The college football playoff is one of the most exciting events in all of sports. Every year, the top four teams in the country compete for a national championship. But who will make the playoff in 2025?
There are a number of factors that will determine who makes the playoff in 2025. One of the most important factors is the strength of schedule. Teams that play a tough schedule will have a better chance of making the playoff than teams that play a weak schedule. Another important factor is the performance of the team’s quarterback. A good quarterback can make a huge difference for a team, and teams with great quarterbacks are much more likely to make the playoff. Finally, the team’s overall record will also play a role in determining whether or not they make the playoff. Teams with a good record will have a better chance of making the playoff than teams with a bad record.
There are a number of teams that are contenders to make the playoff in 2025. Some of the top contenders include the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Clemson Tigers, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Georgia Bulldogs. These teams all have a combination of a strong schedule, a good quarterback, and a good overall record. They will be the teams to beat in 2025.
Top Teams to Watch in the 2025 College Football Playoffs
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has been a dominant force in college football for several years, consistently ranking among the top teams in the country. Led by a stingy defense and a high-powered offense, the Bulldogs are poised to make another run at the national championship in 2025.
With quarterback JT Daniels entering his senior season, Georgia’s offense is expected to be even more potent than in previous years. Daniels has a wealth of experience and a deep receiving corps led by Adonai Mitchell and Arian Smith. The offensive line is also expected to be one of the best in the country, with several returning starters.
On the defensive side of the ball, Georgia boasts one of the nation’s top defenses. Led by All-American linebacker Nolan Smith, the Bulldogs are known for their swarming defense and ability to create turnovers. The secondary is also expected to be strong, with cornerback Kelee Ringo returning after a breakout season in 2024.
Georgia’s schedule is relatively favorable in 2025, with only two games against teams currently ranked in the top 25. The Bulldogs should be considered a heavy favorite to win the SEC East and contend for a national championship.
| 2025 Georgia Bulldogs Projected Depth Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Player | Year |
| QB | JT Daniels | Senior |
| RB | Kendall Milton | Junior |
| WR | Adonai Mitchell | Senior |
| WR | Arian Smith | Junior |
| OL | Broderick Jones | Junior |
| DL | Nolan Smith | Senior |
| LB | Jamon Dumas-Johnson | Junior |
| CB | Kelee Ringo | Junior |
With a loaded roster and a favorable schedule, Georgia is the clear favorite to reach the College Football Playoff in 2025. The Bulldogs are a well-balanced team with few weaknesses and should be considered the frontrunner to win the national championship.
Projected Quarterfinal Matchups and Winners
The 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals are set, and the matchups are sure to be exciting. Here’s a look at the projected matchups and winners:
Projected Quarterfinal Matchups
| Team | Record | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Bulldogs | 12-1 | SEC |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 11-2 | SEC |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | 11-1 | Big Ten |
| Clemson Tigers | 10-3 | ACC |
Projected Winners
The projected winners of the quarterfinals are:
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Clemson Tigers
Breaking Down the Semifinal Contenders
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is set to expand to 12 teams in 2025 and it will be a major shake-up for the sport. The new format will give more teams a chance to compete for a national championship, but it will also make it more difficult to predict who will reach the semifinals.
With the expanded format, the top four teams in the CFP rankings will receive a bye to the semifinals. The remaining eight teams will play in four first-round games, with the winners advancing to the semifinals.
There are a number of teams that are expected to be in the mix for the CFP in 2025, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson. However, there are also a number of other teams that could make a run, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies are coming off a disappointing 8-4 season in 2022, but they have a lot of talent on their roster. Quarterback Conner Weigman is one of the most promising young signal-callers in the country, and he has a number of talented playmakers around him, including wide receiver Evan Stewart and running back Devon Achane.
Texas A&M’s defense is also expected to be strong in 2025. The Aggies have a number of experienced players returning, including linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and defensive back Antonio Johnson. If the Aggies can stay healthy and avoid injuries, they have the potential to be one of the top teams in the country in 2025.
| Player | Position | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Conner Weigman | QB | Sophomore |
| Evan Stewart | WR | Junior |
| Devon Achane | RB | Senior |
| Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Senior |
| Antonio Johnson | DB | Senior |
Predicting the 2025 College Football National Championship Game
The 2025 College Football National Championship Game is still a long way away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start to think about who might be playing in it.
Conference Championships
The first step in predicting the National Championship Game is to figure out who will win each of the Power Five conference championships. Here are my predictions:
| Conference | Champion |
|---|---|
| ACC | Clemson |
| Big Ten | Ohio State |
| Big 12 | Oklahoma |
| Pac-12 | USC |
| SEC | Alabama |
New Year’s Six Bowls
The next step is to predict who will win each of the New Year’s Six bowls. These are the six bowls that are part of the College Football Playoff system:
| Bowl | Winner |
|---|---|
| Rose Bowl | Ohio State |
| Sugar Bowl | Alabama |
| Orange Bowl | Clemson |
| Cotton Bowl | Oklahoma |
| Peach Bowl | USC |
| Fiesta Bowl | Florida State |
College Football Playoff Semifinals
The final step is to predict who will win the College Football Playoff semifinals. These are the two games that will determine who plays in the National Championship Game.
My predictions for the semifinals are:
- Ohio State vs. Alabama
- Clemson vs. Oklahoma
College Football National Championship Game
And finally, my prediction for the National Championship Game is:
Ohio State vs. Clemson
Key Players to Keep an Eye On
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a number of top teams returning key players, the playoff race is sure to be a tight one.
Quarterbacks
There are a number of talented quarterbacks who could lead their teams to the playoffs in 2025. Here are a few of the top names to watch:
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson
- Arch Manning, Texas
- JJ McCarthy, Michigan
- Caleb Williams, USC
Running Backs
The running back position is another one to watch in 2025. Here are a few of the top prospects who could make a big impact:
- Evan Stewart, Texas A&M
- Richard Reese, Baylor
- Domani Jackson, Southern Cal
- Rueben Owens, Texas
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver position is always one of the most important in college football. Here are a few of the top players who could help their teams reach the playoffs in 2025:
- Dasan McCullough, Indiana
- Shemar Stewart, Texas
- Barion Brown, Kentucky
- Jaheim Oatis, Alabama
Tight Ends
Tight ends are becoming increasingly important in college football. Here are a few of the top players at the position who could make a big impact in 2025:
- Oscar Delp, Georgia
- Jaleel Skinner, Miami (FL)
- Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
- Cameron Martinez, Ohio State
Defensive Players
The defense is just as important as the offense in college football. Here are a few of the top defensive players who could help their teams reach the playoffs in 2025:
| National Rank | Name | Pos | Ht/Wt | 2024 Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shemar Stewart | WR | 6’1″/185 lbs | 2023 | Hollywood, FL |
| 2 | Dasan McCullough | DL | 6’5″/275 lbs | 2023 | Fort Wayne, IN |
| 3 | Barion Brown | WR | 6’2″/185 lbs | 2023 | Nashville, TN |
| 4 | Jaheim Oatis | DL | 6’4″/330 lbs | 2023 | Alabaster, AL |
| 5 | Oscar Delp | TE | 6’5″/245 lbs | 2022 | Suwannee, GA |
These are just a few of the top players to keep an eye on in the 2025 college football season. With so much talent on the field, it’s sure to be a memorable year.
Evaluating the Strength of Conference Champions
Assessing the strength of conference champions is crucial for making accurate predictions in college football. Several factors contribute to a team’s performance, and these factors can vary significantly from conference to conference. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Schedule Strength
The difficulty of a team’s schedule, both in terms of opponents faced and number of games played, provides insight into the level of competition they have faced. Teams from power conferences with more non-conference matchups against top-tier programs tend to be better prepared for the playoffs.
2. Strength of Opponents
Analyzing the records and performances of a team’s opponents can help gauge their overall strength. Teams that have defeated several highly ranked or bowl-eligible teams are more likely to be playoff contenders.
3. Home Field Advantage
Teams that play a significant number of games at home have a distinct advantage. Home teams typically receive increased crowd support, which can boost their performance and make it more difficult for opponents to win.
4. Player Talent
The quality of a team’s players plays a crucial role in its success. Teams with highly rated recruits and experienced seniors tend to perform better than those with less talented rosters.
5. Coaching
A good coaching staff can make a significant difference in a team’s performance. Coaches with proven track records of success and a knack for developing players can help their teams reach their full potential.
6. Injuries and Suspensions
Injuries and suspensions can disrupt a team’s momentum and weaken its performance. Teams that have managed to stay healthy and avoid major disciplinary issues are more likely to be successful in the playoffs.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Schedule Strength | High |
| Strength of Opponents | High |
| Home Field Advantage | Medium |
| Player Talent | High |
| Coaching | Medium |
| Injuries and Suspensions | High |
The Impact of New Rule Changes on the Playoff Race
The NCAA has announced a number of new rule changes that will impact the College Football Playoff race in 2025. These changes include:
- The number of teams in the playoff will increase from four to eight.
- The playoff will be expanded to include the six highest-ranked conference champions and two at-large teams.
- The New Year’s Six bowls will no longer be part of the playoff, and will instead be played on a rotating basis.
- The College Football Playoff will be played on a rotating basis at different sites around the country.
- The selection committee will be expanded to 13 members.
- The selection committee will use a new ranking system that will include more data and analytics.
- The selection committee will be required to consider strength of schedule and quality of wins when making its selections.
Conference Realignment
Perhaps the most significant impact of the new rule changes will be the realignment of conferences. With the playoff expanding to eight teams, the Power Five conferences will no longer have an automatic berth in the playoff. This means that teams from the Group of Five conferences will have a chance to earn a berth in the playoff.
The following table shows the current Power Five conferences and the Group of Five conferences:
| Power Five Conferences | Group of Five Conferences |
|---|---|
| ACC | American Athletic Conference |
| Big Ten | Conference USA |
| Big 12 | Mid-American Conference |
| Pac-12 | Mountain West Conference |
| SEC | Sun Belt Conference |
It is likely that some of the Group of Five conferences will merge to create a new Power Six conference. This would give the Group of Five conferences a stronger voice in the playoff selection process.
Surprises and Underdogs to Watch For
8. Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats are a team that has been quietly rising through the ranks of college football over the past few years. In 2021, they finished the regular season with a 13-0 record and were ranked No. 4 in the final College Football Playoff rankings. They lost to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl, but they showed that they are a team that can compete with the best in the country.
In 2022, the Bearcats are hoping to take the next step and make a run at the College Football Playoff. They have a talented roster led by quarterback Desmond Ridder and wide receiver Tyler Scott. They also have a favorable schedule, with only two games against ranked opponents.
If the Bearcats can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a good chance of being one of the biggest surprises in college football in 2022.
| Team | 2021 Record | 2022 Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bearcats | 13-0 | @ Arkansas, vs. Miami (OH), @ Indiana, vs. Kennesaw State, @ South Florida, vs. SMU, @ Tulsa, vs. Temple, vs. Navy, @ Tulane, vs. UCF |
Factors that Could Shake Up the Playoff Rankings
1. Injuries
A major injury to a key player can have a devastating impact on a team’s playoff hopes. In 2022, for example, Ohio State lost quarterback C.J. Stroud to a shoulder injury in the first half of the Big Ten Championship Game. The Buckeyes went on to lose the game and were left out of the College Football Playoff.
2. Upsets
Upsets happen all the time in college football, and they can have a major impact on the playoff rankings. A team that is ranked in the top 10 can easily be upset by an unranked opponent, especially if the game is played on the road. In 2019, for example, No. 1 Clemson was upset by No. 19 Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.
3. Conference Strength
The strength of a team’s conference can also have a major impact on its playoff hopes. Teams from power conferences like the SEC and ACC are typically given more favorable treatment in the rankings than teams from weaker conferences. In 2022, for example, No. 11 Kansas State was left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of No. 12 Washington, a team from a much weaker conference.
4. Style of Play
The style of play that a team employs can also affect its playoff hopes. Teams that play a high-scoring, fast-paced offense are typically more favored by the selection committee than teams that play a more conservative, run-heavy offense.
5. Strength of Schedule
The strength of a team’s schedule is another important factor that the selection committee considers when making its rankings. Teams that play a tough schedule are typically given more favorable treatment than those that play a weaker schedule.
6. Head-to-Head Results
Head-to-head results are also an important factor that the selection committee considers when making its rankings. A team that has a head-to-head win over another team is typically given more favorable treatment in the rankings, even if the other team is ranked higher.
7. Margin of Victory
The margin of victory in a game can also have a significant impact on a team’s playoff hopes. Teams that win their games by a large margin are typically more favored by the selection committee than teams that win their games by a narrow margin.
8. Computer Rankings
The selection committee also uses computer rankings to help make its decisions. Computer rankings take into account a variety of factors, such as a team’s record, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. They are not always perfect, but computer rankings can be helpful in determining which teams deserve to be in the playoff.
9. Other Factors
Other factors that the selection committee may consider when making its rankings include things like a team’s performance in the regular season, its performance in bowl games, and its overall body of work.
The following table shows the top 10 teams in the 2022 College Football Playoff rankings:
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia |
| 2 | Michigan |
| 3 | TCU |
| 4 | Ohio State |
| 5 | Alabama |
| 6 | Tennessee |
| 7 | LSU |
| 8 | Utah |
| 9 | Penn State | USC | Kansas State |
| 10 | Clemson |
Future Outlook for the College Football Playoff System
Expansion to 12 Teams
The College Football Playoff is currently a four-team playoff, but there has been growing pressure to expand the field to 12 teams. This would allow more teams to compete for a national championship and would give smaller conferences a better chance to get into the playoffs.
Automatic Qualifiers
If the playoff expands to 12 teams, there will need to be some changes to the way teams are selected. One option would be to give automatic bids to the winners of the Power Five conferences and the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion. This would ensure that the best teams from the power conferences are in the playoffs, as well as one team from the Group of Five.
At-Large Bids
In addition to the automatic qualifiers, there would also be several at-large bids available. These bids would be awarded to the best teams that did not win their conference championships. The selection committee would likely use a variety of factors to determine which teams receive at-large bids, including strength of schedule and head-to-head matchups.
Selection Process
The selection committee would be responsible for selecting the 12 teams that make the College Football Playoff. The committee would likely use a variety of factors to make their selections, including strength of schedule, head-to-head matchups, and team performance. The committee would also likely consider the following factors when making their selections:
- The team’s record against ranked opponents
- The team’s performance in big games
- The team’s strength of schedule
- The team’s overall body of work
Playoff Format
The College Football Playoff would likely be played in a bracket format, with the top four teams receiving a bye in the first round. The remaining eight teams would play in four first-round games, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals and national championship game would be played at neutral sites.
Impact on the Regular Season
The expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams would have a major impact on the regular season. Teams would likely be more aggressive in scheduling tough non-conference games in order to improve their chances of making the playoffs. The regular season would also be more important for teams that are not in the power conferences, as they would have a better chance of earning an at-large bid.
College Football Playoff Predictor 2025
With the 2024 College Football Playoff Championship Game still months away, it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2025 season. Several teams will contend for a spot in the four-team playoff, and a variety of factors will determine which teams make it to the end.
One of the most important factors is the strength of a team’s schedule. The College Football Playoff Committee uses a metric called the Strength of Schedule (SOS) to evaluate teams’ schedules. SOS considers the quality of the opponents a team plays, as well as the difficulty of those games.
Another important factor is a team’s performance against ranked opponents. The Committee gives extra weight to wins against teams ranked in the top 25. Teams that have a strong record against ranked opponents will have a better chance of making the playoff.
Finally, the Committee also considers a team’s conference championship game. Teams that win their conference championship are typically given a boost in the rankings, and they have a better chance of making the playoff.
People Also Ask About College Football Playoff Predictor 2025
What teams are favored to make the playoff in 2025?
Several teams are favored to make the playoff in 2025, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson. These teams have all been ranked in the top 10 in the preseason polls, and they all have a history of success.
What are some dark horse teams that could make the playoff in 2025?
Several dark horse teams could make the playoff in 2025, including Penn State, Michigan, and USC. These teams have all shown improvement in recent years, and they have the potential to make a run in the playoff.
What are the key factors that determine which teams make the playoff?
The key factors that determine which teams make the playoff include the strength of a team’s schedule, a team’s performance against ranked opponents, and a team’s conference championship game.
