Last year, Ohio State was my pick to win the national title, although I was not alone, as they were listed as the preseason favorite by major sports books and many pundits.

In 2023, my picks for the final four-team playoff were as follows: Michigan, Florida State, LSU, and Texas. I had picked Michigan to lose to Florida State in the 2023 College Football National Championship. We all know how the 2023 season went for Michigan (and for Florida State).

This year, I’m especially high on a few of the early favorites, but I also see some betting value in other teams, especially in the Big Ten and SEC conferences. All in all, several teams have enough depth and star power to make a run at a national title.

This guide provides an analysis of ten College Football Playoff National Championship contenders, ranking them based on their chances of winning a national title in combination with the odds set by professional sportsbooks.

As always, do with this information what you will…

---

My 2025 College Football National Champion: Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers enter 2025 as one of the most trendy teams to make a College Football Playoff appearance and run. Dabo Swinney is 102-11 at home as Clemson’s head coach, and the Tigers get their toughest games of 2025 at Death Valley. Swinney has also won two championships with similarly built teams while at Clemson.

Clemson has a tough start and finish to the season, with a home opener against LSU and a road test against upstart (and bitter rival) South Carolina to cap off the regular season. Both LSU and South Carolina are in prime contention for a playoff spot this year, but with the way the rest of their schedule sets up, Clemson can afford to drop one of those out-of-conference battles and still be in good shape for a playoff birth.

While the Tigers needed some help to get into the playoffs last season, this Clemson team is built differently and has foundational pieces at quarterback, defensive line, and receiver. After coming in as a heralded recruit but struggling early in his career at Clemson, Cade Klubnik put on a strong season last year and displayed tons of potential as a deep ball thrower, and also a runner. In 2024, Klubnik threw 36 touchdowns, and 13 of those touchdowns came on deep balls. He registered 16 completions of 30 or more yards in 2024 as well. Klubnik’s legs became a weapon in 2024, and he recorded 7 touchdowns on the ground. 

Whereas last season the Tigers were dealing with inexperience and youth at receiver, this season that position group can become a real strength. Wesco Bryant, Antonio Williams and TJ Moore all return, and the trio combined for more than 2,200 yards receiving and hauled in more than 20 of Klubnik’s 36 passing touchdowns. Tristan Smith came over from Southeastern Missouri State and his spring game performance gives reason to think he could become a dominant receiver at the FBS level. 

Although the Tigers have lost known quantities at running back each of the past two seasons, they are excited about true freshman Gideon Davidson, a big, powerful back with long speed. Davidson should see a lot of work early, and his presence ought to keep the offense balanced.

The continuity at offensive coordinator and along the offensive line also helps bolster the Tigers’ chances of fielding a potent offense, as they return four starters on the line, three of whom have All-ACC potential (Ryan Linthicum, Tristan Leigh, Walker Parks). Between the growth of Klubnik and the experience along the offensive line and at receiver, the Tigers have loads of potential under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who is going into his third year at Clemson with Klubnik. 

Not only will the offense be strong in 2025, but Clemson’s defense has a chance to be elite. Along the defensive line, T.J. Parker and Peter Woods form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the country, and the unit got a lift when Will Heldt transferred over from Purdue. On his own, Parker is one of the top defensive players in the country and has a chance to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Another addition that will help improve this defense is the coordinator hire that Clemson made in Tom Allen, who comes over from Penn State after having success as a defensive-minded head coach at Indiana and leading the Nittany Lions’ defense to a top-5 finish in 2024. Allen’s scheme helped his players at Penn State generate tons of tackles for losses, and that should be music to the ears of this stacked Clemson defensive line. Other than Heldt, Parker and Woods, the Tigers could see some flashes from highly-touted 5-star recruit Amare Adams at the edge position. 

Dabo Swinney has won national titles with this formula before (a dynamic QB, loaded defensive line, veteran defensive coordinator, and experienced group of pass catchers), and with the way that Klubnik improved with his decision-making and poise from 2023 to 2024 offers a lot of reasons to be encouraged by a potential breakout season for Clemson.

Klubnik not only has a chance to lead Clemson to a top seeding in the College Football Playoffs, but he has a legitimate chance to earn Heisman votes come December.

The Tigers host Duke, SMU, Florida State, and Syracuse. Last season’s ACC Title game against SMU came down to the wire, but this Clemson team has more star power on both sides of the ball than the Mustangs and should be able to handle SMU with more ease this time around.

Clemson’s road games are, as previously mentioned, against South Carolina, with trips to Louisville and Georgia Tech slated as well. Both Louisville and Georgia Tech are ascending programs, but even by dropping one of these games, the Tigers should be well-positioned to maintain their hold at the top of the ACC and return to the playoffs.

FANDUEL Odds: +1300

Bet MGM Odds: +1600 (Opening Odds: +2000)

What’s the skinny on Clemson?

The Tigers have a Heisman contender at quarterback, a stacked defensive line, talent at the skill positions, two excellent coordinators, and a head coach who has won multiple national titles before. They should also have one of the easier paths to the College Football Playoffs, making them my top contender for a National Title in 2025.

---

The Next Best Ten National Title Contenders for 2025

1. TEXAS LONGHORNS

A big reason why Texas is at the top of this list of national title contenders in 2025 is that the Longhorns have potentially one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in all of college football. The Longhorns were also a fumble away from tying the score with Ohio State in last year’s CFP Semifinal game. Steve Sarkisian has steadily raised the floor (and ceiling) of this Texas team since taking over as head coach back in 2021.

Each year, the Longhorns have improved their win total and sent several players to the NFL in the process. This year, Texas must replace key talents on the offensive line and at receiver, but the Longhorns should see a significant upgrade at the quarterback position and also along the defensive line. Texas also signed the nation’s top recruiting class, with five 5-star recruits signed for 2025.

Starting with the quarterback, Arch Manning showed in flashes last year that he’s a quick and powerful runner, but can also test defenses on deep and intermediate throws. Manning threw fewer than 100 passes last year, but has been learning the ropes for the past two years, and Sarkisian’s proven ability to develop quarterbacks at different stops bodes well for Manning’s chances of having a breakout season. Although he’s unproven, Manning is a clear upgrade over Quinn Ewers (who played hurt for stretches last year).

After experiencing several injuries at running back last year, the Longhorns will be counting on Quintrevion Wisner, who has played in 29 college games with 12 starts and put up more than 1,000 yards on the ground in 2024. CJ Baxter missed last season but showed immense potential as a freshman and forms a potentially elite tandem in the backfield with Wisner. Although Texas returns Ryan Wingo, the receiver position will be a question for Texas. The Longhorns did sign two five-star recruits at receiver (Kaliq Lockett & Daylan McCutcheon) but Manning will need to establish chemistry early with the new group of pass catchers.

Texas has been one of the better programs at developing tight ends the last few years, which bodes well for Jack Endries, who led Cal in receiving yards last season before transferring to Texas this spring. Endries’ presence will give Manning a nice security blanket, and he should become one of Manning’s top targets early. While Wingo has the potential to be a number one receiver in this offense, Texas needs Lockett and McCutcheon to step up and contribute early.

Four offensive linemen from last year’s squad have also departed, which leaves some questions about how quickly the unit will gel. Another reason for concern with this team is how poorly Texas has performed in the red zone. Last season, the Longhorns were one of the best teams in the country at getting into the red zone, but ranked among the worst at converting touchdowns in the red zone.

Manning’s running ability, plus the presence of Endries and an improved running game should help improve Texas’ red zone scoring offense this year, but this will be worth monitoring throughout the season since each of Texas’ last two playoff losses (to Washington in 2023 and Ohio State in 2024) included failed red zone trips in the final minutes of the game.

Defensively, Texas has two of the nation’s better players on the front seven in Colin Simmons at the BUCK position and Anthony Hill at linebacker. They both have All-America potential and NFL Draft written all over them, and should be shining spots for a defense that has to replace several key starters from last season. Texas’ pass defense took a big step forward last season after allowing more than 250 yards per game in 2023 through the air, and finished the 2024 season as the seventh-best pass defense in the country. There’s buzz that this defense has a chance to be even better than the 2024 unit.

Part of that is because the Longhorns are deep at various positions, and they loaded up on the defensive line in the transfer portal. Maraad Watson comes over from Syracuse to help bolster the defensive tackle position, and was one of the more sought after portal prospects on the defensive line. Cole Brevard came over from Purdue and was a highly-rated player in the transfer portal. As of late, Texas has been able to churn out NFL prospects along the defensive line, which bodes well for this defense as they look to build off a 2024 campaign where they finished as a top-three scoring defense. 

A week-one rematch with Ohio State in Columbus will test this offensive line and the new group of pass catchers, but this Texas team is good enough to bounce back from a potential loss and still return to the SEC Championship game.

The Longhorns do have two of their hardest games on the road, with trips to Gainesville to play a hungry Florida team, and a visit to Athens to square off with Georgia. Texas hosts rivals Texas A&M to cap off the season, which again could hold major implications for the SEC race. Their midseason matchup with Oklahoma could throw a wrench in the SEC race, as Oklahoma looks vastly improved on paper and will want to avenge their 2024 beat down. Otherwise, Texas avoids SEC powers like LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, and Auburn.

Given how deep the SEC is, Texas could escape the conference race with two losses and still find itself playing in Atlanta for a conference title again. Regardless of whether they make an SEC Championship appearance, the Longhorns’ chances of earning a playoff bid are strong, so long as Manning can find rhythm with the new group of pass catchers and the backfield does not experience the same amount of injuries as it did last season.

FANDUEL Odds: +550

Bet MGM Odds: +500 (Opening Odds: +650)

What’s the skinny on Texas?

The Longhorns have one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, a handful of impact defenders, and several intriguing skill players. Steve Sarkisian’s teams have won on the big stage before, but Texas needs to improve its red zone offense if it’s going to contend for a National Title in 2025.

2. OREGON DUCKS

Oregon cruised through the regular season in 2024, winning the Big Ten in its first season in the conference, relying largely on a roster built heavily through the transfer portal. Several key players from last year’s team are gone, including Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, Josh Conerly at offensive tackle, and both Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch on the defensive line.

What makes Oregon such a formidable team heading into 2025, however, is the fact that quarterback Dante Moore spent last year learning under Gabriel. At UCLA, Moore was a highly-touted five star recruit in the 2023 class, and flashed in a few games with the Bruins. He’s a natural thrower, mobile, and puts velocity on the ball with ease. At UCLA, Moore had his ups and downs, throwing multiple interceptions in two games for the Bruins and taking 25 sacks in nine appearances. However, after having a year to sit on the bench last season, there’s reason to think Moore can hit the ground running. He’s a big reason why Oregon should be optimistic about continuing its success on offense.

Although Oregon lost its top receiver when Evan Stewart suffered a potentially season-ending injury in the spring, they have reasons to be excited about their offensive weapons, with Dakorien Moore arriving as a highly-touted five-star prospect at receiver. Dakorien Moore joins an experienced group of pass catchers but could become an early favorite for his quarterback with his big-play ability. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq should make an impact as well, and Sadiq has everything it takes to follow in the footsteps of the departed Jordan Ferguson and become an early NFL Draft pick in 2026. Jordan James was under appreciated last season at Oregon but his replacement, Mahki Hughes comes in as a transfer from Tulane with tons of potential. 

Hughes has a nice blend of power and speed and is coming off back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 yards on the ground and a combined 22 touchdowns. His transition to the Big Ten should be made even easier with the way that Oregon has built their offensive line. Isaiah World came over from Nevada in the transfer portal and has first-round potential at the left tackle position (6’8″ and a former defensive end in high school). As it has been in years past, the offensive line looks to be a strength for Oregon.

On the other side of the ball, the Ducks landed two sought-after transfers on defense. Dillion Thienema is a hard hitting, rangy safety that made tons of plays at Purdue, while Bear Alexander has bounced around several blue-blood programs but could finally reach his full potential under Tosh Lupoi, who spent three years as a defensive line coach in the NFL. Like Lupoi, offensive coordinator Will Stein has worked under Dan Lanning for several years, and Stein is a hot name to watch for head coaching gigs in 2026.

Lupoi runs a complex scheme on defense but has Matayo Ulagalelei, who led the Big Ten in sacks last year, to pair with Teitum Tuioti at Jack to create a fierce edge rushing tandem. While Oregon was excellent on third down last year as a defense (33.3% success rate), this unit needs to improve at defending the run after allowing more than 4 yards per carry to opponents and only recording six interceptions all season. But between Thienema and the returning talent in Ulagalelei and Tuioti, this Oregon defense has a chance to be a physically imposing unit that makes life difficult on opposing offenses. 

Although the Big Ten is steadily improving from top to bottom, the Ducks play a relatively manageable schedule. Their toughest games should be at Penn State, though Washington and Iowa will both be improved. Oregon gets to host USC, Oregon State, and Indiana. A potential trap game sits in the middle of their schedule, with a cross-country trip to Rutgers after hosting a reloaded Indiana team.

However, by avoiding Michigan and Ohio State, the Ducks can afford to drop one, or even two games, in conference play and still manage a trip to Indianapolis for another shot at a Big Ten title. Their success will ultimately come down to how well Dante Moore handles starting duties after an up and down debut at UCLA two years ago. But from top to bottom, this Oregon team will once again be one of the best teams in the country and is a legitimate CFP title contender.

FANDUEL Odds +1100

Bet MGM Odds: +750 (Opening Odds: +700)

What’s the skinny on Oregon?

Few teams have built the sort of depth as Oregon, and the Ducks have plenty of star power on both sides of the ball. They’ll face a tougher run to another Big Ten title game, but if Dante Moore can fill big shoes at quarterback, the Ducks have a real chance at breaking through and playing for a National Title in 2025.

3. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

On paper, this Penn State team looks as star-studded and well-rounded as any team in the nation. On the field, however, the Nittany Lions need to prove that they can close the deal when it comes to taking down the elites and true College Football Playoff contenders. Penn State is dealing with the loss of two first-round, high impact players in Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren, but they benefit greatly by the return of three star players on offense: quarterback Drew Allar, and running backs Nic Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

Starting with Allar, his game has improved since he arrived at Penn State as a highly-touted recruit. Allar’s completion percentage, especially, jumped from 2023 to 2024. Like Cade Klubnik at Clemson, Allar improved in many ways in 2024 after some up and down play in 2023. Similar to Klubnik, Allar showed off his tremendous arm strength at Penn State last year but needs to be more accurate overall.

Allar tends to struggle with some of the easier throws, but also is not afraid to test defenses and throw into tight windows. His game should continue to improve under coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who maximized Allar’s skill set last year by opening up the offense with more downfield throws. Allar also needs to be more clutch in general, as he threw an interception at the end of Penn State’s loss to Oregon in the Big Ten title game and failed to engineer a scoring drive late in a crucial in-season game against Ohio State last year. 

The loss of Warren cannot, however, be underestimated. At times last year, Warren was Penn State’s only threat in the passing game. This was no better evidenced than when the team lost to Notre Dame, and Allar failed to connect with a single receiver for a completion all game. Warren was Allar’s top target last year (104 receptions) and even handled wildcat snaps, but Penn State did its best to address the receiver room by adding Devonte Ross, Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson in the portal.

Ross is more of a shifty receiver, whereas Hudson is a bigger-bodied receiver who has the potential to test defenses downfield. Pena was excellent in Syracuse’s aerial attack last year and could find similar success in Kotelnicki’s downfield attack. Allar doesn’t need any of his pass catchers to be Warren, but the receiver room is undoubtedly the biggest question mark heading into 2025 for Penn State. 

Part of what provides Penn State with a high floor, however, is that Singleton and Allen form perhaps the nation’s best tandem at running back. Like Warren, the running backs at time helped carry this Penn State offense in 2024. Their return was surprising, but like Ohio State showed last year, a one-two punch at running back, plus a veteran quarterback, veteran offensive line and swarming defense is a recipe for success. Like Ohio State last year, Penn State has two of the best coordinators in the country in Kotelnicki and Jim Knowles. The offensive line for Penn State should also again be strong.

Defensively, the loss of Carter hurts. However, Penn State has been as good as any program at churning out edge players for the NFL and has a potential star in Dani Dennis-Sutton. There’s buzz that Dennis-Sutton has a chance to be better than both Carter and Chop Robinson, both of whom were early-round draft picks. In Penn State’s three playoff games last season, Dennis-Sutton recorded 4.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.

Last year, the Nittany Lions were a top-ten scoring defense overall under the departed Tom Allen but could see a slight improvement after hiring Knowles away from Ohio State. At each of Knowles’ last two stops, his defenses have experienced improvements immediately in several categories. On the interior, potential breakout star Zane Durant is coming off a season where he registered 11 tackles for loss and is the type of player that Knowles can build a pass rush around. The secondary has been a sound unit for Penn State in recent years, and cornerback A.J. Harris is a player to watch after arriving from Georgia last winter and becoming an immediate contributor for the Nittany Lions. 

With three of their toughest games at home (versus Oregon, Indiana, Nebraska), the Nittany Lions catch a break, but they can’t overlook their road game at UCLA right after hosting the Ducks. Penn State’s toughest road games are undoubtedly against Ohio State and Iowa. The Big Ten fields a few teams that could play spoiler for Penn State, so the Nittany Lions will need to be at their best each and every week if they expect to return to Indianapolis for another shot at the conference title.

No matter if they win the conference or not, the expectation for Penn State is to be playing for a national title. The success of this season, however, will come down to how Allar handles clutch situations and how well he can adjust with a largely new supporting cast of pass catchers. The offensive line, running back room, and defense should help carry this team to several wins, but if Allar doesn’t make the next step, Penn State could once again find themselves coming up just short of the title game.

FANDUEL Odds: +750

Bet MGM Odds: +800 (Opening Odds: +850)

What’s the skinny on Penn State?

Penn State appears to be on the brink of taking the next step as a true National Title contender. The Nittany Lions have a star quarterback, two stud running backs, and another budding star at edge rusher. If Drew Allar can take the next step as a quarterback, few teams have as much potential as Penn State in 2025.

4. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

In today’s modern era of college football, where rosters are flipped seemingly overnight and the Power 4 conferences have become a gauntlet of their own, it’s incredibly difficult to repeat as National Champions. Ohio State faces the task of replacing several key contributors from last year’s team, particularly on defense, but especially at quarterback and running back. 

The good news for the Buckeyes is that they bring back potentially two of the nation’s top players, regardless of position. Safety Caleb Downs, a former Alabama transfer, is a bonafide star and might even see some snaps on offense this season. His impact is felt on the back end of the defense, but Downs is also a physical tackler and will be deployed in different areas under new coordinator Matt Patricia. Another strong season should put Downs in conversation to be a top-5 NFL draft prospect come spring.

On the other side of the ball, Jeremiah Smith is as dominant as any receiver in the nation and has the rare ability to change a game on his own. Smith was the player who helped ice the National Championship for Ohio State, and the scary thing for opposing Big 10 teams is that he will be in Columbus for 2026, as well. 

The real question becomes about how Julian Sayin (also an Alabama transfer) acclimates to the starting job. The raw talent is there for Sayin. He’s a strong thrower with good pocket awareness, can throw off platform, and was slippery in getting out of sacks at the high school level. While Sayin is still an unknown commodity at the college level, the potential is there for him to take the reigns of this team and help the Buckeyes engineer another double-digit win season, especially given the surrounding talent. 

While there’s justified excitement around the receiver room, with guys like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss both having breakout potential, Ohio State’s transfer portal adds, running back C.J. Donaldson and tight end Max Klare are the ones who could really shine. Klare is a threat in the passing game, while Donaldson is a powerful back with strong hands who has transformed his body in the offseason after being more of a bruising back at West Virginia. Sayin has the pieces around him to succeed, but in Columbus, the expectations are as high as they are anywhere in the country, so Sayin will need to be more than just good if the Buckeyes expect to claim another playoff bid.

Aside from Sayin, the questions about how smoothly the defense transitions under Patricia are legitimate. Last season, the Buckeyes rode several key senior players on their defense to help propel their playoff run. This year, they have Downs at safety, and Sonny Styles at linebacker to help ease the transition. Styles is a roving playmaker who will help Downs solidify the spine of the defense, but the players on the defensive line will have a lot to do with the success of the defense overall. It helps having Davison Ibginosun back in the fold at corner, but Ibginosun needs to clean up his game and refrain from committing as many penalties as he did in 2024.

Last year, Ohio State had depth and star talent. They also had two excellent coordinators, both of whom have since departed. This season, they will be relying on several new faces to carry the heavy lifting, with the hopes that their star players, mainly Downs and Smith, will carry the load. There are also concerns about how Brian Hartline will do in his second stint as offensive coordinator. As long as Sayin makes smart decisions with the ball, and the run game picks up where it left off, the offense has a chance to test defenses each week. The defense is going to be the unit to watch, and will have little time to find their groove as the Buckeyes host Texas in the season opener. 

The good news for Ohio State is that in addition to hosting Texas, the Buckeyes also get Penn State at home, and avoid having to travel to play the likes of Rutgers and UCLA. The Buckeyes’ road slate, however, will be no cupcake. Washington is a team on the rise, and the Huskies have spoiler potential this season. Illinois is surging, and Michigan is poised to be better following its hot finish to last season. With NIL and the transfer portal impacting college football, the gap in the Big Ten appears to be shrinking.

Overall, Ohio State’s title hopes are not as strong as they were heading into 2024, but the Buckeyes showed late last year that even without winning the Big Ten, they can still hang with some of college football’s elite programs. 

FANDUEL Odds +600

Bet MGM Odds: +500 (Opening Odds: +450)

What’s the skinny on Ohio State?

After the Buckeyes dominated the 2024 College Football Playoffs, Ohio State has plenty of talent to replace on both sides of the ball. However, they have the nation’s best receiver, plus a promising quarterback in Julian Sayin, and several stars on defense. The only problem is: the rest of the country is slowly catching up with the Buckeyes.

5. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

Coming off an appearance in the 2024 CFP National Championship game, hopes are again high in South Bend. The Fighting Irish have several decorated players to replace, but boast perhaps the nation’s deepest and best offensive line, plus a pair of running backs that are as dangerous as any in the country. 

Starting with the offensive line, where Notre Dame has built much of their success over the last several years, this unit was considered to be so deep that players opted to transfer out for more playing time. Despite the exodus, Notre Dame returns five lineman with starting experience, and the players returning, only allowed 8 sacks last year collectively. The line will be opening up holes for Jeremiah Love, who spent time in the offseason training at receiver. Love is a powerful back who also has a second gear and can cut it loose. His running mate, Jadarian Price, is a true home run threat and compliments Love’s game well.

Notre Dame is expected to lean on the run game as they break in a new quarterback in CJ Carr. While Riley Leonard was a driving force behind the team’s success last year, he was limited as a passer. Carr should offer more as a true thrower of the ball. He might not be the bruising, downhill runner that Leonard was, but Carr seems to have impressed the coaching staff since he arrived on campus, and has a few big play weapons in the pass game to make his transition easier. 

Jaden Greathouse was a highly prolific receiver in high school but didn’t turn it on until late last season. Greathouse brings big play ability to the offense, but needs to consistently be the sort of player he showed against Penn State and Ohio State to close out last year (232 total receiving yards and three touchdowns combined in those two games). Notre Dame also brought in Malachi Fields from Virginia, a program that has quietly churned out NFL draft prospects at receiver over the last few years. With another step from Greathouse, and a ground game that can wear down opposing defenses, the Notre Dame offense should thrive under Carr in year one.

The defense will look a bit different under new coordinator Chris Ash. Under Al Golden, Notre Dame ranked as a top-seven scoring defense in the nation in each of the past two seasons. Ash does have talent to work with, especially at linebacker, but must replace two standouts in the secondary in Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison. The hope is that Leonard Moore, who stepped up in Morrison’s absence, is as good as advertised. Coaches and even Morrison were high on the potential of Moore, a true sophomore now who saw significant snaps last season when injuries struck the defense. 

Due to last year’s injuries to both units, the depth at cornerback, as with the offensive line, is going to be a strength for this team. Building off last season’s playoff win over Penn State, in which no Nittany Lions receiver registered a catch, will be a focus for Notre Dame as it looks to return to the CFP bracket.

Notre Dame’s schedule starts out a bit rocky but levels out towards the end of the season. The Fighting Irish hit the road to take on Miami, Arkansas, and also have to travel to Palo Alto to play Stanford. They host Texas A&M, Boise State, USC, and Syracuse.

With the way that the playing field is leveling out across college football, there’s certainly reason to think that there is a coin-flip or two on Notre Dame’s schedule (USC, A&M and Miami are all viable choices). But last year, Notre Dame showed they could overcome an unexpected loss and still be positioned for a deep playoff run. So long as Carr is what the coaches think he can be, there’s a good chance Notre Dame is just as good in 2025 as they were last season, if not, better.

FANDUEL Odds: +1300

Bet MGM Odds: +1400 (Opening Odds: +1200)

What’s the skinny on Notre Dame?

After falling short in last year’s College Football Playoff National Championship game, the Fighting Irish come into 2025 with one of the nation’s best rosters. They’re breaking in a new quarterback, but are strong on the offensive line, in the secondary, and have perhaps the country’s best tailback. If CJ Carr can hit the ground running, the sky is the limit for Notre Dame, and they could again be playing for a National Title in 2025.

6. LSU TIGERS

(Here comes a run on SEC teams)

The LSU Tigers are one of the trendy teams to pick for a College Football Playoff run. Rightfully so. To start, LSU added 11 players with starting experience at the Power 4 level. But perhaps more so, the return of Garrett Nussmeier is why most fans are optimistic, as Nussmeier has everything it takes to not only take the next step in terms of development, but become one of the nation’s most prolific passers. If LSU becomes a playoff contender, there’s a good chance that Nussmeier is a Heisman finalist when it’s all said and done.

Nic Anderson coming over from Oklahoma helps Nussmeier’s chances, as does the arrival of Bauer Sharp at tight end. While Sharp gives the offense a safety blanket, Nussmeier needs to be better against top competition. In 2024, Nussmeier threw more interceptions and his completion percentage was lower when LSU played its stiffest competition. He struggled against pressure and made too many costly mistakes under duress. Nussmeier also struggled with the deep ball, completing 36% of his passes on throws of +20 yards. 

The hope is that Nussmeier puts it all together, and, in an ideal world, has a Joe Burrow-type ascension in his final year in Baton Rouge. Aiding Nussmeier’s efforts will be a solid running back tandem, with Caden Durham and talented freshman Harlem Berry in the mix. Berry was ranked as the top running back prospect in the country coming out of high school and should see meaningful snaps early. On the other hand, the offensive line for LSU lost two stalwart tackles in Will Campbell and Emery Jones. The Tigers have to replace a lot of production at that position group overall. The unit has depth, but is still relatively young and inexperienced. 

But with the way the defense reloaded, Nussmeier might not need to be a superstar for LSU to compete for an SEC title. On the other hand, this is a defense that allowed more than 24 points per game in 2024, so Bryan Kelly hit the transfer portal hard to address this side of the ball. Patrick Payton is a player to watch as a breakout for LSU. Payton comes over from Florida State and has guys like Jack Pyburn, Whit Weeks, and Harold Perkins around him to get after the quarterback.

Perkins is perhaps the SEC’s biggest mystery. Between being moved to different spots on the defense and being banged up, Perkins hasn’t been able to tap into his 2022 form, when he looked like a future NFL draft pick on his way to earning Freshman All-America honors by recording 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. If Perkins becomes dominant again, this defensive front could be a strength of the team. Other than Perkins, the player to watch on defense is cornerback DJ Pickett. Size, speed, and instincts are what made Pickett a five-star prospect, and there’s chatter that he could see the field in year one for LSU.

The return of both coordinators, the mix of experienced veterans and young, blue-chip talent on both sides, plus the presence of Nussmeier, gives reason for optimism in Baton Rouge. But LSU first needs to get through a daunting schedule if they’re to even think about a CFP National Title run. 

They have to open against Clemson, and also have to travel to play Alabama, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma. Each one of those games will be a test in their own right (and it’s worth noting that Brian Kelly is 0-3 in season openers). LSU’s home schedule includes a game against a resurgent Florida team, Texas A&M, and Arkansas. There’s enough reason to think LSU can squeak out 10 wins, but anything short of that might foil their chances of making the College Football Playoffs entirely. 

FANDUEL Odds: +1800

Bet MGM Odds: +2000 (Opening Odds: +2000)

What’s the skinny on LSU?

The Tigers took the Ohio State approach from 2024 and poured tons of resources into the transfer portal to make a National Title push. LSU has one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, several explosive players on offense, and a potentially dangerous front-seven. They have to replace several starters on the offensive line, and the schedule is tough. But LSU has the makings for a special season.

7. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

The playing field is leveling off in college football, with teams like Georgia and Alabama losing their grip as the premier power houses in the country. While Georgia won the 2021 CFP Championship after replacing more than a dozen NFL draft picks and several coaches, a lot has changed in a few years. Not only is the SEC becoming stronger and more balanced, but other blue blood programs, especially in the Big 10, have built out stacked rosters with star talent at the most important positions.

Where Georgia has the advantage of having a coach who has been to numerous title games and won two National Championships, the Bulldogs lack star talent at quarterback, receiver, and even on defense, like they have in years past.

Starting with quarterback, Georgia is positioned to be better after down year in 2024, if not in any other area than consistency. Carson Beck came into 2024 as a highly touted draft prospect, but threw far too many costly interceptions, battled injuries, and struggled against top competition.

Gunner Stockton was asked to step in and help the Bulldogs pull off an upset against Texas in the SEC Championship, but did so largely by limiting his throws down field and converting a big run to keep Georgia alive late. Stockton undoubtedly flashed some things for Georgia last season, and the coaching staff’s confidence was clearly rectified by the team refraining from adding a highly touted player in the transfer portal to compete with Stockton. If Stockton can give Georgia an added dynamic with his legs, and limit his turnovers, the Bulldogs offense has a chance to be balanced and effective. 

Georgia did, however, dip into the transfer portal for help at both receiver and running back to help out Stockton. Both Josh McCray (Illinois) and Zachariah Branch (USC) come to Athens with some buzz. McCray is coming off a strong season as Illinois’ lead back, and Branch is not far removed from an All-America campaign in 2023. Branch is the more flashy player, having displayed elite quickness and breakaway speed as a returner, runner, and receiver (he scored on special teams and receiver in his first ever college game). Georgia hasn’t had a player this dynamic in a while, and if Branch can be better at contested catches (an area in which Branch has struggled), the Bulldogs could have one of the nation’s top offensive weapons. 

McCray will team with Nate Frazer who was productive as a freshman last season after leading the team in carries and yards. Their skillsets are complimentary to one another, with McCray a bruising, downhill runner. Stockton also has both of his tight ends from last season back, giving Georgia several options in the passing game. However, the Bulldogs are only returning one starter from last year’s offensive line, which will make the transition on offense that much more challenging.

On defense is where Georgia has built their identity, sending dozens of players to the NFL over the past few years. While the Bulldogs watched three of their star defenders from last season become first round draft picks, there’s buzz about new players like Elijah Griffin and Elo Modozie. One of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country in the 2025 recruiting class, Griffin could see significant snaps as a true freshman and help fortify a defensive line that lost several key players. Modozie, on the other hand, is a twitchy edge rusher who was a moving chess piece last season for Army. Modozie is a converted wide receiver with great length who could turn into Georgia’s next first round talent, and he might just be scratching the surface on his potential. 

Kirby Smart is as good as any coach in the country at maximizing the skillsets of his players, so there’s a real chance Modozie breaks through as a household name by the end of the season. Opposite Modozie is CJ Allen, who generated 11 pressures last year and has first-round talent at the edge rush position. The secondary, despite losing Malaki Starks, has two proven players in KJ Bolden (safety) and Daylen Everette at corner. 

In ways, this is a rebuilding year for Georgia, but the Bulldogs have proven before that they can quickly reload and return to SEC supremacy behind a smothering defense, efficient quarterback, and steady run game. Georgia might lack proven star power, but they brought in five 5-star recruits in their latest recruiting class, giving Smart a new wave of talent to mold.

Georgia’s schedule, lastly, is best summarized as: it could be worse. While it’s not quite Missouri-level easy, it’s not as daunting as what Oklahoma and Florida have to face this season. Georgia gets arguably their toughest games at home, with Texas, Alabama, Ole Miss and Florida all traveling to Athens. This is a huge break for Georgia, as their toughest road games include at Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech (to finish the season).

Based off their schedule alone, and Smart’s proven track record at reloading quickly, Georgia made this list. But with how difficult the SEC will be, and the fact that there are better odds out there for contending teams, Georgia ranks lower than some might expect on this list.

FANDUEL Odds: +600

Bet MGM Odds: +650 (Opening Odds: +650)

What’s the skinny on Georgia?

Kirby Smart has built one of the country’s best programs, and Georgia has shown the ability to withstand the loss of tons of talent to the NFL year in and year out. This year, the Bulldogs have questions to answer after losing several key starters. But Georgia recruits as well as anyone, and landed a few impact players in the portal. The SEC is only getting better, making the road to the playoffs more difficult than it has been in the past.

8. SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

Now for a few of the long-shots who have enough star power to play their way into the CFP bracket. South Carolina trots out arguably one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country in LaNorris Sellers. Shane Beamer has steadily been building a legitimate SEC contender, even if the Gamecocks have yet to register double-digit wins under Beamer. Last season, while South Carolina missed the playoffs, showed a glimpse at what could be with Sellers under center. 

Starting with Sellers, the quarterback is electric as a runner and showed off his ability to shake off tackles against an excellent Clemson defense last year. Sellers was a standout soccer player in high school, and his ability to maneuver the pocket is part of what makes him a rising prospect. His passing is still a work in progress, and Sellers needs to be better at connecting on easy throws and speeding up his processing overall.

Mike Shula coming in as offensive coordinator should help in Seller’s development, as Shula has plenty of experience working in the NFL as a QB coach and offensive coordinator (he helped Cam Newton get off to a hot start with the Carolina Panthers). Also worth noting on the quarterback position was the transfer of Air Noland, in from Ohio State who helps raise the floor for South Carolina. Noland provides not only insurance for the position but also optimism for its future if Sellers declares for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season. Sellers could also have a big season, and depending on the success Cade Klubnik, Clemson-South Carolina help could decide the Heisman.

The Gamecocks’ backfield will miss Raheim Sanders, but it received a boost when Rahsul Raison transferred in from Utah State. Raison is a physical back who ran for a ton of yards as an Aggie and brings experience to the position. On the perimeter, the offense would take another step if Nyck Harbor, like Sellers, can consistently becomes a down-to-down threat to opposing defenses. Harbor is a physical specimen who has incredible athleticism and upside; few receivers match Harbor’s physical profile, but his production is lacking. If the former five-star receiver can put it all together, Sellers will have juice in the pass game. Along the offensive line, South Carolina added four players that started double digit games last season.

On the other side of the ball, the Gamecocks were one of college football’s most electric defenses last season. They led the nation in 2024 with the most forced fumbles and also snagged more than a dozen interceptions. Several key contributors from that unit left for the NFL, and South Carolina has a lot of production to replace on all three levels of the defense.

Dylan Stewart is one known commodity, and he has All-America potential with his rare blend of power, size, and speed off the edge. Demon Clowney (Jadeveon Clowney’s cousin) comes over from Charlotte and has a chance to be a focal piece of the defensive front given his ability to move between defensive end and outside linebacker. Zavion Hardy, who comes over from the JuCo level, is another player who (like TJ Sanders in 2024) could rise up draft boards with a strong season. Jalon Kilgore is a versatile playmaker in the secondary with a lot of experience, and he’s coming off a five-interception season. Kilgore is the anchor the Gamecocks need to build around.

Part of the optimism around South Carolina centers around the defensive performance they put together last year when they finished as the 12th best scoring defense in the country by playing as one cohesive unit. They lost several key players to the NFL, but in the four years under defensive coordinator Clayton White, South Carolina has recorded more turnovers (88) in four years than any other team in the SEC.

Between White, Shula, and Beamer, the Game Cocks have a stable coaching staff, and the program appears to be continuously trending upwards. South Carolina has also put together three consecutive top 25 recruiting classes and has been active in the portal. A big year by this group and South Carolina could be trending way up.

The schedule is, on the other hand, a large reason why South Carolina is ranked where they are on this list. The Gamecocks don’t have too many gimmes this year, playing host to Alabama, and also rival Clemson to cap off the season. Their notable road games include trips to play Ole Miss, LSU, and Texas A&M. 

In 2024, South Carolina (5-3 in SEC play) finished as a bubble team for the CFP but did not make the cut. This year it won’t be any easier, and the Gamecocks will have to knock off several of the nation’s top programs if they expect to earn a playoff bid in 2025. But if Sellers takes that next step, and the defense does not experience a significant drop off, watch out for the Gamecocks.

FANDUEL Odds: +5500

Bet MGM Odds: +4000 (Opening Odds: +4000)

What’s the skinny on South Carolina?

The Gamecocks have a chance to be this year’s surprise team. With a budding star at quarterback, a sturdy run game, excellent coaching, and an opportunistic defense, South Carolina could have what it takes to take the next step and compete for an SEC title. If LaNorris Sellers goes supernova, the Gamecocks could be a tough out in the playoffs.

9. FLORIDA GATORS

At one point last year, the Florida Gators’ 2024 season seemed like it was going to spiral out of control and bring changes to the program in 2025. After losing several key players to injury and getting blown out early by both Miami and Texas A&M, the outlook was looking bleak and the chatter got louder around head coach Billy Napier’s future in Gainesville. Fortunately for the Gators, the program stood behind Napier, and his players responded in a big way by rallying around him and freshman phenom DJ Lagway at quarterback.

In the loss to A&M, Lagway only threw 13 passes, and then threw less than 20 passes in Florida’s loss to Tennessee. Lagway also only threw the ball six times against Georgia after leaving in the 2nd quarter due to injury. He also did not play in Florida’s loss to Texas. Against some of the better competition in the SEC, however, Lagway was victorious, leading the Gators to wins over Ole MIss, LSU, and then Tulane in Florida’s bowl game. Lagway did his best work while playing at home. Lagway was also undefeated in games that he started and finished. The potential is there, but the sample size, while brilliant, is still small.

Lagway, a true sophomore, should be an early favorite for the 2026 Heisman Trophy, having already shown immense promise as a passer with his ability to connect on intermediate and long throws. Last season, Lagway threw 12 passes of more than 40 yards and was fearless on testing defenses deep.

This season, Florida brought in J. Michael Sturdivent, who brings 30 career starts at receiver, and the offense returns true sophomore Jadan Baugh, who flashed last year at tailback. There’s also Ja’Kobi Jackson to factor in the run game, as well, which should help balance out the offense. Part of what should make optimism in Gainsville real this season is their offensive line, which returns four out of five starters and has depth to the unit. Florida’s center, Jake Slaughter, should contend for All-America honors. 

Although Napier only added 7 players in the transfer portal (while losing 23), Florida returns a potentially dominant group on their defensive line with Caleb Banks at tackle, Tyreak Sapp at end, and George Gumbs Jr. at edge. Tony Sunseri (a former Alabama safety) was hired as defensive coordinator after spending some coaching time in the NFL, and Sunseri has a potential star in Bryce Thorton to mold at safety.

The defense last year, furthermore, was a big reason for Florida’s late surge. In each of their final four games, (LSU, Ole MIss, Florida State, Tulane), Florida’s defense held opponents to 17 points or fewer. Repeating that feat this year, however, will be quite the task.

Unfortunately, the Gators draw yet again an incredibly difficult schedule. Florida travels to LSU and Miami in consecutive weeks before hosting Texas. Following their game against the Longhorns, Florida travels to Texas A&M. They also play Georgia and Tennessee at home, but have to travel to play Ole MIss and Kentucky. Although Florida State took a massive step back last year, the Gators can’t overlook their season finale against their bitter rival, either.

With consecutive top-ten recruiting classes for Napier and a budding star in Lagway, the hope is high in Gainesville. Getting through the schedule with less than three losses, however, might be a real challenge and could keep the Gators from truly breaking through and playing in the SEC title game for the first time since 2020. 

FANDUEL Odds: +3300

Bet MGM Odds: +4000 (Opening Odds: +5000)

What’s the skinny on Florida?

Like South Carolina, the Gators play in a stacked SEC, but have one of the nation’s most promising quarterbacks in DJ Lagway. The sample size was small for Lagway in 2024, but there’s reason to think that Florida can take a big step forward with their improved supporting cast, experienced offensive line, and loaded defensive line.

10. OKLAHOMA SOONERS

The 2025 season will be make-or-break for Brett Venables at Oklahoma. With changes in the front office, several new intriguing transfer portal players, and a coach who has yet to prove himself, Oklahoma heads into this season with tons of pressure to contend in a stacked SEC. Before getting into the schedule—a main reason why they missed the top 10 on this list—let’s look at the offense.

Brett Venebales has been stellar as a defensive-minded coach, appearing in multiple national championship games as a coordinator and winning two of them, but last season’s disastrous performance has put him on the hot seat. Oklahoma rotated quarterbacks throughout the year, struggling behind both Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr. as the Sooners finished as the second-worst scoring offense in the SEC. Arnold transferred to Auburn while Hawkins returns.

In comes John Mateer, who lit up the Pac-2 last season as Washington State’s quarterback. While his projection to the NFL isn’t that of other SEC quarterbacks, Mateer is one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the conference and has a chance to terrorize SEC defenses. Mateer came over with Washington State’s former offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, who helped the Cougars field the nation’s sixth best scoring offense.

Mateer played his best ball in the last two months of the season. He has an opportunity to build off that success from last year with Arbuckle, who maximized Mateer’s running ability. At Washington State, he forced 53 missed tackles in 2024 and ran for more than 800 yards and 15 touchdowns. Before Arbuckle arrived at Washington State, Mateer had minimal rushing attempts in college.

Outside of Mateer, Oklahoma’s offense should get a boost with both Jayden Gibson and Deion Burks returning. When healthy in 2023, Gibson averaged more than 25 yards per catch, while Burks missed seven games in 2024 but flashed real potential at Purdue as a full-time starter in 2023. Perhaps the most exciting piece of the offense, however, is Jayden Ott. The Cal transfer at running back was spectacular in 2023, but was also hampered by injuries in 2024; in three years at Cal, he recorded 30 touchdowns. With Ott, who has the vision, speed, and receiving ability to be an everydown threat, and both receivers healthy, the supporting cast around Mateer has serious potential.

Add in the fact that Oklahoma’s offensive line features six players with starting experience, and all the makings are there on offense for the Sooners to be perhaps the nation’s most surprising units under Arbuckle, especially given how poorly things went last season in Norman.

On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma’s defensive line is deep. Starting with Jaydon Jackson at defensive tackle (freshman All-America in 2024), the Sooners have both depth and talent on their front seven. Tackle Damonic Williams should continue to improve, while R Mason Thomas was a menace at the edge position and has a knack for making plays in the backfield.

Especially at Clemson, Venebales coached all types of talent and skillsets, and there’s reason to think he could help turn Kendel Dolby into a star. Dolby has been working extensively at the Cheetah position in Oklahoma’s defense, and he’ll be asked to do everything from playing in coverage to acting as an additional linebacker. Last season, Dolby recorded sacks, TFLs, and multiple interceptions for Venebales, and the staff is especially high on his potential. If things can gel for the offense, and a few of the defensive players take the next step, this Oklahoma team has a chance to sneak into the postseason.

Perhaps the biggest thing standing in Oklahoma’s way is the Sooners’ schedule. Not only do they host Michigan in week two, but Oklahoma’s last seven games are against teams that could be legit contenders in the SEC, which could all but erase their hopes at a playoff bid. Oklahoma’s home games include against Auburn, Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU. The Sooners also have to travel to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. While there are a couple of breaks, the large majority of Oklahoma’s games will be battles with some of the SEC’s top programs. 

Perhaps no other SEC team has it more difficult, and perhaps no other SEC team has as much pressure as Oklahoma this season.

FANDUEL Odds: +5000

Bet MGM Odds: +6600 (Opening Odds: +6600)

What’s the skinny on Oklahoma?

The Sooners upgraded at several positions, especially through the transfer portal, and made big changes to their front office. John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle could be the answer Oklahoma has been looking for on offense, and if Brett Venables’ defense takes a step forward, the Sooners could find themselves in the thick of the playoff race.

---

Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as financial or betting advice, and we do not provide tips or recommendations. The information provided, including player data and team performance metrics, is for general understanding and analysis of the sports betting market. All listed betting odds are sourced from third-party professional sportsbooks and are subject to change. We have no affiliation with the sportsbooks listed, and their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement. Sports betting involves risk. We are not liable for any financial losses or damages incurred as a result of using the information on this website. You are solely responsible for your betting decisions and for complying with the gambling laws in your jurisdiction. Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help.

---