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA

Predicted rating: 97. Chip Kelly takes over the role of offensive coordinator after an aggressive offseason in the transfer portal, signing veteran quarterback Will Howard along with two-time SEC rushing champion Quinshon Judkins as running backs. He will work well with returning leading rusher TreVeyon Henderson, while the returning defensive talents and especially former Alabama safety Caleb Downs step in to put Ohio State on a short list of title contenders.

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck attempts a pass during a college football game in the SEC.

Estimated rating: 98. Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck, little known nationally a year ago, returns this season as one of college football's most efficient and productive passers. He scored 24 goals with just 6 interceptions last fall and has blue-chip talent at tailback and receiver as well as a cohesive line to protect them. Georgia's defense, the strength of Kirby Smart's program, returns five experienced starters.

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