The 2025 college football season is finally here and the race to make the playoff looks more wide open than ever before. Several top teams are rolling out brand new quarterbacks. Others return plenty of talent but have fallen short in recent seasons. Exactly zero college football teams even have a 20% chance at winning it all according to sports books.

Given all the uncertainty at the top of the sport, our A to Z Sports team decided we would hold a fantasy draft of all the best college football teams in the country this year to see which teams we believe have the best shot at making the college football playoff. We could have just collaboratively listed 25 teams that might make the playoff, but then we wouldn’t be able to hold bragging rights over one another when the season was all said and done. So, six of us decided to hold a College Football Playoff Fantasy Draft, selecting four teams apiece for a total of 24 picks.

For this College Football Playoff Fantasy Draft, our writers took turns selecting the team we all believe are most likely to make it to the College Football Playoff (with each round reversing the order). 12 points for the writer that correctly picks the 1-seed. 11 points for the 2-seed, and so on. Then of course 100 points to you, the reader, for not skipping this part of the introduction to simply see where your favorite team got drafted. Enjoy!

A to Z Staff participating:
Ian Valentino – NFL Draft & National College Football Writer
Destin Adams – NFL Draft & Indianapolis Colts Beat Writer
Adam Holt – New Orleans Saints Beat Writer
Tyler Forness – NFL Draft & Florida Gators Beat Writer
Justin Churchill – Oklahoma Sooners Beat Writer
Travis May – College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

1.01 – Texas Longhorns

There were only three teams in consideration for me here, and the other two immediately followed my pick. The Texas Longhorns have to go through the SEC schedule, which is a bit daunting, but Steve Sarkisian’s squad has as much firepower and toughness as any roster in the country. Add in the boost we expect Arch Manning to provide in the run game, and another year of development for Colin Simmons, and Texas should be a slam dunk into the College Football Playoff. – Ian Valentino

1.02 – Clemson Tigers

Some may be shocked to see Clemson second off the board, but I don’t regret this pick in the slightest. I think Clemson is the best bet of any P4 program to win their conference this season. That’s not to say the ACC doesn’t have other talented teams; four others also ended up being drafted in this article. But if I had to say which P4 conference I’m the most confident picking a winner for right now, it’s Clemson to win the ACC. I think Cade Klubnik will have his best collegiate season, and the team looks significantly improved on paper at multiple key spots. I’ll even go a step further to say I not only think Clemson will be in the playoff, but I believe they will have a first-round bye as a top four seed. – Destin Adams 

1.03 – Penn State Nittany Lions

The Nittany Lions have the most talented defensive unit in college football outside of Clemson. Drew Allar is expected to take another step forward with an incredible running back room and an improved wide receiver depth chart. James Franklin hasn’t been able to reach the peak of the mountain, but there’s no doubt in mom ind that he will get his team to the upper echelon of seeds for the playoff this season. His team is simply too talented and provides more upside than in years past. – Adam Holt

1.04 – Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes aren’t going to be as strong as they were in 2024 when they won the national championship, but they are going to be in a really good place. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith still has two years left before he can enter the NFL Draft, and five-star quarterback Julian Sayin is set to be the starter for the first time. If they build up a connection early on with Caleb Downs on defense, the Buckeyes could be in for a repeat. – Tyler Forness

1.05 – Georgia Bulldogs

It would be pretty dumb to leave Georgia out of any potential College Football Playoff list. Kirby Smart has his team in contention to win the whole thing every single year, and having some unknowns around the quarterback position, among other spots, should not be what keeps them out of the postseason. In a stacked SEC, the Bulldogs still have one of the best rosters, and one of the best coaches. If we’re drafting potential playoff teams, I feel like getting Georgia at 1.05 is a steal. – Justin Churchill

1.06 – Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide roster looks stacked heading into the 2025 season with future NFL Talents like wide receiver Ryan Williams, edge rusher L.T. Overton, linebacker Deontae Lawson, cornerback Domani Jackson, and much more. If Ty Simpson can figure things out at quarterback then Alabama is going to be right back in the mix to make the College Football Playoff once again. Kalen DeBoer has reunited with his former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb (who went with him to the national championship game), so that should help the offense get back to the high flying version we saw from this duo at Washington just two years ago. – Travis May

2.01 – Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks brought in a few key transfers like offensive tackle Isaiah World, running back Makhi Hughes, safety Dillon Thieneman, and defensive tackle Bear Alexander to help cap off what should be another team ready to compete for a championship in 2025. Quarterback Dante Moore will need to prove that he’s ready to step up after sitting behind Dillon Gabriel for a season as he learned the system. Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei and a few other defensive stars will need to take their game to another level from a down-to-down consistency standpoint. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and true freshman five star wide receiver Dakorien Moore will need to have breakout seasons on offense. That’s a lot that needs to happen for the Ducks to repeat (or exceed) last year’s performance, but it’s all possible. – Travis May

2.02 – LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers have the potential to win the SEC, and are actually one of the top three favorites to do so. They may very well have the best quarterback in the SEC in Garrett Nussmeier, with head coach Brian Kelly constructing what could be an elite defense if a few pieces gel together. The big question mark here is the defense, something that has hurt them their last two seasons. It will be better than last year. But how good will it be, we don’t know yet. Getting them at 2.02 is a steal. – Justin Churchill

2.03 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last year, the Fighting Irish rebounded from a devastating loss at home to Northern Illinois to come extremely close to winning a national title. The biggest question for the Fighting Irish remains at quarterback, but CJ Carr has the ability to elevate the offense. Initially, they can rely on running back Jeremiyah Love to handle the workload as they move forward throughout the season. – Tyler Forness

2.04 – Miami Hurricanes

This is the spot in this exercise where the nerves start to kick in. There feels like a tier break after Notre Dame, but Miami feels like the safest best to reach double digit wins of the remaining teams on the board to me. Carson Beck needs to prove doubters wrong as he recovers from elbow surgery, but he has a lot of talent around him at running back, receiver, and on the offensive line. Miami has hit the portal hard, so those moves need to work out for them to see this ceiling. Not to mention, the depth of the ACC is not impressive whatsoever. – Adam Holt

2.05 – Michigan Wolverines

I learned quickly that holding an early pick in this snake draft would be difficult. However, I do like the value of my second pick here with Michigan. 2024 was without a doubt a rough season for the Wolverines (especially offensively, and overall for much of the year). After reaching the mountain top by becoming national champions in 2023, Michigan suffered five regular season losses. They ended on a high note with their final two games being wins over rival Ohio State and Alabama. They now look to get back on track and have the talent across their roster to do it. I think we should see them as a part of the playoff field. – Destin Adams

2.06 – South Carolina Gamecocks

I’m taking a big swing on upside with the South Carolina Gamecocks over others with more favorable betting odds. Others might have an easier path or a little more hype, but the Gamecocks have the dynamic quarterback in LaNorris Sellers, trench depth, and defensive star to rally around. Shane Beamer caught fire at the end of 2024, and if he can squeak out one or two more wins that he lost last season, no one will want to face this squad in January. – Ian Valentino

3.01 – Kansas State Wildcats

Speed and playmaking is aplenty in Manhattan this fall. There’s a lot of projection here, but the offensive trio of Avery Johnson, Dylan Edwards, and Jerand Bradley could create a Pat White-era-level of highlights out of Kansas State. Always sound on defense, the Wildcats will scratch and claw their way toward the Big 12 title game. – Ian Valentino

[Editor’s Note: Selection was made just prior to the Week 0 Iowa State loss.]

3.02 – Arizona State Sun Devils

I have Arizona State making it back to the College Football Playoff after their incredible season last year. I believe Arizona State has what it takes to repeat as the Big 12 champion as multiple key players like quarterback Sam Leavitt star cornerback Keith Abney look ready to take another step this year. – Destin Adams

3.03 – Indiana Hoosiers

This is a risky, upside swing for me here. The Hoosiers have an arguable QB upgrade this season with Fernando Mendoza. Curt Cignetti is one of the most intriguing head coaches in the country. Elijah Sarratt returns in the passing game and could be a day two selection in next year’s NFL Draft. The depth on defense will definitely raise some eyebrows, but all of the teams in this range have their flaws. – Adam Holt

3.04 – Florida Gators

The Gators have the toughest schedule in the nation, but they have two things that you need to make a serious run at a national championship: elite trench play on both sides of the ball and a star quarterback in DJ Lagway. No other team can boast this kind of high-end play at the most important positions. If all three play up to their potential, the sky is the limit for head coach Billy Napier’s squad. – Tyler Forness

3.05 – Oklahoma Sooners

Call this a homer take if you want, considering I cover the Sooners, but I legitimately feel like the Sooners are going to be an amazing football team, with maybe the best defense in the SEC. And then the office will only be better, which, granted, isn’t saying much when you look at last year. With John Mateer, Jaydn Ott, a stacked WR room, and a new offensive coordinator, the only thing holding this offense back is health. Some won’t see this pick at 3.05 as a steal, but by the season’s end we could be talking about OU as a championship contender. – Justin Churchill

3.06 – Boise State Broncos

It’s Boise State versus the field this year when it comes to the most likely non-power conference candidates to make the College Football Playoff. They return quarterback Maddux Madsen, who proved last year to be one of the most efficient Group of Five quarterbacks in the nation. They added a couple key transfers like Malik Sherrod at running back and Dion Washington on the defensive line, but beyond that they return a bunch of home grown talents who should help them destroy most of their schedule again. Sports books are giving them a 35% chance to make the playoff again for many reasons. – Travis May

4.01 – Ole Miss Rebels

How could Ole Miss make the playoff the year after losing Jaxson Dart (QB), Walter Nolen (DL), Tre Harris (WR), and Princely Umanmielen (EDGE)? The schedule is absolutely perfect with nearly all their tough SEC games at home and softer matchups on the road. Quarterback Austin Simmons looked phenomenal in limited action a year ago and many expect him to immediately succeed. Plus, Lane Kiffin did it again in the Transfer Portal, stacking up another roster ready to compete in the SEC. The expectations might be lower this year than last, but the ingredients are all there for the Rebels to make a run. – Travis May

4.02 – SMU Mustangs

The SMU Mustangs made the postseason last year, their first year playing power conference football. Sure, the ACC was weak last year, but they have a lot of good retention on both sides of the ball, a great quarterback, good defensive line, and players that can play with anyone, no matter the conference. The weak conference is going to be the thing that helps this pick the most. The concern is that teams like Miami, Clemson, and Florida State are all gong to be better than they were last year. How much better seems to be the question. – Justin Churchill

4.03 – Tulane Green Wave

There is going to be at least one team from the Group of Five that makes the College Football Playoff. Why not Tulane? Head coach Jon Sumrall did a great job with Troy before heading to Tulane last year, and his team looks to be solid. They will also have a solid replacement for Darian Mensah at quarterback with Jake Retzlaff coming in at the last second. The defense is going to be the calling card for the Green Wave. – Tyler Forness

4.04 – Louisville Cardinals

I’m probably higher on the Cardinals this season than others. Part of it is their talent on both sides of the football, but they also have a favorable schedule compared to other teams with similar odds to earn a CFP berth. Miller Moss provides a solid baseline of quarterback play for their offense, and they should be able to run the ball very effectively with the explosive depth in their backfield. Louisville will surprise plenty of folks this season, no doubt in my mind there. – Adam Holt

4.05 – Texas A&M Aggies

I had to get at least one SEC team on my roster here and I honestly feel like landing Texas A&M with the second to last pick has an argument to be the best value selection in the entire draft. The Aggies were big spenders in the offseason landing some incredible talent in the transfer portal. Some notable additions being WRs KC Conception and Mario Craver, CB Julian Humphrey, and Edge T.J. Searcy. While they aren’t mentioned as a favorite there is certainly a world where Texas A&M is contending for an SEC crown this season. And they will be battle tested during the season with road matchups against Notre Dame, LSU and Texas on the schedule. – Destin Adams

4.06 – Texas Tech Red Raiders

This is an upside pick for a team that invested as much money as anyone this offseason in the Transfer Portal. They’re a portal super-team, bolstering an already-excellent passing game. The loss of RB Quinten Joyner is a tough blow, but I expect Tech to produce a respectable defense this fall and have the chance to win every week. – Ian Valentino

Final College Football Playoff Fantasy Draft Rosters

Ian Valentino (NFL Draft & National College Football Writer)

1.01 – Texas Longhorns (76% implied probability to make playoff via the sports books)
2.06 – South Carolina Gamecocks (15%)
3.01 – Kansas State Wildcats (9%)
4.06 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (20%)

Destin Adams (NFL Draft & Indianapolis Colts Beat Writer)

1.02 – Clemson Tigers (67%)
2.05 – Michigan Wolverines (32%)
3.02 – Arizona State Sun Devils (20%)
4.05 – Texas A&M Aggies (29%)

Adam Holt (New Orleans Saints Beat Writer)

1.03 – Penn State Nittany Lions (76%)
2.04 – Miami Hurricanes (34%)
3.03 – Indiana Hoosiers (15%)
4.04 – Louisville Cardinals (22%)

Tyler Forness (NFL Draft & Florida Gators Beat Writer)

1.04 – Ohio State Buckeyes (76%)
2.03 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish (62%)
3.04 – Florida Gators (25%)
4.03 – Tulane Green Wave (10%)

Justin Churchill (Oklahoma Sooners Beat Writer)

1.05 – Georgia Bulldogs (71%)
2.02 – LSU Tigers (46%)
3.05 – Oklahoma Sooners (22%)
4.02 – SMU Mustangs (19%)

Travis May (College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor)

1.06 – Alabama Crimson Tide (64%)
2.01 – Oregon Ducks (62%)
3.06 – Boise State Broncos (35%)
4.01 – Ole Miss Rebels (31%)

We’ll be back with more College Football coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!