Early predictions for 2025 12-team College Football Playoff field

Throughout last season, a majority of the talk surrounding the sport of college football was about which teams were going to make the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP).

Yes, even in the midst of rivalry games and big matchups weekly, the talk around the sport was still surrounding the CFP, in particular which teams would end up making the 12-team bracket.

Looking ahead to next season as well, that same talk is likely to continue in 2025. Which teams will eventually end up making the 12-team CFP this season?

So, now in the post-spring period with the focus beginning to shift toward the fall, here is an early prediction for the 2025 CFP playoff field.

No. 1 seed – Ohio State Buckeyes

Conference: Big Ten2024 Record: 14-2 overall (7-2 in Big Ten), CFP national champions

The defending national champions will be in prime position to contend for back-to-back titles in 2025, led by two of the nation’s top players regardless of position in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. Yes, there are still question marks for the Buckeyes at positions such as quarterback, but Ohio State is still loaded, and should be among the premier teams in the Big Ten this fall.

No. 2 seed – Texas Longhorns

Conference: SEC2024 Record: 13-3 overall (7-1 in SEC)

Texas’ dominating storyline this fall will be Arch Manning taking over at quarterback for the departed Quinn Ewers, a move that should still have the Longhorns cemented in CFP contention. The Longhorns should also contend for the SEC title in 2025, and if they end up winning the conference, then a top four seed for the eventual SEC champion is a lock.

No. 3 seed – Clemson Tigers

Conference: ACC2024 Record: 10-4 overall (7-1 in ACC), ACC champions

Clemson is likely the favorite to win the ACC entering this season, as the Tigers return a few significant pieces such as quarterback Cade Klubnik, as well as defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. Should the Tigers win the ACC in 2025, a top four seed is likely a lock.

No. 4 seed – BYU Cougars

Conference: Big 122024 Record: 11-2 overall (7-2 in Big 12)

BYU was one of the Big 12’s top teams a year ago, and are likely to remain the same in 2025, keeping them in CFP consideration. A big reason for this is the returning talent for the Cougars, headlined by quarterback Jake Retzlaff.

No. 5 seed – Penn State Nittany Lions

Conference: Big Ten2024 Record: 13-3 overall (8-1 in Big Ten)

Even though the Nittany Lions sit at No. 5 here, make no mistake, Penn State could easily end up as a top four seed if they were to win the Big Ten. After a run to the CFP semifinals last season, Penn State will return a key prominent players such as quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton, among others.

Conference: SEC2024 Record: 11-3 overall (6-2 in SEC), SEC champions

Similar to Penn State previously, Georgia could easily end up being a top four seed should the Bulldogs win the SEC. The Bulldogs are entering the first full season under quarterback Gunner Stockton, and should still have one of the SEC’s top defenses, even despite losing key names such as Malaki Starks and Jalon Walker.

No. 7 seed – Oregon Ducks

Conference: Big Ten2024 Record: 13-1 overall (9-0 in Big Ten), Big Ten champions

Oregon had one of the better seasons in program history a year ago to win the Big Ten, and should be among the contenders to do so yet again in 2025. The Ducks will have to replace some key names however, headlined by star quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Conference: SEC2024 Record: 9-4 overall (5-3 in SEC)

Alabama missed the CFP in year one under Kalen DeBoer last season, but there is reason to believe the Crimson Tide could return to college football’s biggest stage in 2025. Yes, there is some unknown at the quarterback spot, but Alabama is set to return many key contributors such as Ryan Williams, Domani Jackson, and LT Overton, among others.

No. 9 seed – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Conference: Independent2024 Record: 14-2 overall

The 2024 national runner-up Fighting Irish cannot be a top four seed in the current format due to not being in a conference, but could be among the higher seeds not to receive a first round bye. Notre Dame should be among college football’s best once again in 2025, led by star running back Jeremiyah Love.

No. 10 seed – LSU Tigers

Conference: SEC2024 Record: 9-4 overall (5-3 in SEC)

LSU brought in one of college football’s top transfer portal classes this offseason, helping set the stage for what will be a talented Tigers team. The Tigers should also have one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks in Garrett Nussmeier, as well as notable defensive returnees such as Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks.

No. 11 seed – Miami Hurricanes

Conference: ACC2024 Record: 10-3 overall (6-2 in ACC)

Miami is another team to watch for in the ACC this upcoming season, as are others such as SMU and Louisville. As for the Hurricanes in particular, Miami could easily be in CFP consideration at seasons end, led by one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks in Carson Beck.

Conference: MWC2024 Record: 12-2 overall (7-0 in MWC)

Boise State claimed the group of five spot a year ago, riding a phenomenal season from star running back Ashton Jeanty to a top four seed. The Broncos will likely be among the favorites to claim the spot once again in 2025, led by a roster that returns quarterback Maddux Madsen.

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