There are many extremely talented teams heading into the upcoming college football season. This year will be different, as 12 teams will make the playoffs. This change may allow a few teams to suffer one or even two losses but still make the playoffs. Here is a list of my top five championship contenders for 2024-25:
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Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State suffered yet another disappointing loss to Michigan last year, prolonging their wait to win that final game. However, head coach Ryan Day has practically won every other game so far besides those against Michigan. The Buckeyes are still filled with five-star talent across their roster and will be in championship contention again this year. Watch out for recruits such as WR Jeremiah Smith and DE Eddrick Houston. Assuming everyone remains healthy, they will be a tough out for every other team in this new College Football Playoff (CFP) format.
Photo Cred: The Columbus Dispatch
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Alabama Crimson Tide
There is still a championship standard at Alabama, even without Nick Saban at the helm. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has many in Tuscaloosa counting on him. Despite the big shoes to fill, I still expect the Crimson Tide to make the playoffs and be a serious championship threat. DeBoer had a great coaching record at Washington, reaching the CFP National Championship last year but falling short to Michigan. With quarterback Jalen Milroe–a projected 2025 top draft pick–returning for another season, Alabama should be a team to keep an eye on.
Photo Cred: AtoZ Sports
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Michigan Wolverines
After winning the national title last year, the Wolverines have their sights set on repeating. Michigan did lose QB J.J. McCarthy to the NFL, so it will be interesting to see who will lead them under center. Redshirt sophomore Alex Orji should be the favorite to start this year. He has a combination of strength, size, and athleticism perhaps never before seen in a Michigan quarterback. With a very talented roster, featuring DT Mason Graham and TE Colston Loveland, the Wolverines should make a deep run this year.
Photo Cred: Sports Illustrated
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Texas Longhorns
Texas started last season strong, most notably beating Alabama on the road by 10 points. The Longhorns have one of the deepest teams in the country, especially at QB. Quinn Ewers is expected to start, and he has more support this year. Top wide receiver Isaiah Bond transferred from Alabama and is poised to make a significant impact. Not only do they gain one of the best wide receivers in the country, but they also take him from a direct rival. This is especially significant now that Texas is officially part of the SEC. I believe the Longhorns will be ready for the rigorous schedule that SEC schools face every season.
Photo Cred: UT Tower
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Georgia Bulldogs
The Bulldogs fell short of a three-peat last season, suffering a disappointing loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. That defeat cost Georgia a spot in the playoffs. Quarterback Carson Beck is back for another season and will be a contender for the Heisman Trophy. With Nick Saban retired, a strong argument can be made that Kirby Smart is now the best coach in the country.
The Bulldogs had the top recruiting class in 2024, featuring five-star recruits like cornerback Ellis Robinson IV and local talent K.J. Bolden at safety. They should be welcome additions to one of the nation’s top defenses. With a projected 2025 first-rounder in Beck leading the way, UGA has no excuses for success this season.
Photo Cred: Online Athens
