Isaiah Magar
Jul 29, 2025
The 2025 college football season kicks off with high stakes and a wide-open playoff race. Powerhouse programs like Texas, Penn State, and Clemson lead the charge, while surprises could come from teams like North Carolina, Kansas State, and Oregon State. With key matchups early and the 12-team playoff in play, every conference has a contender—and the road to the title is more unpredictable than ever.
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and wide-open in years. With the 12-team College Football Playoff format returning for its second year, contenders from across the Power Five are eyeing a shot at the national title. Realignment, coaching shakeups, and rising stars have redefined the landscape—and every conference has a team capable of making serious noise.
In the SEC, all eyes are on Texas, the preseason favorite and a legitimate title threat behind quarterback Arch Manning and a top-ranked recruiting class. But don’t overlook Alabama, who enters year two under Kalen DeBoer aiming to prove their dynasty isn't dead yet.
From the Big Ten, Penn State has emerged as a trendy national champion pick, thanks to a ferocious defense and dynamic playmakers on offense. Ohio State remains a major threat, as always, with one of the deepest rosters in college football.
The ACC is under the spotlight like never before with North Carolina making headlines after hiring NFL legend Bill Belichick as head coach. While UNC tries to find its footing under Belichick, Clemson returns with renewed focus, eager to reclaim dominance and secure a top-four playoff seed.
In the Big 12, Kansas State opens the season overseas in Ireland and is looking to build on last year’s momentum with a physical, no-nonsense brand of football. Don’t sleep on Utah, either, in its first full season as a Big 12 member—bringing a tough defense and proven coaching pedigree.
Finally, out west in the Pac-12—or what remains of it—Oregon State carries the banner for the conference after realignment chaos. The Beavers are determined to prove they still belong among college football’s elite, led by a gritty defense and passionate fanbase.
With heavyweight matchups like Clemson vs. LSU and Texas vs. Ohio State in Week 1, the season promises fireworks from the start. From Miami to Corvallis, the playoff race is on—and this time, more teams than ever have a legitimate shot at the crown.