The college football season is just two months away and the excitement is beginning to build in towns around the nation.

There are many teams preparing to enter the season with high hopes built off returning talent and the transfer portal.

The same contenders will be in the mix once again. We know about the potential of teams like Ohio State and Texas but what teams are gaining attention as National Championship dark-horses?

Below, check out five teams gaining plenty of steam as we creep closer to the 2025 season.

5. Illinois

Illinois reached 10 wins last season and will return a majority of its production. This includes quarterback Luke Altmyer, who turned down opportunities elsewhere to continue what he helped build with the Illini. Bret Bielema’s squad has been one of the offseason darlings. Many believe Illinois can finish in the top four of the Big Ten and potentially earn a spot in the CFB Playoff with an easy schedule.

4. Miami

Mario Cristobal continues to be one of the elite recruiters in the nation but can his team win in spite of his in game managing? The Hurricanes focused on improving the defense after last season’s debacle. This includes bringing in Jakobe Thomas and Keionte Scott in the secondary. Miami’s offense is expected to be dynamic once again and if the defense can catch up, this is a team that could come out of the ACC.

3. Florida

DJ Lagway is back for the Gators and the bandwagon is full. He showed his great potential last season after being the top-ranked quarterback coming out of high school in 2024. Florida worked to help Lagway and put him in the best position to win. The offensive line is among the best in the nation while Florida brought in wide receivers to improve on the outside. If Lagway has another big year, Florida can make some noise this season.

2. Oklahoma

The Sooners brought in arguably the top transfer this offseason in quarterback John Mateer. He comes in after a great year at Washington State and will now look to dominate the SEC. Mateer and the Oklahoma offense will take the team as far as it goes this season. This might be the best team that head coach Brent Venables has had since taking the reins.

1. Penn State

Penn State is not a dark-horse but a team that is expected to enter the CFB Playoff with a chance to mark a run. Drew Allar is back with the best running game in the nation. Defensively, the Nittany Lions are going to be a force once again. James Franklin has been unable to win the big game during his tenure. Could this be the year he breaks through? If not this year for Penn State, it is hard to picture when it might happen.