The 2025 college football season promises unforgettable moments with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and a fierce Heisman Trophy race. Dive into our expert preview covering the likely playoff field, standout players, and everything you need to dominate your season predictions and bracket picks.
Table of Contents
- Season Overview
- 12-Team College Football Playoff Predictions
- Heisman Trophy Favorites
- Key Players to Watch
- Dark Horses to Watch
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Season Overview
College football in 2025 is entering a new era, highlighted by the second season of the 12-team College Football Playoff format. This expanded playoff creates more opportunities and adds layers of strategy that keep fans and analysts on their toes. Traditional powerhouses face stiff competition from emerging teams. Coaching moves, star player development, and deep recruiting classes will shape the narrative yet again.
12-Team College Football Playoff Predictions
The new 12-team CFP includes five automatic bids from conference champions and seven at-large selections. Based on offseason analysis, returning talent, and schedules, here is our predicted field for 2025:
Automatic Bids: Conference Champions
- SEC Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide – Even with increased parity, Alabama’s elite recruiting, a dominant defense led by LB Jonathan Banks, and Heisman hopeful RB Miles Crawford keep them the preseason favorite to win the SEC and earn the automatic bid.
- Big Ten Champion: Ohio State Buckeyes – Led by dual-threat QB Jaxon Fields, Ohio State’s explosive offense and lockdown secondary should secure the Big Ten title and a top seed in the playoff.
- ACC Champion: Florida State Seminoles – After a strong offseason and dynamic RB Marcus Grant returning healthy, FSU is favored to knock off Clemson and Georgia Tech to claim the ACC crown.
- Pac-12 Champion: Utah Utes – With QB Jalen Lee’s maturation and a reinforced defensive front, Utah looks primed to claim the Pac-12 spot amidst an unpredictable conference race.
- Group of Five Champion: Tulane Green Wave – The defending AAC champions, Tulane has kept key pieces intact and their fast-paced offense may earn them the highest-ranked Group of Five bid.
At-Large Bids: Seven Strong Contenders
- Georgia Bulldogs – The championship DNA from their back-to-back titles still runs deep in this program, with star WR Ezekiel Tatum and a ferocious defensive line poised for another championship run.
- Michigan Wolverines – A top defense anchored by DT Kevin Sanders and an efficient offense led by QB Liam Donovan make Michigan a tough at-large candidate.
- Penn State Nittany Lions – Anchored by linebacker Avery Benson and boasting a talented offensive line, Penn State's schedule and balanced team make them playoff material.
- Clemson Tigers – A roster bolstered with speed on both sides of the ball; with sophomore QB Zachary Meyers leading the offense, Clemson can secure wins against top competition.
- LSU Tigers – Rebounding with a revamped offensive scheme and rookie RB Spencer Hayes ready to burst out, LSU has a favorable schedule and defensive talent.
- Oregon Ducks – Known for their fast-paced offense and aggressive defense, Oregon’s new coaching staff and star WR Terrance Holt position them as a dark horse at-large pick.
- Texas Longhorns – Bolstered by a strong offensive line and multi-threat QB Caleb Winters, Texas has the tools to earn an at-large bid from the Big 12.
Note: Rankings and playoff chances will fluctuate as the season unfolds, but this group represents the most compelling contenders entering 2025.
Heisman Trophy Favorites
The battle for college football’s most prestigious individual award looks intense in 2025. Leading candidates include:
- Jaxon Fields, QB, Ohio State – A dual-threat with elite passing accuracy and game-changing legs, Fields is expected to post MVP-caliber numbers running OSU’s offense.
- Miles Crawford, RB, Alabama – Crawford is a workhorse, blending breakaway speed with toughness, poised to dominate the SEC’s defenses.
- Ezekiel Tatum, WR, Georgia – One of the nation’s most dynamic receivers, Tatum’s big-play ability could make him the first wide receiver Heisman winner since 1991.
- Liam Donovan, QB, Michigan – A textbook quarterback with a sharp football IQ and strong leadership in the Big Ten, Donovan is on track for a breakout season.
Key Players to Watch
- Avery Benson, LB, Penn State – The defensive cornerstone with rare instincts and pass-rush capabilities.
- Jalen Lee, QB, Utah – Expected to make huge strides as a dual-threat playmaker.
- Marcus Grant, RB, Florida State – Versatile and explosive, vital for FSU’s run game.
- Terrance Holt, WR, Oregon – Speedy and reliable, a major weapon in Oregon’s arsenal.
- Spencer Hayes, RB, LSU – Rookie breakout potential with outstanding vision and acceleration.
Dark Horses to Watch
- Washington Huskies – New coaching and a highly ranked recruiting class could propel them into the national conversation.
- North Carolina Tar Heels – An offense loaded with talent and experience could surprise many in the ACC.
- Pittsburgh Panthers – Strong defense and an improved offense make Pitt a possible spoiler in the Big Ten East.
FAQs
When does the 2025 college football season start?
The 2025 NCAA college football season is scheduled to kick off in late August, with most teams beginning play in the last week of August or the first days of September.
How does the 12-team College Football Playoff work?
The 12-team playoff gives automatic bids to the five highest-ranked conference champions. The top four of those conference champions receive a first-round bye. The field is then filled out with seven at-large teams selected by the CFP committee based on rankings.
Who is the favorite to win the SEC conference in 2025?
Alabama is the preseason favorite to claim the SEC crown, thanks to their deep roster, elite recruiting class, and the presence of star RB Miles Crawford.
Which players are the top Heisman Trophy candidates for 2025?
Leading candidates include Ohio State’s QB Jaxon Fields, Alabama’s RB Miles Crawford, Georgia’s WR Ezekiel Tatum, and Michigan’s QB Liam Donovan.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season offers unparalleled excitement with the expanded 12-team playoff and a deep pool of Heisman candidates redefining the sport’s elite. Whether you’re filling out your playoff predictions or tracking Heisman hopefuls, this season promises drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for in-season analyses and expert insights throughout the year.