The latest College Football Playoff predictions are here, utilizing the AP Poll Top 25 Preseason Rankings. The 12-team field is projected based on the five-highest ranked conference champs and the highest ranked teams in general.
The top four seeds, which are given byes in the first round, no longer automatically go to conference champs. It’s simply a straight ranking. That was a huge point of change from decision-makers ahead of the 2025 season.
Without making it more complicated, let’s dive into the projected field based on the AP Poll. Check it out below, as anticipation continues to rise for what should be an awesome season of college football this year.
1. Texas (SEC Champion)
Texas is the projected No. 1 team in the Playoff. As the SEC Champion, the Longhorns are likely 12-1 or 13-0 by season’s end.
If that’s the case, everything breaks right for Texas and Arch Manning is as good as advertised. It’ll be a well-earned first round bye for the Longhorns.
2. Penn State (Big Ten Champion)
Penn State will rise above and become Big Ten champions, according to these AP Poll projections. Breaking through the glass ceiling, they’ll get a bye week this time around in the CFP.
The Nittany Lions will run it back with Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton and more. This team is certainly talented enough to win the entire thing, after making it to the Semifinals last season.
The defending national champions are slotted in the No. 3 spot. W while they’re not champions in the Big Ten, Ohio State would get a bye in the CFP based on the poll. The Buckeyes remain among the best.
Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs give the program two of the best overall players in college football. Julian Sayin is expected to step in at QB and based on Ryan Day’s track record, it might be a seamless transition.
4. Clemson (ACC Champion)
Clemson is projected to win the ACC for the second straight year and will make the CFP again. The Tigers will receive the final bye this time around, after once again clinching their spot as the champion of their conference.
Cade Klubnik is back under center this fall, and Clemson might have two first round picks on the defensive line. TJ Parker and Peter Woods will certainly wreak havoc this year.
The Bulldogs fall to Texas in the SEC Championship this time around. They’ll just miss out on the final bye in the CFP, it seems, but remain a dangerous squad.
A lot hinges on QB Gunner Stockton this season, but it helps that WR Zachariah Branch is in the fold. The defense should be able to reload and be excellent under Kirby Smart.
With the CFP adjustments, Notre Dame could actually play itself into a top four seed and a first round bye. But for now, the AP Poll had them at No. 6, so they’ll host a first round game once again.
Marcus Freeman led this team to the national championship last year, and he could do it again this time around. They bring it a lot back, including Heisman contender Jeremiyah Love at running back.
Oregon will return to the Playoff for the second straight year under Dan Lanning. They’ll be on the outside looking in though, as far as the top of the Big Ten is concerned. The good news is, since the Ducks are No. 7 in these rankings, they’ll host a first round game in Eugene.
Dante Moore takes over at quarterback after sitting a year to develop. He’ll be the biggest key to Oregon’s success in 2025. We’ll see if he can reach the heights Dillon Gabriel took them to last season.
The Crimson Tide will return to the CFP, and get there for the first time under Kalen DeBoer. All is right in Tuscaloosa. The pressure is on, but DeBoer has the talent and the mettle to handle it.
Quarterback Ty Simpson is expected to step in and operate the offense with superstar wide receiver Ryan Williams being his top target. A revamped defense should help the Tide more often than not in 2025. Based on projections, they’ll host a first round game.
LSU will finally make the CFP under Brian Kelly, but they’ll have to go on the road in the first round. Still, they’ll be in the tournament, based on the projections via the AP Poll, and a dangerous draw for any opponent.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will be in the Heisman conversation, and he’ll likely be the biggest reason why this team is great. Don’t underestimate a resurgent season from linebacker Harold Perkins, as well.
The Hurricanes were Playoff bound last year, until they went 1-2 down the stretch. Mario Cristobal brings back a talented squad in 2025, along with a new star at quarterback, with a motivation to make things right.
Carson Beck takes over at the position after coming over from Georgia and the defense should be a strong suit this season. Based on the projections, Miami will be the ACC runner-ups.
The Sun Devils will return to the Playoff as Big 12 champions once again. However, they won’t get a first-round bye this time around, based on the AP Poll rankings.
Sam Leavitt returns at QB, giving ASU one of the better ones in the country. Kenny Dillingham, if he’s not already, is a rising superstar of a head coach. We’ll see how far he can take his team in 2025.
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
The Broncos are back in the CFP, but will get the last seed considering they’ll be the lowest ranked conference champ and outside the top 12 overall. Boise State will still make two straight Playoffs, which is an awesome accomplishment.
Before their move to the PAC 12 next year, the program is looking to finish their final season in the MWC on top of the college football world. However, based on these rankings, they’ll have to head to Georgia in the first round, so it won’t be easy for Boise State.
Playoff Bracket
First Round Byes: No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Penn State, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Clemson
No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Georgia
No. 11 Arizona State at No. 6 Notre Dame
No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Oregon
No. 9 LSU at No. 8 Alabama
First Four Out: Illinois, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida
Next Four Out: SMU, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M
— On3’s Nick Kosko contribited to this article.
