The 2025 college football season is just around the corner and it looks like anyone could win the championship this season. Several top teams are rolling out brand new quarterbacks. Others return a ton 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. It's a strange year already and the games haven't even begun.

Given all the uncertainty at the top of the sport, our A to Z Sports team decided we would rank (and then draft) the best college football teams in the country this year to see who might 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, five of us decided to hold a College Football Playoff Fantasy Draft, selecting five teams apiece.

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
Adam Holt – New Orleans Saints Beat Writer
Ryan Roberts – NFL Draft & Notre Dame Beat Writer
Tyler Forness – NFL Draft & Minnesota Vikings Beat Writer
Travis May – College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

1.01 – Texas Longhorns

I think this is the Texas Longhorns' year to win it all. They have the right blend of veteran playmakers to rely upon as leaders and young talent who can step up as the season progresses. There's also Arch Manning, who could make a very good team an excellent one. – Ian Valentino

1.02 – Clemson Tigers

Clemson is immensely talented this season. Their defense probably boasts multiple future first round picks. Cade Klubnik is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. I believe Dabo Swinney's squad gets back to where they feel they belong annually. – Adam Holt 

1.03 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Call it a homer pick, but Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman are set up for sustained success. This team is deep and brings back a lot of talent, including All-American running back Jeremiyah Love. – Ryan Roberts 

1.04 – Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes have a lot of questions going into the season after losing an insane amount of talent to the 2025 NFL Draft, but the reality is this. They still have the best wide receiver room in the country, the best defender in Caleb Downs, and a five star quarterback with high pedigree in Julian Sayin. If they live up to the hype, they could easily end up in the College Football Playoff. – Tyer Forness

1.05 – Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State and James Franklin may get hate for losing to the best of the best in the sport when it matters most, but they almost always take care of business when they're favored. They'll likely be favored in at least 10 games this regular season thanks to quarterback Drew Allar, star running back duo Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, plus their stacked defense. They're currently the fifth most likely team to make the playoff via sports books at -230 odds (69.7% probability). – Travis May

2.01 – Georgia Bulldogs

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs don't quite have the elite depth they're used to at every single position, but their starting lineup is still obviously one of the most talented in the nation. Gunner Stockton will need to have a great year at quarterback, but the defense has plenty to like with Christen Miller at defensive tackle, plus several solid edge defenders and linebackers around him. The revamped wide receiver group can't be any worse than they had last year either. – Travis May

2.02 – Oregon Ducks

The Ducks have a lot of pedigree and experience returning and Dante Moore has significantly more talent at quarterback than the guy he is replacing in Dillon Gabriel. Dan Lanning has figured out a lot in Eugene, now the next step will be to win a game in the College Football Playoff. – Tyler Forness

2.03 – Alabama Crimson Tide

It was a bumpy year one under head coach Kalen DeBoer, but I expect a jump this season. Alabama should have one of the best offensive lines, defensive lines, secondaries, and wide receiver rooms in college football this season. Figuring out the quarterback position will be the key. – Ryan Roberts

2.04 – LSU Tigers

SMU was the other team I considered here. That being said, LSU is ultra-talented after a massive transfer portal pool of talent incoming. Garrett Nussmeier is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the country, and another year in the system could be the difference for him. His wide receiver room is elite as well with guys like Barion Brown, Nic Anderson, and Aaron Anderson. – Adam Holt 

2.05 – South Carolina Gamecocks

I'm banking on my favorite team of athletic freaks to put it all together here. Sure, South Carolina's schedule is nearly impossible for them to navigate, and they lost a ton of talent to the 2025 NFL Draft, but LaNorris Sellers is my favorite quarterback in college football. Considering who is left on the board, I'm taking a swing on upside. – Ian Valentino

3.01 – SMU Mustangs

It shouldn't have taken this long for SMU to come off the board, and Adam was right to mention them at 2.04. The Ponies have a ton of speed to rely upon and figured out their best recipe to win as 2024 continued. With more clarity on their identity and a ton of seniors heading their roster, SMU will be a tough out for every ACC team with star quarterback Kevin Jennings leading the charge again. – Ian Valentino

3.02 – Boise State Broncos

Boise State is a consistent force in this sort of range as one of the best (if not the best) Group of 5 programs in the nation and I trust their coaching staff as of now. Losing elite running back Ashton Jeanty will be tough to handle, but the defense should actually take a step forward this year. – Adam Holt 

3.03 – Arizona State Sun Devils

A playoff team from last season, there is a lot of excitement for what quarterback Sam Leavitt can accomplish in year two. This team looks poised to make another run if they can stay healthy, especially at the wide receiver position with Jordyn Tyson as the focal point of the passing attack yet again. – Ryan Roberts

3.04 – Florida Gators

Admittedly, this is somewhat of a homer pick, but the Gators have three things that can easily vault them into the College Football Playoff: an elite level quarterback in DJ Lagway, a dominant offensive line that returns four starters with arguably two top 50 NFL Draft picks, and a defensive line that could be top five when the season ends. The schedule is tough, but don't be surprised if they take that step forward that Billy Napier needs to save his job. – Tyler Forness

3.05 – Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss surprisingly boasts the tenth highest probability to make the College Football Playoff via sports books. Austin Simmons looks like the real deal at quarterback. They return plenty of talent in guys like Cayden Lee (WR) and Suntarine Perkins (LB). Lane Kiffin brought in yet another top five Transfer Portal class. And to top it all off they have one of the easiest schedules in the SEC. – Travis May

Ole Miss Rebels and Lane Kiffin boast shockingly high odds to make the College Football Playoff ahead of 2025 season

Ole Miss Rebels surprisingly a favorite to make college football playoff

4.01 – Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines beat the national champions last season without any quarterbacks who hardly could complete passes beyond the line of scrimmage. They took down Alabama in their bowl game without almost all of their NFL talent playing. Sherrone Moore and company have built a good system at Michigan. If true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood takes over and looks half as good as his five star hype has many believing he will be then Michigan could push for a playoff spot. The sports books agree too, giving Michigan the 13th best odds to make the playoff (fourth in the Big Ten). – Travis May

4.02 – Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats are coached by Chris Klieman, who understands a thing or two about winning national titles (at North Dakota State), having won four as a head coach and three more as an assistant to Craig Bohl. They have an emerging star at quarterback in Avery Johnson and a running game that constantly puts up massive numbers. In a Big 12 without a dominant force, don't be surprised if the Wildcats are that team in 2025. – Tyler Forness

4.03 – BYU Cougars

BYU was one of the quieter really good football teams in the country last season. The team brings back a lot of offensive firepower (albeit not their quarterback now), and some foundational players on defense. The Cougars have a chance to make some noise late in the year yet again. – Ryan Roberts 

4.04 – Indiana Hoosiers

Fernando Mendoza has the talent to be a premier starter in college football. With more talent around him on the Hoosiers, this team has a more exciting ceiling than many folks probably expect. Curt Cignetti will annually get the most out of his teams, and there's plenty of experience still on this roster for Indiana. – Adam Holt 

4.05 – Texas Tech Red Raiders

We're taking swings now, so why not go with the most expensive roster in college football this fall (rumored to be $55 million going towards all athlete compensation this year)? Texas Tech doesn't have the talent to win a College Football Playoff game against a big dog, but they're intriguing enough with an elite offense returning. The question is whether they spent enough on the right defensive stars to hit 10 or more wins. – Ian Valentino

5.01 – Navy Midshipmen

There weren't many at-large teams taken, but I'll give a nod to my military rival, Navy (Go Army!). Navy is terrifying for opposing defenses to deal with, as Blake Horvath leads a devastating ground game that could have the Midshipmen go undefeated throughout the regular season. Their early November showdown at Notre Dame likely determines their fate. – Ian Valentino

5.02 – Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols have had a rollercoaster offseason. That being said, Joey Aguilar is a legit QB who may allow more focus on the other offensive pieces for Josh Heupel. If the offensive line can improve from a season ago, Tennessee sneaking into the playoff with a weaker SEC schedule makes plenty of sense to me. Plus, a lot of important young defensive pieces returned to Knoxville for this season. – Adam Holt 

5.03 – Utah Utes

It has been a couple of down years for the Utes, but they look poised for a bounce back under head coach Kyle Wittingham. They return one of the best offensive lines in all of college football, and a dynamic dual threat quarterback in New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier. – Ryan Roberts 

5.04 – UNLV Rebels

The Rebels aren't going to be the same team they were last year, after Barry Odom and Brennan Marion left for other programs. In comes Dan Mullen, who isn't known for being a good recruiter, but he can coach up a roster. When the pressure to recruit at an elite level goes away, don't be surprised if Mullen has the Rebels in playoff contention. – Tyler Forness

5.05 – Miami Hurricanes

I have no idea how Miami fell to me at pick 25 overall here. If Clemson falters at any point then Miami is on the fast track to the ACC Championship game and potentially a playoff spot. Yes, Carson Beck needs to be healthy and fully up to speed following his elbow injury. Yes, they have a re-worked wide receiver room. There are certainly questions here with Miami. However, they still have one of the best offensive lines and pass rush groups in the country. There's a solid path to the playoff for the Hurricanes. – Travis May

Final College Football Playoff Fantasy Draft Rosters

Ian Valentino (NFL Draft & National College Football Writer)

1.01 – Texas Longhorns (75% implied probability to make playoff via the sports books)
2.05 – South Carolina Gamecocks (19.6%)
3.01 – SMU Mustangs (21.7%)
4.05 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (16.9%)
5.01 – Navy Midshipmen (5.3%)

Adam Holt (New Orleans Saints Beat Writer)

1.02 – Clemson Tigers (58.7%)
2.04 – LSU Tigers (42.4%)
3.02 – Boise State Broncos (33.6%)
4.04 – Indiana Hoosiers (12.8%)
5.02 – Tennessee Volunteers (28.6%)

Ryan Roberts (NFL Draft & Notre Dame Beat Writer)

1.03 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish (60%)
2.03 – Alabama Crimson Tide (61.2%)
3.03 – Arizona State Sun Devils (17.5%)
4.03 – BYU Cougars (8.8%)
5.03 – Utah Utes (16.9%)

Tyler Forness (NFL Draft & Minnesota Vikings Beat Writer)

1.04 – Ohio State Buckeyes (76.2%)
2.02 – Oregon Ducks (72.2%)
3.04 – Florida Gators (20.4%)
4.02 – Kansas State Wildcats (17.5%)
5.04 – UNLV Rebels (5.3%)

Travis May (College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor)

1.05 – Penn State Nittany Lions (69.7%)
2.01 – Georgia Bulldogs (72.6%)
3.05 – Ole Miss Rebels (39.7%)
4.01 – Michigan Wolverines (32.3%)
5.05 – Miami Hurricanes (36.8%)

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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!