College Football Season Preview 2025
This list was made before Week 0 games, but I have integrity and will not delete it. I am high on Kansas State. This will more than likely not be updated regularly and will drop weekly power rankings and games to watch for the weekend.
Big Ten Title Game
Penn State vs. Illinois — Whoever wins the Illinois vs. Ohio State game will make the Big Ten title game. The team that wins will probably lose to Penn State. However, it’s tough to beat a team twice in one season, so either Ohio State or Penn State will have to pull it off to meet again in the title game.
SEC Title Game
Georgia vs. Texas — These are by far the two best teams in the SEC this year, with LSU and Alabama slightly behind them. This will be the second time these two face off this season. It could either propel Arch Manning to the next level or show that Georgia will stay at the top of the sport.
ACC Title Game
Clemson vs. SMU — A rematch of last year’s title game, but I think SMU finds a way to win if they make it again. But Miami, FSU, and North Carolina will all have something to say about that. Boston College and Syracuse are no longer guaranteed wins. The ACC is deeper than most realize, thanks to the strength of the Big Ten and SEC.
Big 12 Title Game
Kansas State vs. Arizona State — The two best quarterbacks in the conference should face off for a playoff bid. (Update: Kansas State lost in Week 0, but they still control their destiny. I believe in Avery Johnson to keep the locker room in check and accountable. Arizona State has the best coach in the conference and the second-best motivator. They’re returning 17 of 22 starters from last season’s playoff team. They’ll have a big hole to fill losing their do-it-all back Skataboo, but I think Sam Leavitt will take a big step forward, easing the team’s transition.)
American Athletic Conference Title
Tulane vs. Memphis — Tulane could be the best Group of 5 team, especially with BYU’s starting QB coming to campus. Their schedule is manageable, and if they’re undefeated heading into Week 4 against Ole Miss, they could be a top Group of 5 representative. Memphis has a manageable non-conference schedule and could be a 1-loss team or even undefeated, seeking to beat Tulane twice.
Conference USA
Liberty vs. UTEP — Liberty is the top team in the conference, unfortunately a factory for bigger programs, vs. UTEP, which boasts the best QB in the conference. Neither team is vying for a playoff, but they could land in a marquee bowl.
MAC
Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) — Northern Illinois is poised to improve with the Mountain West move coming soon. They took a big step last year beating Notre Dame. They lost their QB to Illinois but will look to fill that void. Miami (OH) has the best coach in the conference and has been a strong contender historically.
Mountain West
Boise State vs. Hawaii — Boise State has dominated this conference for most of my life, and I don’t see that changing this season. They return their QB, which will help after losing star RB Jenty. Hawaii has one of the best young QBs in the country, who just knows how to get it done and win. With an upgraded WR room, they’ll be a tough out.
Sun Belt
No Idea who’s gonna end up in this game so ill go with Texas State vs James Madison, I think that James Madison is by far the best school in the conference but they are going to have to prove themselves in this NIL era where most of your team transfers if you are
Top 3 Group of 5 Teams
- Boise State
- Tulane
- MAC Winner
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Teams with a Realistic Path to a National Championship
- Texas
- Georgia
- Penn State
- Ohio State
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Sleeping Giants
These teams can run the table or go 6-6.
- Arizona State
- Illinois
- Tulane
- North Carolina
- SMU
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Teams with a Realistic Path to a Playoff Bid
- Alabama
- Oregon
- Illinois
- Notre Dame
- Kansas State
- Miami
- Arizona State
- Iowa State
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- SMU
- North Carolina
- Tulane
- Boise State
- Florida
- LSU
- UNLV
- Michigan
- South Carolina
- Texas Tech
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Heisman Trophy Contenders
- DJ Lagway
- Luke Altmyer
- Lanoris Sellers
- Drew Allar
- Cade Klubnik
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Fun Watches
- Florida
- Florida State
- UNLV
- Colorado
- UTEP
- UCLA
- Kansas State
- Tulane
- Boston College
- Syracuse
- James Maddison
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Playoff Predictions
- Penn State
- Texas
- Clemson
- Alabama
- Oregon
- Kansas State
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Notre Dame
- Arizona State
- Illinois
- Tulane
(Potential at-large teams: SMU, LSU, Iowa State, Indiana)
