The latest College Football Playoff predictions are here when using the Coaches Poll Top 25 preseason rankings. The 12-team field is projected based on the five-highest ranked conference champs and the highest ranked teams in general. The top four seeds, which are given byes in the first round, no longer automatically go to conference champs. […]
The latest College Football Playoff predictions are here when using the Coaches Poll Top 25 preseason rankings. The 12-team field is projected based on the five-highest ranked conference champs and the highest ranked teams in general.
The top four seeds, which are given byes in the first round, no longer automatically go to conference champs. It’s simply a straight ranking, but five of the 12 spots in the CFP go to the five highest ranked conference champs.
So without making it more complicated, let’s dive into the projected field based on the Coaches Poll. We start at the top!
1. Texas (SEC Champion)
Texas is the projected No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff. As the SEC Champion, the Longhorns are likely 12-1 or 13-0 by season’s end.
If that’s the case, everything breaks right for Texas and Arch Manning is as good as advertised. It’ll be a well-earned first round bye.
2. Ohio State (Big Ten Champion)
The defending national champions are slotted in the No. 2 spot and would get a bye in the College Football Playoff based on the poll. It might be tougher to do it this year, considering Ohio State’s rough competition in the Big Ten.
Still, you have Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, two of the best overall players in college football. Julian Sayin is expected to step in at QB and based on Ryan Day’s track record, it might be a seamless transition.
3. Penn State
Penn State is a non-conference champ, but get a bye week this time around by likely being the Big Ten runner-up. So expect an 11-2 or 12-1 record here, likely the latter considering they would play Ohio State twice in this scenario.
The Nittany Lions will run it back with Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton and more! This team is certainly talented enough to win the entire College Football Playoff.
4. Georgia
The Bulldogs fall to Texas in the SEC Championship this time around. But, they’ll grab the final bye in the College Football Playoff.
A lot hinges on QB Gunner Stockton this season but it helps that WR Zachariah Branch is in the fold. The defense should be able to reload and be excellent under Kirby Smart.
5. Notre Dame
With the College Football Playoff adjustments, Notre Dame could actually play itself into a top four seed and a first round bye. But for now, the Coaches Poll had them at No. 5, so they’ll host a first round game.
Marcus Freeman led this team to the national championship last year and could do it again. They bring it a lot back, including Heisman contender Jeremiyah Love at running back.
6. Clemson (ACC Champion)
Clemson is projected to win the ACC for the second straight year and will make the College Football Playoff again. The Tigers play in the first round, but will host a game in Death Valley!
Cade Klubnik is back under center this fall and Clemson might have two first round picks on the defensive line. TJ Parker and Peter Woods will certainly wreak havoc this year.
7. Oregon
Oregon will return to the College Football Playoff for the second straight year under Dan Lanning, but will be on the outside looking in as far as the top of the Big Ten is concerned. Since the Ducks are No. 7, they’ll host a first round game in Eugene.
Dante Moore takes over at QB after sitting a year to develop. He’ll be the biggest key to Oregon’s success in 2025.
8. Alabama
The Crimson Tide will return to the College Football Playoff, and get there for the first time under Kalen DeBoer. The pressure is on to do so of course, but DeBoer has the talent.
QB Ty Simpson is expected to step in and operate the offense with superstar WR Ryan Williams being his top target. A revamped defense should help the Tide more often than not in 2025. Plus, based on projections, they’ll host a first round game!
9. LSU
LSU will finally make the College Football Playoff under Brian Kelly, but will have to go on the road in the first round. Still, they’ll be in the tournament, based on the projections.
QB Garrett Nussmeier will be in the Heisman conversation and could be the biggest reason why this team is great. Don’t underestimate a resurgence from LB Harold Perkins.
10. Miami
The Hurricanes were College Football Playoff bound last year, until they went 1-2 down the stretch. But Mario Cristobal brings back a talented squad in 2025.
Carson Beck takes over at QB after coming over from Georgia and the defense should be a strong suit this season. Based on the projections, Miami will be the ACC runner-ups.
11. Arizona State (Big 12 Champion)
The Sun Devils will return to the College Football Playoff as Big 12 champions once again. However, they won’t get a first-round bye based on the Coaches Poll rankings.
Sam Leavitt returns at QB, giving ASU one of the better ones in the country. Kenny Dillingham, if he’s not already, is a rising superstar of a head coach.
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
The Broncos are back in the College Football Playoff, but will get the last seed considering they’ll be the lowest ranked conference champ and outside the top 12 overall. But, Boise State making two straight CFPs?
That’s pretty good before their move to the Pac-12 next year. However, based on these rankings, they’ll have to head to Notre Dame in the first round.
First Four Out:Illinois, South Carolina, Michigan, Ole Miss
Next Four Out: SMU, Florida, Tennessee, Indiana
Category: General Sports
