Key Highlights
- Oklahoma and Alabama will face off in a rematch of an SEC battle.
- CBS Sports experts predict Ohio State as the most likely champion.
- Texas Tech has been undervalued, with potential to reach the title game.
- Georgia is seen as a top contender but faces challenges against Ohio State.
Expert Predictions for 2025 College Football Playoff
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff is set to kick off with some intriguing matchups, and CBS Sports experts have provided their predictions on how the season will unfold. The first round games are scheduled for December 19-20 at on-campus locations, before moving into the quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Rematch Between Oklahoma and Alabama
The opening game of the playoff sees (8) Oklahoma hosting (9) Alabama in a rematch of an SEC battle that was won by OU 23-21 on November 15. This contest is crucial for both teams as they prepare to face each other again, with some experts favoring Ohio State over Indiana.
Top Coaches and Teams
CBS Sports experts have analyzed the field and identified a few key matchups. Chip Patterson predicts that the top five teams in the country will dominate multiple games against this field. He is particularly optimistic about Ohio State, citing its combination of elite offense and defense.
John Talty sees the champion emerging from four teams: Georgia, Indiana, Ohio State, or Oregon. He believes that Oregon could pull off an upset over Texas Tech but ultimately falls short in a title game rematch against the Hoosiers.
Texas Tech’s Potential Impact
Brandon Marcello highlights the importance of teams with first-round byes, noting their poor performance last season. However, he projects that this year, the top four seeds will advance to the semifinals. He praises Indiana’s defensive line and Georgia’s improving offense under Kirby Smart.
Curt Cignetti agrees with the top four advancing but leans towards a Georgia team motivated by disappointment from last year’s playoff performance against Ohio State. Texas Tech is seen as a potential dark horse, using Behren Morton to upset Indiana in the semifinals.
Ohio State’s Title Bid
David Cobb acknowledges that while Texas Tech has been undervalued this season, it still holds significant potential. He believes Ohio State will defend its back-to-back national title, noting that despite their struggles against Indiana, they remain the most complete team in college football.
Conclusion
The Path to 2025 National Champion
The path to the 2025 national championship is filled with intriguing matchups and strategic considerations. As teams prepare for the first round games, the experts predict a competitive journey through the playoff bracket, culminating in the final showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on January 19.