Joel Klatt of Fox Sports has named 10 college football teams that could possibly make their debut in the college football playoff during the 2025 season.
At first glance, the list is a mix of brands that should be better than they have been of late and promising newcomers that made varying amounts of noise during 2024. There are four programs from the Big Ten, four from the SEC and one each from the ACC and Big 12.
Here is how Klatt had them ranked in order, along with our commentary.
1- Illinois
We love the quarterback and the coach does more with less. The Illini got to 10-3 last season, but in addition to playing Ohio State in Champaign, they have trips to Camp Randall and Husky Stadiums, two unpleasant places to play plus a tricky trip to Duke in Week 2. This is a tougher schedule than last year.
2- Ole Miss
It would be a surprise if quarterback Austin Simmons is not really, really good, along with the Rebels offense. What gets lost about last season’s playoff contender is how good Ole Miss was defensively. Did they replace those pieces? If so, it could happen for Lane Kiffin and company this season.
3- South Carolina
Just like Ole Miss, did the Gamecocks replace their departed defensive stars? Quarterback LaNorris Sellers with just a little improvement can get South Carolina there.
4- Miami (Fla.)
The Hurricanes have only played for the ACC Championship once in 20 seasons and the league has been garbage most of those. Carson Beck isn’t an upgrade over Cam Ward at quarterback at it isn’t particularly close. That said, there is no doubt Miami has the talent to get to the playoff. But we have been saying this for a while now.
5- Iowa
When you look closely at the Hawkeyes’ schedule, you can see a path in some ways but in some ways it looks too tough. This is a good solid football team that will get quality wins. Hosting Oregon the second weekend in November is going to be another “Welcome to the Big Ten” moment for the Ducks. So much is going to depend on how good two of the “traditional powers” both on this list and on Iowa’s schedule will be this season.
6- Missouri
Vegas and the SEC Media both have the Tigers taking a step back- 12th overall in the 16-team SEC. We aren’t buying it looking at their roster, especially on defense up front. So Klatt made a sneaky good call here. Also, Missouri does not play away from home until Game 7 in mid-October.
7- USC
I mean, we doubt it, but good for the Trojans fans if they get back. Actually, good for college football as a whole because it’s been sad to watch this program under Lincoln Riley get worse.
8- Kansas State
The Wildcats are the opposite of Miami and USC. You rarely hear the names of their star players, yet they are just like they were under Bill Snyder under winner Chris Klieman- a tough, well-coached outfit that just wins. We get to see K-State in Week Zero against fellow Big 12 contender Iowa State in Dublin. That could set the tone. The conference draw is quite manageable.
9- Florida
The Gators have a promising, talented quarterback in DJ Lagway, an excellent offensive line and good talent on defense. The schedule is brutal yet again, but it was last year heading in and Florida went 7-5 and got to 8-5 with a Gasparilla Bowl win against quarterback-less Tulane. Expectations are always high in Gainesville and this may be a little too high… for now. Get Florida while you can because Billy Napier and his staff are stockpiling elite talent.
10- Nebraska
It sounds strange to mention a program that just snapped a nearly decades-long streak of not going to a bowl last year and finished .500 in the regular season to get there. But the smartest thing Matt Rhule has done in his career was replace former coordinator Marcus Satterfield with Air Raid mastermind Dana Holgorsen. This isn’t a bad pick with Dylan Raiola going into his second season, improved talent around him and a great college play caller to put it all together. The Huskers open Thursday, Aug. 28, against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
