Predicting the 2025 College Football Playoff

With the confetti just falling from Ohio State’s victory in the 2025 College Football National Championship, it is never too early to project what next year’s 12-team playoff format will look like

No. 12 Illinois Big Ten

The Fighting Illini had a breakthrough season in 2024 and are seeing many starters return in 2025. The Illini could have a similar season to Indiana last year, a decently talented roster playing a heavily favorited schedule.

The key matchups to look for are road games at Indiana, Wisconsin, and Washington. The biggest game is at home against Ohio State, which could shake up the standings if the Illini pull off an absurd upset.

No. 11 BYU Big 12

The Big 12 is highly competitive and could see many teams crowned champions. BYU is seeing many starters return, except for the offensive line. Playing down to competition last season hurt BYU dearly. If that is cleaned up they’re likely headed to at least the Big 12 title game.

BYU is spared from playing Arizona State during the regular season but games at Colorado and West Virginia could prove tough challenges.

No. 10 South Carolina SEC

While defensive departures could hurt the Gamecocks, the return of most of their offensive pieces should be enough to earn them a playoff spot. Most of their success comes down to the development of QB LaNorris Sellers.

Key road game matchups include games at LSU and Texas A&M. South Carolina will also face Alabama and Clemson at home.

No. 9 LSU SEC

The return of Nussmeier gives great hope to LSU for playoff success. The QB had a great year in 2024, and if the defense can improve from giving up 24.3 points per game, LSU could see itself shooting up the rankings.

Road games to look out for are at Clemson and Alabama. LSU will host South Carolina and the Florida Gators in key intraconference matchups

No. 8 Georgia SEC

The main question surrounding Georgia is QB Gunnar Stockton. Can he fill Beck’s shoes and lead Georgia back to an SEC championship? A slightly easier schedule in 2025 compared to 2024 should help Stockton’s development and Georgia’s standings.

The main road challenge is a game at Tennessee, while they host Alabama and Texas. That Texas matchup, taking place on Nov. 15, could very well be a sneak peek into the SEC championship game.

No. 7 Arizona State (Big 12 Champion)

Arizona is looking to repeat as Big 12 champs following a one-and-done playoff appearance. Replacing star running back Skattebo will be a tough challenge, but Kanye Udoh from Army should replace the rushing production decently enough.

Arizona’s schedule is not difficult at all, with the most difficult matchups being at Colorado and home against West Virginia.

No. 6 Ohio State Big Ten

This is where the contenders truly start. After winning it all (except their game against Michigan), Ohio State suffered some key losses. Headlined by QB Will Howard’s departure, more losses on both sides of the ball will need addressing to keep Ohio State in championship form.

Ohio State is also greatly hindered by the loss of Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles to conference rival Penn State.

Despite these losses, Jeremiah Smith, easily the best wide receiver in college, remains. No matter who plays QB, Smith should always be open and torching secondaries.

Ohio State plays some big games at home against Texas and Penn State while traveling to Ann Arbor to play Michigan for the final regular season game of the year.

No. 5 Notre Dame Independent

Nothing hurts more than almost climbing the mountaintop just to fall back down again. With QB Riley Leonard and a lot of the defense departing, Notre Dame will be challenged to return to the College Football Championship.

The return of their two top running backs with the addition of new wide receivers bodes well for an improved offensive output compared to last season.

Notre Dame’s most challenging games are against Texas A&M and Boise State at home and on the road against Miami.

No. 4 Clemson ACC Champ

Clemson is one of the few teams that may have improved everywhere. Almost all of their key starters are returning in an attempt to win another ACC championship. Finding a key running back will be key, but besides that, Clemson has many of their pieces on hand already to run it back.

Another year of consistency at most positions should be positive for QB Cade Klubnik to lead this offense into the playoffs.

Clemson’s toughest matchups are at home against LSU and on the road against South Carolina.

No. 3 Boise State Mountain West Champion

Boise State is now forced to exist in a post-Ashton Jeanty world, which will take some getting used to. Replacing 2,601 rushing yards is impossible. Running the ball can still be a strength as most of the offensive line returns, although it may be through a multi-back backfield this year.

Boise State also benefits from an easy schedule (aside from a game at Notre Dame) which could help their AP poll ranking greatly.

Boise State plays at Notre Dame as their toughest matchup of the season.

No. 2 Texas SEC Champ

With the departure of QB Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning will look to take his place and bring Texas back to the SEC championship. Losses on the offensive line could hurt, but also can be replaced by portal transfers.

This team goes with Arch Manning. If he can step up and fill the shoes of his grandfather and uncles, Texas will be in good hands for the coming season.

Texas’ toughest games are on the road against Ohio State and Georgia.

No. 1 Penn State Big 10 Champ

Like Boise State’s loss of Ashton Jeanty, Penn State suffers from the loss of Tyler Warren. The best tight end in the country and arguably the team’s best player. Another devastating loss is Abdul Carter on the defense.

Penn State’s hopes lie in the return of Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The running back duo was one of if not the best in the country, and Penn State will rely heavily on them. Although the burden truly rests on Allar.

If Allar finally comes through as a top college starter, Penn State may have what it takes to go all the way this season.

The addition of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will hopefully make up for the loss of Abdul Carter.

Penn State’s most challenging matchups are home games against Oregon and Indiana, with a road game against Ohio State.

Carter Brooks is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cjb7448@psu.edu.