The college football landscape in 2025 is, honestly, kind of wild. Powerhouse teams like Ohio State are dominating the conversation, and some folks are even questioning whether we really need a College Football Playoff this year.
Some traditional giants are struggling, while new contenders are popping up. Let’s dig into why Ohio State is the team to beat, what’s going on with the SEC, and which underdogs might just mess up everyone’s playoff predictions.
Ohio State: The Unstoppable Force
Ohio State has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. The Buckeyes aren’t just winning—they’re crushing teams.
With a loaded offense and a defense that’s locked in, Ohio State looks ready to bulldoze their way to a national title. It’s almost unfair at times.
Offensive Firepower
First-year starting quarterback Julian Sayin has been outstanding. He might not win the Heisman, but his play has been elite.
Sayin’s accuracy and quick decisions stand out, and it helps having Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate catching passes. That trio is just a nightmare to defend.
Defensive Dominance
On defense, Ohio State has surprised a lot of people. Even after losing key players and their defensive coordinator, the Buckeyes somehow got better.
New coordinator Matt Patricia brought in an NFL vibe that’s really thrown off opposing offenses. Arvell Reese is breaking out, and guys like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles keep this unit among the nation’s best.
The SEC’s Struggles
This year, the SEC just isn’t its usual self. Big names like Alabama and Texas A&M are hitting speed bumps all over the place.
Alabama’s Fallibility
Alabama’s had some rough patches, losing to both Florida State and Oklahoma. Their defense is still solid, but the offense? Not so much lately.
Quarterback Ty Simpson has been in a slump down the stretch. It’s a weird look for the Crimson Tide, and it could haunt them in the postseason.
Texas A&M’s Inconsistencies
Texas A&M came out swinging but faded against tougher teams. That loss to Texas and almost getting upset by South Carolina say a lot.
The Aggies’ seven conference wins? Those came against teams with a combined 11-41 SEC record. Makes you wonder how strong they really are.
Underdog Stories: BYU and Vanderbilt
With the big programs wobbling, teams like BYU and Vanderbilt are turning heads. These underdogs are making their case for a playoff shot.
BYU’s Strong Case
BYU’s only loss came on the road against a top-five Texas Tech squad. Their strength of record and schedule both look great on paper.
Still, there’s a real chance BYU gets snubbed for more famous programs. That’d be a shame, honestly.
Vanderbilt’s Cinderella Season
Vanderbilt, with Diego Pavia at quarterback, is having a season fans will remember for a long time. Pavia’s been electric—he’s even in the Heisman conversation.
His dual-threat ability has sparked Vandy’s run, including a wild upset over Tennessee. Not something you see every year.
The Playoff Picture
The playoff race is still a mess as the season wraps up. Ohio State looks like a lock, but the rest? It’s anyone’s guess.
Teams like Texas, Notre Dame, and even Alabama are hanging around. It’s about time the committee looks at what teams have actually done this year, not just who’s on their jerseys.
Potential Overlooked Teams
Teams like Notre Dame are riding a 10-game winning streak, but let’s be honest—they haven’t exactly faced the toughest schedule out there. Their early losses to Texas A&M and Miami still loom large, showing they can stumble against stronger opponents.
The selection committee’s got a tricky job here. They’ll have to weigh all of this and decide what’s fair for the playoff picture.
For a deeper dive into these topics, you can read the full article on CBS Sports.
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