2025 Pre-season Power Rankings

Welcome to another edition of Anton’s ACL Power Rankings. Today’s article takes a look at where each of team stands as we head into the regular season. This follows the busiest offseason in ACL history which was filled with record breaking events.  

Three new teams joined the league as the defending champion, Hawaii, stepped away from the league. This resulted in an expansion draft that shook up the roster of every team in the league.  

The rookie draft was headlined by the first true two-way player being selected with the 1.01. Over half of the first-round picks were taken by a different team than who the pick originally belonged to, most significantly the 1.02.  

Free Agency was destined to be monumental due to the bigger league size and the expiration of the four-year contracts given out during the original startup draft. All but one team brought in a player during phase one of free agency. Ohio gave out the biggest contract in ACL history worth over 40K in AAV for the next four years. Over 100 players changed teams across the free agency phases. 

Throughout the offseason the trade market was buzzing. As many teams' trajectories began to take shape. The Arizona and Washington trade was the first in ACL history to include multiple first round picks.  

This all builds up for an exciting season ahead as we look to see how 14 teams work to prove that they are #1. Keep an eye out for who gets the highly desirable fifth spot in my preseason power rankings as the last two years that team has gone on to win the championship.  My power rankings can be broken down into the following 5 tiers. 2 championship or bust teams. 2 playoff locks with reasonable championship aspirations. 3 likely playoff teams if things go according to plan. 4 teams that can be competitive but is likely still a missing piece away from the playoffs. 3 teams that are focused on finding core pieces this season and building up their roster for the future.  

Last year’s regular season finish in the standings for each team is listed in parentheses. As a twist on the typical power rankings, Reese has also put together his list to give us another perspective on how the teams stack up against one another. 

Power Rankings: 

1. Arizona Albatross (10) - Anton 

Arizona takes the top spot with the defending champion no longer in the ACL. The highest scoring team in 2024 regular season. Arizona was aggressive in the offseason adding the highest scoring QB from 2024 as well as improving at TE, Flex, and IDP. Arizona went all out in pursuit of being the first team to bring home a second ACL title. 

Big Additions: 

Joe Burrow, Puka Nacua, & George Kittle 

Big Subtractions: 

Caleb Williams, Bucky Irving, & Garrett Wilson 

1. Arizona Albatross - Reese 

With the addition of Joe Burrow this offseason in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Geoducks, Arizona was able to catapult the weakest part of an already elite team to the stratosphere. Another top 5 addition this offseason in George Kittle locks down the tight end spot making this team look difficult to beat. Even if the injury bug is dealt, AZA has sufficient depth across the roster to remain a top contender. Although the moves this offseason lead to questions about this team’s future (pending the sale of any players), going into this year it is difficult to see any roster looking stronger than the Albatross’ starting core of Burrow, Kittle, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, and CeeDee Lamb. Arizona has to be the favorite for the 2025 ACL title going into this year. 

2. South Dakota (4) - Anton 

An offseason headlined by the addition of a pair superstar runningbacks, has Sound Dakota’s sights firmly set on the championship. A veteran roster means now is the time to capitalize on this window of opportunity. Ike is chasing that elusive first ring as one of the most successful regular season teams in ACL history. 

Big Additions: 

Saquon Barkley & Christian McCaffery  

Big Subtractions: 

David Montgomery, Puka Nacua & George Kittle  

2. California Pansies - Reese 

The Pansies also have a well-rounded team with running back depth as the only question mark. With James Cook getting paid by the Bills, some concerns are alleviated. California has one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league in Jayden Daniels and a resurgent Baker Mayfield leading the team with one of the best wide receiver groups in the ACL, led by Nico Collins. If Collins can stay healthy, Ladd McConkey, Mike Evans, and Brian Thomas, Jr. add up to a dangerous starting rotation set up for the long haul. Trey McBride should offer a positional advantage most weeks at tight end, and like most contenders, the Pansies roster a solid defensive group. California should be considered a top contender to make the playoffs and give chase to AZA. 

3. California Pansies (7) - Anton 

One of the most aggressive teams on the trade market since the expansion draft, Reese has been creative in finding ways to improve his roster. Quarterback is no longer a question mark either with the emergence of Jayden Daniels. A playoff lock, this roster has the potential to go on a deep run to finish out the season. 

Big Additions: 

Treveyon Henderson, Isiah Pacheco, & Mike Evans 

Big Subtractions: 

James Conner, Jaylen Waddle, & Terry McLaurin 

3. South Dakota Bighorns - Reese 

The Bighorns swung big for former #1 overall running back Christian McCaffery and brought him to South Dakota to lead one of the top overall running back rooms rounded out by Tony Pollard and late offseason acquisition Saquon Barkley. Tight end is where South Dakota truly differentiates themselves over the rest of the league with the most electric player in Brock Bowers creating a massive positional advantage on a value contract, allowing general manager Mendel to invest across the roster. Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy are a strong quarterback tandem paired with a great stack with A.J. Brown followed by Jameson Williams and DJ Moore. The biggest questions will come down to the health of this roster and opportunity with Moore stuck on a crowded roster and CMC and Chris Godwin either fighting injuries or at high risk for injury. Should this roster be healthy, the Bighorns join the Pansies in giving chase to Arizona through the playoffs. 

4. Texas Two Fawns (NA) - Anton 

The highest ranked expansion team, Tre put together a masterclass of how to build an expansion team that is primed to compete right away. This team is still a piece or two away from a being a legit championship contender, but that is to be expected from a brand-new team. Texas looks to set the standard for expansion team expectations. 

Big Additions: 

Malik Nabers, Bucky Irving, & Josh Jacobs 

4. Vermont Football Team - Reese 

In a surprising turn around, my projections have the Vermont Football Team as the 4th best team headed into the season. After the top 3, there is a cluster of rosters that are all very similar, but the wide receivers that Vermont has could set them apart. Drake London and Jaxson Smith-Njigba are both poised for big years, although Vermont could struggle to fill their FLEX should their depth pieces not worth out. As a part of the Saquon Barkley trade, general manager St. George acquired David Montgomery to be a strong presence assuming his usage is similar to the past few seasons. Sam LaPorta and Zach Ertz compose a strong tight end tandem, as do Jared Goff and Drake Maye at quarterback. Vermont has a lot of variability. 

5. Minnesota Fighting Squirrels (5) - Anton 

A playoff mainstay, Minnesota navigated a challenging offseason as they added impact players both in the draft and free agency to recover from losing the players who signed the two biggest deals in free agency. Where this team finishes all will hinge on the quarterback play. A playoff caliber team with multiple first round picks in next year’s draft. Keep an eye out for Minnesota to use that ammo to swing a trade that elevates them up a tier. 

Big Additions: 

Kaleb Johnson, Brandon Aiyuk, & Jake Ferguson 

Big Subtractions: 

Chase Brown, Christian McCaffery, & George Pickens 

5. Texas Two Fawns - Reese 

The most likely contender of the 3 new general managers brought into the ACL during the 2025 expansion, the Two Fawns have assembled a very attractive roster that should lead them to a playoff berth. Running backs Josh Jacobs and Bucky Irving offer the most solid positional group on this roster although Justin Herbert and J.J. McCarthy both offer high upside options at wide receiver. Malik Nabers is an elite 1 at wide receiver and a strong secondary receiver in Davante Adams. Similar to Vermont, Texas’ roster offers a lot of upside leveraged by a lot of question marks from unproven or discarded players. If wide receivers like Ricky Pearsall, Josh Downs, Jerry Jeudy, or any of the rookies work out, this team becomes a lot more dangerous. As it stands, the reliable depth behind the starters at WR and RB, with a shaky tight end room place the Two Fawns in the same tier as Vermont, with a bit more risk. However, Texas may be positioned better going into midseason and future years. 

6. Vermont Football Team (11) - Anton 

Active on the trade market with a big draft class, Aidan was not afraid to make moves this offseason. This team is counting on a couple of breakouts this season to elevate them into contention. The potential is there with JSN and London having superstar potential. Vermont continues to be fun dark horse threat to finally make it into the playoffs and make some noise. 

Big Additions: 

Jared Goff, David Montgomery, & Cam Skattebo 

Big Subtraction: 

Justin Herbert 

6. Virginia Heifers - Reese 

The Heifers amongst the teams battling in the projections to lock up a playoff spot. Led by elite quarterback Josh Allen, Virginia was able to add to their running back room this offseason by moving up to draft Ashton Jeanty with the 1.02. Jeanty, Jonathan Taylor, and Breece Hall should provide the depth to mitigate concerns holding this RB room back from being a top 5 running back room in the league. Although the Heifers have made high upside swings at players like Cedric Tillman and Isaac TeSlaa, there is a lack of talent in the wide receiver room which is projected to be led by often-injured Michael Pittman Jr. A slightly above average tight end group led by David Njoku and Isaiah Likely and a solid defensive group should be able to help get this roster into the playoffs with a top-half ranking roster, although to truly be competitive as the season goes on, the Heifers need to acquire more talent at wide receiver or hope that some of their talent develops quickly. 

7. Virginia Heifers(8) - Anton  

Drafting Ashton Jeanty gives Hunter an embarrassment of riches at running back.  Josh Allen and that running back room should have a team dreaming of championships. Unfortunately, until a move is made to strengthen that wide receiver room, this team looks to be fighting to even make it to the playoffs.  

Big Additions: 

Ashton Jeanty, Michael Pittman, & Rashod Batman 

Big Subtractions: 

Davonte Adams, Josh Downs, Jauan Jennings 

7. Wisconsin Gamecocks - Reese 

The Gamecocks have put together an intriguing, although not very sexy roster. The stars of this roster are running back Kyren Williams and second year quarterback Bo Nix. Wisconsin is supported by the perennially underrated Dak Prescot at quarterback, Jacobi Meyers and Courtland Sutton at wide receiver, and T.J. Hockenson at tight end. Paired with the upside at wide receiver of the often injured Christian Watson, permanently concussed Chris Olave, possibly incarcerated Rashee Rice (with elite talent), and rookie tight end Colston Loveland, this roster has a lot of potential to break into the playoffs for the first time and hit on some upside. Although many players on this roster are undervalued, there is still a lot of variability in actual outcomes. If the Gamecocks can unearth a quality RB2, they may just be a possible playoff darling. 

8. Washington Geoducks (3) - Anton 

The Geoducks were aggressive in free agency to fill out a roster that got hit hard by expiring contracts. They also capitalized on Burrow’s value to bring in a high upside QB while also stocking up on enough draft capital to make Andrew blush. Washington has a wide range of outcomes as Zack has plenty of options to retool his roster towards the next playoff run. 

Big Additions: 

Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift, Tyler Warren 

Big Subtractions: 

Joe Burrow, Brandon Aiyuk, Brian Robinson 

8. Washington Geoducks - Reese 

The Geoducks were approached by Arizona this offseason with a deal to set their future right by selling Joe Burrow in exchange for Caleb Williams and future picks. Although we can project Williams as a bust due to his being on a poverty franchise, I will give him the benefit of the doubt on these preseason rankings. Between Williams and Aaron Rodgers Washington should have a fine QB rotation. Additionally, there is enough depth at running back to be at least at the league average with Joe Mixon, Travis Etienne, Jordan Mason, and D’Andre Smith (although he is also sentenced to be on the bEarS this year). Unfortunately the Geoducks just can't get away from the city with a shiny bean and is praying that Rome Odunze can make an impact in year 2. The entire wide receiver group seems to be hoping that former greats return to form with Tyreek Hill, Stephon Diggs, and Deebo Samuel rounding out the group. The exciting rookie Tyler Warren was also added at tight end this offseason. If the year breaks right, Washington could make a play at being the most feared team in the playoffs not named the Albatross. However, injuries, lack of elite talent, age, and loss of upside could capsize the season out in the rainy state. 

9. Iowa State Psyclones (12) - Anton 

Back-to-back first overall rookie draft picks has allowed Iowa to build a strong core. The contract for Kyler Murray might prove to be the steal of free agency.  Luke seems to have this team right on the verge of rounding the corner towards contention and leaving behind the era of futility. A big move might be all that is needed to make that a reality. 

Big Additions: 

Travis Hunter, Kyler Murray, & George Pickens 

Big Subtractions: 

None 

9. Maryland Marines - Reese 

Maryland’s core has become very expensive to maintain, but the Marines want to keep running it back with their stack of Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and Travis Kelce at tight end. Although many players are beginning to age out, they likely have enough to give Maryland the chance at one more run if they want. An above average wide receiver group makes this possible as it is led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and DeVonta Smith and supplemented by Keenan Allen, Rashid Shaheed, and Cooper Kupp. Things turn ugly in the running back room after franchise tagged Chubba Hubbard. If Maryland finds a second running back and they start winning games they could be a sneaky bet still to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they have lost enough of their edge and star talent to project as an elite team anymore. 

10. Wisconsin Gamecocks(6) - Anton 

Noah kept it simple this offseason taking best player available with both of their rookie draft picks and adding to the fringes of the roster in free agency. This suggests the floor and ceiling of this team stay consistent with what they’ve produced the last couple of seasons. Wisconsin has a fun roster that should be in playoff contention all season.  

Big Additions: 

Colston Loveland, Tank Bigsby, & Jaylin Noel 

Big Subtractions: 

Jerry Jeudy & Calvin Ridley 

10. Iowa State Psyclones - Reese 

Will the Cyclones be able to make a resurgence into relevance? They took some steps this off-season, but they are still probably a year from competing. The off-season was highlighted by drafting Travis Hunter 1.01 over the favorite Ashton Jeanty but it seems Iowa couldn't help taking the positional advantage of placing a wide receiver on their IDP slots. Iowa then followed it up with a great value pick of top quarterback Cam Ward in the 2nd round, rounding out a very solid quarterback group also including Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa. Unfortunately, the rest of the roster seems to be a bit away from competing. There is potential in the likes of running back Kennith Walker if he can stay healthy, wide receivers George Pickens and Jayden Reed bouncing back, and second year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. developing into the player scouts were projecting him to be. It is exciting to see the foundation being built on this roster, and the Cyclones should be competitive in games throughout the year, but it seems unlikely that they will make a playoff run this season. 

11. Maryland Marines (1) - Anton 

A quiet offseason by Maryland was focused on keeping the core together to make one last run at a championship. (This was the original statement for Maryland in these power rankings and originally ranked #5) Now the rebuild has commenced. The self-proclaimed dynasty never was able to back up the infamous claim by winning another championship. I thought this team had the star-power to beat anybody if they made it to the playoffs if it pushed the cap concerns to next season. This team now has too many holes to fill to even make the playoffs. The Saquon trade looks like only the beginning of a full roster tear down. 

Big Addition: 

Cooper Kupp  

Big Subtractions: 

Saquan Barkley, Mike Evans, & Keon Coleman 

11. Minnesota Fighting Squirrels - Reese 

The Fighting Squirrels always seem to pull it together in the clutch and make a run late season but the conference realignment may do enough to expose Minnesota’s weaknesses in an ever more competitive league. Minnesota is led by wide receiver super-star Justin Jefferson though the remaining leaders on this team are aging veterans Aaron Jones and Alvin Kamara at running back. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Minnesota will have enough depth to squeak through this year should their often injured veterans miss any time. In addition, Minnesota lost a huge portion of their roster from last year, including Christian McCaffery. With exciting young players on the roster such as rookie running back Kaleb Johnson, it is worth wondering if general manager Hobus will look to sell Jones and Kamara to rebuild around Jefferson, Johnson, and the young pair of quarterbacks in C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence. Minnesota should shake it up week-to-week during the regular season, possibly beating some of the upside-built teams ranked 4-8, but ultimately this will be the year that the Fighting Squirrels miss the playoffs. 

12. Oklahoma Outlaws (NA) - Anton 

Oklahoma got the best player in the expansion draft in Lamar Jackson. Pairing him with Derrick Henry alone should win some weeks. The rest of the roster still needs some work before Oklahoma can be a true contender. The cornerstone is set as Jackson should be the anchor of this team for years to come. 

Big Additions: 

Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, & RJ Harvey 

12. Oklahoma Outlaws - Reese 

The second of three expansion teams for the 2025 season, the Outlaws have set a foundation to build on in upcoming years. Though this roster could surprise in year 1, it seems like depth is missing to truly make the jump into playoff contention. Lamar Jackson is a great start as the quarterback of this team, and Anthony Richardson still has a Caleb Williams sized chance to do something with his career. Derrick Henry and RJ Harvey could be a great duo at running back, but Harvey may need some time to get rolling, and the Outlaws don’t have a lot of established, healthy depth behind them. At wide receiver, Oklahoma has a below average lineup (though better than VIR) led by Terry McLaurin. Jayden Higgins is an exciting prospect and Darnell Mooney has shown to be a valuable WR 2 or FLEX play, though Higgins is all projections and there is not much more depth. Tight end is also a shaky position with none of the rostered players projecting very upside. The Outlaws will struggle to win more than 5 games this year, but could surprise in 2026 with another offseason to build. 

13. Michigan (NA) - Anton 

Michigan has been taking the long-term approach in their introduction to the ACL with the focus being on building through the draft. This requires patience as it takes time for the roster to develop but ultimately leads to a hopefully higher ceiling. Already active on the trade front, expect to see more moves ahead as Andrew works to find his core. 

Big Additions: 

Garrett Wilson, Tet McMillan, & Tee Higgins 

13. Michigan - Reese 

Michigan is channeling their inner Bears near the end of the preseason power rankings. Quarterback is an area of need, leaving the rookie draft with 0 quarterbacks on the roster. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Joe Milton project to be at the bottom of the league in points scored. The running back position is also missing any elite or top-15 talent. There is some future upside with Ray Davis and Braelon Allen, but not enough to be anything but a bottom feeder across the league. Michigan has assembled an intriguing roster of younger wide receivers to build around including Tetaiora McMillan, Garrett Wilson, Keon Coleman, Tee Higgins, and Emeka Egbuka. Mark Andrews is an aging elite player who is supported by rookie Harold Fannin Jr., giving some stability to this position around league average. Overall, Michigan is not ready to compete for anything more than a couple of wins this season, but has assembled a solid wide receiver core to build around. It is evident that of the three expansion teams, Michigan has decided to invest in the future over the present. 

14. Ohio Good Sirs (9) - Anton 

Ohio had my favorite draft and gave out the biggest contract in ACL history this free agency. However, trusting Micheal Penix as their only starting NFL QB on the roster raises a huge red flag on being able to achieve sustained success in the short term. Ohio has a bright future ahead, but one more year of rebuilding lies ahead this season. 

Big Additions: 

Chase Brown, Omarion Hampton, & Matthew Golden 

Big Subtractions: 

Kyler Murray & D’Andre Swift 

14. Ohio Good Sirs - Reese 

The Jolly Good Sirs have seemed to be rebuilding since the inception of the ACL. However, there has been some forward progress this offseason. Ohio has acquired 2 young quarterbacks, all with the potential to turn into a franchise player over time. After drafting De’Von Achane in 2023, Ohio paid up for Chase Brown this offseason and drafted rookie Omarion Hampton to create an above average running back room. At wide receiver, the Jolly Good Sirs are still lacking upside. Zay Flowers should be a good player, but outside of that Ohio is looking to start two Packers wide receivers in Romeo Doubs and rookie Matthew Golden, who has first round draft pedigree. The tight end room is also lacking consistent scoring. Although at the bottom of the preseason power rankings for 2025, Ohio has a good foundation to find a couple more players next year to make the jump to playoff contention, even though they will not be competing this year. 

Recap: 

Preseason Favorite: AZA 

Projected Playoff Teams: Anton – AZA, SD, CAP, TXTF, MN, VFT, & VIR; Reese – AZA, CAP, SD, VFT, TXTF, VIR, & WISC 

Biggest Difference: MN (Anton’s #5, Reese’s #11) 

Teams ranked the same: #1 AZA, #8 DUCK, #12 OKO, #13 MI, & #14 SIR