Over the past four years, the landscape of college football has experienced tremendous and unforeseen changes, leaving no tradition untouched.

This includes the once-dominant Top 25 polls, which have nearly lost their significance, except as topics for debate among enthusiasts.

Today, the focus is on the top 12—the teams qualifying for the College Football Playoff. This format will begin in 2025, with a 14-team model set for 2026 due to a new CFP agreement.

Here’s an early look at the projected CFP field for 2025, arranged by seed. The four highest-ranked conference champions will receive first-round byes. Save this for future discussions.

After all, that’s part of what makes this sport so captivating.

1. Penn State

Strengths: The invaluable experience of postseason play. While we can discuss the returning talent on offense and defense, along with the new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it’s this experience that stands out. Previously, Penn State hadn’t participated in the playoff until last season. Consider Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, which needed multiple playoff appearances to find its footing.

Weaknesses: Penn State’s past performance in crucial games under coach James Franklin has been problematic. The Nittany Lions managed to secure two playoff wins (against SMU and Boise State) without major challenges, but upcoming matchups against Oregon (Sept. 27) and Ohio State (Nov. 1) are crucial for defining the season.

2. Georgia

Strengths: Coach Kirby Smart identified and tackled key issues head-on. This marks an essential growth point in his tenth season in Athens. After Georgia receivers had over 30 dropped passes last season, Smart brought in significant transfer talent, including Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (Southern California). The coaching staff believes in QB Gunner Stockton’s ability to lead in critical games.

Weaknesses: Noteworthy regression visible in 2024. This includes the highest number of sacks allowed under Smart, a run game that ranked 15th in the SEC, and a defense yielding the most points per game (20.6) since Smart arrived in 2016. Could recent off-field distractions have an impact, or was 2024 merely an exception?

3. Clemson

Strengths: Coach Dabo Swinney kept the program from spiraling while convincing QB Cade Klubnik to return for another season, pushing towards a CFP appearance. Swinney also made impactful additions through the transfer portal, securing edge rusher Will Heldt (Purdue) and WR Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State).

Weaknesses: The need for quicker improvements under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Although there are standout players (DE T.J. Parker, DT Peter Woods, LB Wade Woodaz), the defense had issues with alignment, tackling, and positioning, indicating inconsistency that must be addressed.

4. Kansas State

Strengths: QB Avery Johnson’s potential. With a chaotic 2024 behind them, Johnson can shine in 2025. When performing well, he ranks among the most dangerous QBs in college football, reminiscent of Johnny Manziel, although he must work on consistency and the team needs to focus on better protection.

Weaknesses: Learning how to win games that should be straightforward is essential. Losing to Houston right after defeating rival Kansas, along with a poor first half against Arizona State at home, showcases a troubling pattern of underperformance. This trend threatens to overshadow the team’s successes and aspirations for a CFP spot.

5. Ohio State

Strengths: The team is riding the momentum of finally securing a championship. Past failures are now behind them, as the squad approaches the season with confidence and youthful talent, creating a formidable combination.

Weaknesses: A first-time starting quarterback could be a concern. Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin, a highly-rated recruit, is set to take the reins. This situation recalls Kyle McCord’s struggles as a first-time starter after previous five-star recruits faced challenges.

6. Texas

Strengths: The positive developments from coach Steve Sarkisian. The narrative that Texas is back is supported by impressive recruiting classes and strategic portal acquisitions, setting high expectations with standout QB Arch Manning now at the helm.

Weaknesses: Slow starts and the tendency to play catch-up in significant games have been problematic. This includes regular-season setbacks against Georgia in 2024, and playoff losses to Washington (2023) and Ohio State (2024).

7. LSU

Strengths: Coach Brian Kelly realized that a powerful defensive line is critical for success in the SEC. Notable additions from the portal, such as Patrick Payton (Florida State), Jack Pyburn (Florida), and Sydir Mitchell (Texas), will significantly bolster the defense and enhance its efficiency in getting opponents off the field. In 2024, teams converted on 41% of third downs against them.

Weaknesses: The departure of both starting tackles for the NFL creates a challenging situation for QB Garrett Nussmeier, who faced relentless pressure. In 2025, LSU may field four or five new starters along the offensive line.

8. Oregon

Strengths: The Ducks excel in both recruiting and player development. As coach Dan Lanning enters his fourth year, there will be a new quarterback (former five-star recruit Dante Moore) and a wealth of offensive talent under one of college football’s premier offensive coordinators, Will Stein.

Weaknesses: Key defensive positions will see new faces. Lanning, who earned his reputation as a defensive coordinator at Georgia, often rotated young players along the front seven. Those younger players will need to step up into crucial roles alongside standout pass rusher Matayo Uiagalelei this season.

9. Oklahoma

Strengths: The arrival of John Mateer marks a turning point from a rough inaugural season in the SEC to a hopeful 2025 CFP bid. The transfer quarterback from Washington State was the top player in the transfer portal, showcasing elite dual-threat capabilities (44 total TDs). The Sooners struggled to earn first downs in 2024 but should be prolific in scoring with Mateer and other exciting transfers.

Weaknesses: A daunting schedule presents a challenge. Using the 2024 model as a reference, it’s likely that a three-loss, non-Power Four conference champion will struggle to qualify for the CFP. Oklahoma faces tough games against Mississippi and LSU at home.
but have road excursions planned to Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, alongside a game against Texas in Dallas. Oklahoma is also set to face Michigan in Norman.

10. Brigham Young

Positive Aspects: Coach Kalani Sitake has quietly and confidently established a program built for longevity. The Cougars are bringing back most of the squad that achieved 11 victories, with two losses by a narrow combined margin of nine points. If they had won either of those close matches (against Kansas and Arizona State), BYU would have advanced to the Big 12 championship game with a chance for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Challenges: Turnovers have been an issue. In their two losses, BYU had four turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who has a concerning touchdown-to-interception ratio of 13 to 9 in games against Big 12 opponents. This situation needs to be addressed, particularly considering a more favorable schedule in 2025 that excludes Kansas State and Arizona State.

11. Illinois

Positive Aspects: After years of striving to replicate the methodology of Wisconsin, head coach Bret Bielema is closer than he has been during his nine years at Arkansas and Illinois. The Illini embrace a powerful running game, with all five offensive line starters returning. Quarterback Luke Altmyer does well at protecting the ball and challenges defenses with his toughness in running plays. The defense is also expected to be strong.

Challenges: Making progress remains a hurdle. Illinois secured 10 wins last season but has yet to achieve back-to-back seasons with double-digit victories in the program’s history. They haven’t seen consecutive winning seasons since the 2010-11 period. To qualify for the CFP, they will undoubtedly need another 10-win season.

12. Boise State

Positive Aspects: The team’s culture is a strong point. Star running back Ashton Jeanty was a standout player, yet he is just one component of the most consistently successful Group of Five program in college football. Coach Spencer Danielson’s rapid rebuilding efforts are expected to extend into 2025, with the return of quarterback Maddox Madsen and four starting offensive linemen, including Kage Casey, who could be a first-round NFL draft pick in 2026.

Challenges: As with every season, facing one loss in the underrated Mountain West Conference significantly complicates the path to the CFP. There is little flexibility regarding the single automatic qualifying spot. Additionally, Boise State will have a matchup against Notre Dame.

Matt Hayes serves as the senior national college football writer for News Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.