Here are five predictions for the college football playoffs along with round-by-round selections:
CFP 5 predictions
Clemson will secure their fourth title
Clemson’s roster is packed with talent, from their quarterback to their wide receivers and linebackers, not to mention both lines. It’s hard to ignore the depth and quality that remind fans of their championship teams from 2016 and 2018.
Quarterback Cade Krunik, now in his third year, seems poised for a breakout season, supported by a star-studded cast reminiscent of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence’s reign.
The victory over LSU in the first week underscored Clemson’s return to elite status with the added context of a stutter against South Carolina later in the season. Yet that hiccup may turn out to be merely a minor setback.
This year’s potential playoff surprises
Last season was quite a ride, with Arizona and SMU making waves in the playoffs. This fall, Utah comes in strong after claiming the Big 12 title.
They showcased impressive wins against conference contenders like Texas Tech, Kansas, and Arizona State, driven by an upgraded offense under new dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico. The defense, typically tight, perhaps won’t need to shoulder the pressure as much this season.
Jeremiah Smith joins exclusive circle
The Heisman Trophy has evolved into something of a quarterback’s prize. Still, in the last five seasons, it’s been awarded to non-quarterbacks twice, specifically to DeVonta Smith of Alabama in 2020 and Travis Hunter of Colorado in 2024.
This year, Ohio’s standout sophomore receiver, Jeremiah Smith, is on track to add his name to this select group. New quarterback Julian Sayne is expected to enliven the offense, particularly after losing star players Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson to the NFL, which should grant Smith plenty of opportunities to shine.
Bayou resurgence
After a rough start to Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU, the Tigers are slated to emerge as the top team in the SEC this fall.
The success of Kelly’s notable transfer class features quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as a Heisman finalist, with Aaron Anderson stepping up as a key receiver. Although LSU faced a dramatic loss to Clemson in their opener, they are expected to find their footing and at least reach the playoff semi-finals against Alabama.
Tuscaloosa challenges
No coach seems to face more pressure than Karen DeBoer at this moment.
After a shaky first season with four losses, he’s under serious scrutiny to deliver results. The expectations for Alabama are sky-high, and anything less might spell trouble as they gear up for the final Monday of the season.
Starting the year with untested quarterback Tai Simpson, the team is quick to fear the repercussions of early defeats, notably a loss to Georgia, which could herald future struggles against rivals like South Carolina and LSU. Despite a fourth-place finish in the SEC, which surprisingly lands them in the playoffs, it seems DeBoer’s job could be in jeopardy, especially as he approaches a critical third year.
CFP Playoff Prediction
First round
- 8 Pennsylvania defeats 9 Alabama
- 5 Ohio defeats 12 Boise
- 7 Notre Dame defeats 10 Illinois
- 6 Georgia defeats 11 Utah
Quarterfinals
- 1 Oregon defeats 8 Pennsylvania
- 2 LSU defeats 7 Notre Dame
- 3 Clemson defeats 6 Georgia
- 4 Texas defeats 5 Ohio
Semi-finals
- 4 Texas defeats 8 Oregon
- 3 Clemson defeats 2 LSU
Final
3 Clemson defeats 4 Texas
