Conference strength has never been just a talking point -- it's often the story of the season itself. Heading into 2025, the debate over which leagues deserve respect continues to simmer, especially after last year's College Football Playoff field sparked heated arguments that even spilled over into media days this summer.

Here is a quick ranking of the 10 best NCAA college football conferences heading into 2025. The Pac-12 is still in a state of transition after the conference was gutted when the "Power Four" conferences formed. It will take time and the conference may never get back to former glory, but it's a group worth noting that could slowly rise again.

With further realignment on the horizon and a few changes this fall, Athlon Sports ranks the nine FBS conferences ahead of the 2025 college football season.