As the college football season rolls on, a few teams are starting to stand out. Some of these contenders weren’t exactly on everyone’s radar a month ago.
The latest College Football Playoff (CFP) predictions have sparked plenty of chatter. There’s a new SEC team creeping up, while a couple of preseason favorites are sliding. Let’s get into the highlights and predictions for the 2025 season—who’s hot, who’s not, and who’s just trying to keep up.
Oklahoma’s Impressive Start
Oklahoma kicked off the year as a bit of a question mark in the SEC. There was a lot of curiosity about their new quarterback, John Mateer, and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
This former Washington State duo wasted no time making their presence felt. They led the Sooners to a 24-13 win over Michigan in Week 2, which really turned some heads.
That win has thrown Oklahoma into the mix for an at-large CFP bid. Still, there are lingering worries about their run game, especially with Mateer running it 20 times a game.
That approach might not hold up when they face those bruising SEC defenses. It’s a bold strategy, but maybe not the most sustainable one.
Challenges Ahead for Oklahoma
Even after a strong start, Oklahoma isn’t quite in the top 12 of the CFP predictions yet. Before the season, folks guessed the SEC could get five teams in, with Oklahoma as number five.
That scenario feels a bit more likely after Week 2. But honestly, the Sooners still have a lot to prove.
Alabama’s Resurgence
Alabama is barely hanging on in the CFP picture after a wild 73-0 blowout against ULM. That win came at just the right time, following a tough loss to Florida State in Week 1.
Florida State keeps looking strong, which might soften the blow of Alabama’s early stumble. As Ty Simpson settles in, you get the feeling Alabama could keep trending up.
Ty Simpson’s Performance
Simpson, a redshirt junior, went 17-for-17 for 226 yards and three touchdowns in his second career start. Sure, the competition wasn’t exactly fierce, but you can’t ignore a perfect game.
It’s a good sign for the Crimson Tide as they try to find their groove.
Oregon Enters the CFP Prediction
Oregon just crashed the 12-team CFP prediction party. The Ducks absolutely dismantled Oklahoma State, 69-3, treating Mike Gundy’s squad like they were an FCS team.
Quarterback Dante Moore is looking legit, and five-star freshman receiver Dakorian Moore is already turning heads. Oregon making the list isn’t shocking, but the team they bumped out? That’s a bit more surprising.
Clemson’s Struggles
Clemson has tumbled out of the CFP predictions. They lost to LSU in Week 1 and then found themselves trailing Troy 16-3 at halftime in Week 2.
The Tigers just can’t seem to get the run game going, and quarterback Cade Klubnik is still searching for answers. Unless something changes fast, Clemson’s playoff hopes are fading.
Nebraska as a Dark Horse
Nebraska’s been a sleeper pick all offseason. With Michigan lacking much offensive spark and Sherrone Moore suspended for their Week 4 matchup, the Cornhuskers could make a move.
If Matt Rhule can steer Nebraska to 10 wins in his third year, they might just sneak into the CFP. If not, the Big Ten probably won’t have a third playoff-worthy team, since there’s a pretty sharp drop-off after Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon.
Big Ten Contenders
Penn State and Ohio State are still looking like the class of the Big Ten. Oregon’s shaking things up too.
The race in the conference feels wide open. Every game is going to matter, maybe more than usual.
Current CFP Predictions
- 1. Penn State – Big Ten Champion
- 2. Ohio State – At-large
- 3. LSU – SEC Champion
- 4. Texas – At-large
- 5. Miami (FL) – ACC Champion
- 6. Oregon – At-large
- 7. Utah – Big 12 Champion
- 8. Georgia – At-large
- 9. Notre Dame – At-large
- 10. Alabama – At-large
- 11. Nebraska – At-large
- 12. USF – American Champion
The latest CFP predictions show just how wild college football can get. Teams jump up and down the rankings every week, and it’s tough to keep up sometimes.
Oklahoma and Nebraska look like they could be surprise contenders this year. Meanwhile, Clemson—usually a safe bet—seems to be having a hard time hanging on.
If you’re hungry for even more breakdowns or want to keep tabs on how things shift, check out the updates at Bama Hammer.
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