They say it over and over. The game is all about the quarterback.

Those who have experience at the most important position on the field, college football coaches insist, win big games.

Unless, apparently, you’re a blue blood program .

So while you stare at the first US LBM Coaches Poll of the 2025 college football season, don’t ignore the glaring reality staring back.

Five of the top eight teams have first-time starters at the most important position on the field. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

“The quarterback is critical to everything you do,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “There’s no getting around it.” Texas makes history in college football's 2025 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 Left out. The five biggest snubs in the US LBM preseason

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