As we reach the final stretch of September in the college football season, discussions about the playoff landscape are in full swing. This week’s projections for the College Football Playoff have brought in two unexpected teams as full conference play kicks off, helping to separate the serious contenders from the pretenders.

A standout moment from the weekend was a non-conference matchup where James Madison achieved a staggering 70-point victory against North Carolina. Following their impressive undefeated run last season, the Dukes seem set to dominate the Sun Belt again this year. Recent developments, such as a loss from the former Group of Five representative, Memphis, place them in a favorable position for the fifth slot reserved for a league champion under coach Bob Chesney, who is in his first year with the team.

Joining the playoff conversation is Iowa State. The Cyclones have kicked off their season with three wins, including a notable victory on the road against Iowa. Their fortunes improved further as Kansas State suffered an unexpected loss to Brigham Young, eliminating the Wildcats from contention. Iowa State’s upcoming schedule appears favorable, with their only two clashes against ranked opponents slated for November.

Note: Legacy Pac-12 institutions competing in other conferences will fulfill their existing bowl commitments through the 2025 season.