One of the most exciting challenges in College Football 25 is taking a small, underdog team and building it into a powerhouse by using College Football 25 Coins for smart recruiting and development. If you're looking to rebuild a 1-star program and lead it to glory, here are the top 10 teams to consider for your journey in College Football 25.

10. East Carolina Pirates

Starting with a respectable 78 overall rating, the East Carolina Pirates are a great choice for a rebuild. With a 77 offense and 80 defense, they have a solid foundation to build upon. Located in North Carolina, the Pirates benefit from access to talent in both North Carolina and South Carolina, making recruiting easier. The team has 22 seniors on the roster, which means plenty of opportunities for younger players to step up in the coming seasons. With a promising young quarterback, Houser, and a sophomore running back and receiver duo, you have the building blocks for a strong future. Their 49th-ranked pipeline rating offers a decent starting point for recruiting efforts.

9. Kennesaw State Owls

As newcomers to Conference USA, Kennesaw State starts with a 71 overall rating, including a 73 offense and 71 defense. While these numbers aren't impressive, the team has some standout talent, such as running back DJ Scott and defensive lineman Westmoreland, who boasts an 83 speed rating. A young offensive line and a redshirt freshman cornerback, Washington Jr., provide a foundation for future success. Recruiting in Georgia will be crucial given their low pipeline rating, but with smart choices, you can quickly turn this team into a contender.

8. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The Chanticleers have seen success in recent years and are set up for a quick return to prominence. Located in South Carolina, Coastal Carolina has strong pipeline ratings in North Carolina and Central Florida, providing a solid recruiting base. With 21 seniors and 21 juniors on the roster, plus 28 freshmen coming up, the team's future looks bright. A solid sophomore quarterback and running back, both rated 78 overall, offer a great starting point. To elevate this team, focusing on recruiting speed will be key. Despite being ranked 85th in pipeline rating, the local talent from North and South Carolina, as well as Central Florida, can give you the edge you need.

7. Buffalo Bulls

Buffalo enters College Football 25 with a 73 overall rating, featuring a 73 offense and 74 defense. With 29 seniors on the team, you'll need to recruit aggressively right from the start to avoid a steep decline. The cornerback position is especially critical, with six seniors in that role. However, the team does have a promising sophomore cornerback. With a pipeline rating of 108th, your recruiting efforts will need to focus heavily on the New York area to build and maintain a competitive roster.

6. FAU Owls

FAU, another team in the AAC, will be competing directly with East Carolina for supremacy. Being in Florida, FAU has access to a wealth of talent from Central and South Florida, often picking up the leftovers from more prominent programs like Florida, Florida State, and Miami. With 26 seniors on the roster, including five wide receivers, recruiting will be crucial, especially in filling the receiver spots. A promising quarterback, Nathan Peters, and a potential standout running back, Gemari Sands, give you a solid core to build around.

5. Rice Owls

Rice University's Texas location provides a significant recruiting advantage, second only to Florida-based teams. The Owls start with 24 seniors and 21 juniors on the roster, so you'll need to fill plenty of spots quickly. Fortunately, Rice has young talent like Chase Jenkins and freshman Drayden Dickman, who could become a star player. With a surprisingly high 38th-ranked pipeline level, Rice can capitalize on its Texas location to attract overlooked talent and those who choose Rice as their first option.

4. South Alabama Jaguars

Despite being overshadowed by the powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide, South Alabama has the potential to become a strong program. Starting with a 78 overall rating, including a 77 offense and 79 defense, the Jaguars have some talent to work with. Key players include sophomore running back McReynolds, a redshirt freshman quarterback Gio Lopez, and speedster wide receiver Anthony Eager. With 18 seniors and 23 juniors, recruiting will be essential, particularly on offense. Their 111th pipeline ranking means you'll need to focus on securing local talent early to avoid being outpaced by bigger programs.

3. Toledo Rockets

Toledo, located in Ohio, benefits from being in a state rich with football talent, despite a low pipeline rating. The Rockets start College Football 25 with a solid 79 overall rating. Key players like defensive end Travis Ford and sophomore Kvon Sherman offer a strong foundation. The challenge will be recruiting enough speed and overall talent to replace the many seniors on the roster. By offering in-state recruits opportunities that Ohio State cannot, you can build a competitive team.

2. Colorado State Rams

Playing in the Mountain West Conference, Colorado State faces tough competition from Boise State and San Diego State. However, with 32 freshmen and 27 seniors, the Rams are in a transitional phase with opportunities for young players to shine. The quarterback position is solid, but with all five of the top receivers set to graduate, recruiting speed and young talent will be critical. The team's 77th-ranked pipeline rating means you'll need to work hard to compete for recruits, especially against the big programs in Southern California and Texas.

1. USF Bulls

The USF Bulls, like other Florida-based teams, have a significant recruiting advantage due to their location. Starting with an 81 overall rating, including an 81 offense and 82 defense, the Bulls have a strong foundation to build upon. Quarterback Byrum Brown, with 87 speed, can lead the team for a few seasons, but finding a new quarterback and rebuilding the running back and receiver positions will be crucial. With a 48th-ranked pipeline rating, USF is well-positioned to compete against the top teams, making them the top choice for rebuilding in College Football 25.

MMOexp College Football 25 Team