The 2025 College Football Playoff is here. Twelve teams are all chasing that elusive national championship, and the pressure’s different for each of them.
Some programs are playoff regulars. Others are just happy to be invited. The stakes? Couldn’t be higher. Let’s take a look at who needs this win the most and why their stories matter this year.
James Madison: A Cinderella Story
James Madison University (JMU) has pulled off something wild, jumping from the FCS to the FBS and landing in the playoff on their first try. Bob Chesney, their head coach, has steered the Dukes through some serious challenges to get here.
They’ve got two FCS national titles already, so honestly, there’s not a ton of pressure on JMU. This is more about proving they belong with the big guys than about taking home the trophy.
The Road Ahead
JMU’s debut in the playoff says a lot about their grit and planning. Sure, winning it all would be a dream, but just being here is a huge win.
They’ll be thinking long-term, hoping to build a program that sticks around at this level. That’s no small feat.
Tulane: Building a Legacy
Tulane’s taken a similar path, building a self-sustaining program that’s turned heads. They’ve gone 43-12 over four years—pretty impressive, right?
Still, their coaches keep getting poached by bigger schools, so Tulane’s always rebuilding. It’s a tough cycle.
Proving Their Mettle
The Green Wave have a brutal rematch with Ole Miss right out of the gate. If they show up strong, it could shut down the doubters and prove they belong.
They need to show they can keep winning, no matter who’s coaching. That’s the real test for Tulane.
Oklahoma: Reclaiming Glory
The Oklahoma Sooners are no strangers to this stage, but lately? They’ve been falling short. Seven national titles and four CFP trips set the bar sky-high in Norman.
Problem is, their defense is top-10, but the offense lagged at 88th in the regular season. That’s not gonna cut it here.
Balancing Act
Oklahoma’s trying to rebuild into a true playoff threat again. They need to get that offense humming to match the defense.
Winning a title now would remind everyone why they’re a blue blood. No pressure, right?
Indiana: A Dream Season
Indiana’s season under Curt Cignetti has been unreal. They’re undefeated and just snagged their first Big Ten title since 1967.
Nationally, nobody expected this. The Hoosiers have flipped the script on their reputation.
Beyond Expectations
They’ve already done more than anyone thought possible, so honestly, they’re playing with house money now.
With the pressure off, who knows? Maybe they’ll surprise us again.
Texas Tech: Spending for Success
Texas Tech has been pouring money into football, and it’s finally paying off. They’ve got a top-five defense and just won their first Big 12 title since 1994.
It’s proof that spending big can change a program’s fortune—at least for now.
High Stakes
This playoff is a fork in the road for the Red Raiders. If they do well, it justifies all those investments.
If not, people will start to question if the money was worth it. That’s a lot to carry into these games.
Ohio State: Defending Champions
Ohio State rolls in as the defending champs, having picked up their third title in 2024. Ryan Day finally beat Michigan and somehow topped last year’s regular season.
But in Columbus, it’s always championship-or-bust. That’s just how it is.
Maintaining Dominance
This Buckeyes defense is stacked—maybe the best we’ve seen from them. There’s a little less pressure than last year, but the expectation doesn’t change.
If they don’t win it all, it’ll feel like a letdown. That’s the reality for Ohio State.
Georgia: Seeking Redemption
Georgia’s last couple seasons haven’t matched their back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. This year started shaky, but they’re peaking at the right time.
They’re the top dog in the SEC, so the pressure’s on to bring another championship home.
Proving Their Worth
The Bulldogs have to show they’re still a force. A good playoff run would help erase memories of recent disappointments.
Georgia fans expect a lot, and you can feel the tension. They need this.
Texas A&M: Time for Results
Texas A&M spends like crazy, but the wins haven’t followed. Since 2000, they’ve only hit double-digit wins twice.
2025 is a make-or-break year for Mike Elko. The pressure’s intense.
Validating Investments
The Aggies need a deep playoff run to prove all that spending wasn’t wasted. A championship would be huge for Elko—and for the boosters writing those checks.
It’s now or never, honestly.
Miami: Proving Legitimacy
Miami hasn’t won it all since 2001, and people are still skeptical about them being here. The Hurricanes are carrying the weight of the ACC’s reputation, too.
It’s a big ask, but that’s what Miami signed up for.
High Expectations
Mario Cristobal has brought them closer than they’ve been in ages. But now? He’s got to deliver when it matters most.
They need to step up and show they belong. Otherwise, the doubters will only get louder.
Oregon: Breaking Through
Oregon’s been close before, but the big prize keeps slipping away. Two previous CFP appearances and another strong year have them right on the brink.
The Ducks are desperate to finally get over that hump.
Seizing the Moment
Dan Lanning’s in year four and still chasing his first playoff win. This might be their best shot yet.
The pressure’s real. If they don’t capitalize now, when will they?
Ole Miss: Proving a Point
Ole Miss is in a weird spot. Pete Golding just took over for Lane Kiffin—who, by the way, left for a rival—right before the playoff.
The Rebels have a shot to show they made the right call. Or, well, maybe not.
High Stakes for Golding
Golding’s under the microscope. If they flop, people will question the coaching change.
If they win it all? That’s instant validation. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Alabama: Restoring Dominance
Alabama hasn’t won a playoff game since 2022 or a national title since 2020. Kalen Deboer is feeling the heat to bring the Tide back on top.
And with those Michigan rumors swirling? The pressure’s only getting stronger.
Flipping the Script
The Crimson Tide are under the spotlight. They really need a big playoff showing to hush the critics and prove they still belong at the top of college football.
The pressure? It’s huge. If they don’t win the national championship, there could be some serious changes coming for the program.
Curious for a deeper breakdown of which 2025 College Football Playoff teams are most desperate for a title? Check out Sports Illustrated.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
