CFP Preview: How Each Team Can Win it All
The College Football Playoff field for the 2025 season is set. The 12-team playoff starts with Oklahoma hosting Alabama on Friday, Dec. 19 and continues with three games on Saturday, Dec. 20. Miami jumped Notre Dame in a controversial ranking in the selection committee's final top 25, with James Madison claiming the final spot guaranteed to conference champions thanks to Duke 's upset of Virginia in the ACC title game.
Indiana, Ohio State , Georgia, and Texas Tech earned first-round byes and won't have to play until the quarterfinals kick off on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The semifinals are set for Jan. 8-9, with the national championship booked for Monday, Jan. 19 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
What are the strengths, weaknesses, and X-factors to watch? And how can each team win it all in 2025-26? Athlon Sports breaks down the 12-team field:
College Football Playoff Preview: How Each Team in the 12-Team Field Can Win it All in 2025
1. Indiana
How the Hoosiers Got Here:Indiana’s rapid improvement and meteoric rise under coach Curt Cignetti continued with a 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game to claim the program’s first outright conference title since 1945. En route to 13-0, the Hoosiers knocked off Oregon in Eugene and also posted last-minute wins against Penn State and Iowa.
Biggest Strength:The Hoosiers own one of the nation’s top offenses behind quarterback Fernando Mendoza and receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. Although Mendoza gets the bulk of the spotlight, Cignetti’s team ranks No. 1 in the Big Ten in rushing offense. That balance, combined with a defense limiting opponents to 10.8 points a contest, is a big reason why Indiana can win it all.
Biggest Weakness: It’s hard to find a glaring weakness. Indiana’s offensive line was vulnerable at times, and the defense gave up 11 plays of 40-plus yards. However, those are small areas of concern.
X-Factor:The No. 1 seed. Could the long layoff slow Cignetti’s team? Cooper was also banged up in the Big Ten Championship Game win over Ohio State and needs to be at full strength for this team to win the title.
The Hoosiers Will Win it All If …Indiana proved it has all of the pieces to win it all after beating Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. If the Hoosiers continue their regular-season formula — Mendoza through the air, balance on the ground, and a standout defense — Cignetti’s team can bring a national title back to Bloomington.
2. Ohio State
How the Buckeyes Got Here:Repeating as college football ’s national champion is no easy task. Ohio State nearly ran the table in the regular season, beating Texas 14-7 in Week 1 and ending a four-game losing streak to Michigan with a 27-9 victory in late November. However, coach Ryan Day’s team suffered its first loss in the Big Ten Championship Game to Indiana, dropping from the No. 1 seed to No. 2. The Buckeyes won 11 of their 12 games by 18 or more points.
Biggest Strength:Both sides of the ball are elite. Quarterback Julian Sayin emerged as one of college football’s top players in his first season as the starter, and he’s throwing to a loaded group of playmakers that includes receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Ohio State’s defense suffocated opponents, holding teams to 8.2 points a game and 3.94 yards a play.
Biggest Weakness: It’s hard to find a glaring one. Ohio State’s rushing attack was sluggish at times, but true freshman Bo Jackson gave the ground game a spark in the second half of the season. Indiana registered five sacks of Sayin in the Big Ten title game, showing the line has room to improve if it wants to lead the Buckeyes back to the national championship.
X-Factor:For the most part, Ohio State has been solid in the red zone at scoring touchdowns (66.7%). However, the Buckeyes had some issues in the red zone and in short-yardage situations in the loss to Indiana. Can the extra time to prepare help Day find the right answers to address those two areas?
The Buckeyes Will Win it All If …The loss to Indiana was a setback, but Day’s team still has all of the pieces to win it all. The Buckeyes still might have the best combination of offense and defense of the teams in the 12-team field. With small improvements in a few areas, Ohio State can win it all again.
3. Georgia
How the Bulldogs Got Here:After a couple of close calls, second-half rallies, and a loss to Alabama early in the year, Georgia found its stride in the final stretch of the regular season. The Bulldogs crushed Mississippi State , defeated Texas 35-10, and handled Charlotte and Georgia Tech to reach the SEC title game. Coach Kirby Smart ’s team got revenge for that early defeat to the Crimson Tide, routing Alabama 28-7 for the SEC championship.
Biggest Strength:It’s a lengthy list. Georgia’s offense is among the most efficient in the nation. Quarterback Gunner Stockton can hurt defenses on the ground or with his arm. A deep stable of running backs and a standout offensive line give the Bulldogs a chance to overpower opposing teams. Also, the defense rounded into form late in the year, holding opponents to just 15.9 points a game. Special teams are also a strength with a standout kicker (Peyton Woodring) and punter (Brett Thorson), along with a game-changer on returns in Zachariah Branch.
Biggest Weakness: Not much. Stockton averages only 7.6 yards per attempt (tied for ninth in the SEC). Slow starts by the offense were a problem at times. The secondary was also vulnerable to big plays early in the year, allowing 16 completions of 30-plus yards in '25.
X-Factor:Standout center Drew Bobo could reportedly miss the rest of the season. Will that catch up to the Bulldogs at some point in the playoff?
The Bulldogs Will Win it All If …This team continues its late-season surge. The combination of an efficient offense, suffocating defense, and standout special teams, has all of the ingredients to lead Georgia back to the national championship.
4. Texas Tech
How the Red Raiders Got Here:Texas Tech’s high-priced offseason roster additions from the transfer portal, along with new coordinators on both sides of the ball, raised expectations in Lubbock. Coach Joey McGuire’s team met those expectations, winning 12 games by 20 or more points, including a 34-7 victory over BYU in the Big 12 title.
Biggest Strength:Texas Tech is usually known for its offense, but it’s the defense leading McGuire’s team into national title contention. Edge-rushers David Bailey and Romello Height, along with tackle Lee Hunter and linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Ben Roberts, form one of the best defensive fronts in college football. The Red Raiders allowed only one opponent (Arizona State) to score more than 20 points. In addition to the dominant defense, Texas Tech’s offense is still one of the best in the nation, averaging 42.5 points a game.
Biggest Weakness: Texas Tech doesn’t have a glaring weakness, but the offense has struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone.
X-Factor:The extra time off should help Texas Tech after quarterback Behren Morton and others were banged up late in the season.
The Red Raiders Will Win it All If …With Morton, running back Cameron Dickey, and plenty of playmakers at receiver, more consistency on offense to go with a dominant defense will take Texas Tech to a deep run in the playoff.
5. Oregon
How the Ducks Got Here:The Ducks returned only six starters off the team that claimed the No. 1 seed entering the playoff last year. Coach Dan Lanning’s squad reloaded without a hitch, winning 11 games and suffering its only loss to No. 1 Indiana. A young Oregon roster seemed to improve as the season progressed, capped by key victories over USC (42-27) and Washington (26-14).
Biggest Strength:With an offense averaging 38.2 points a game, along with a defense limiting teams to 14.8 a contest, the Ducks are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Dante Moore (2,733 yards and 24 TDs), along with a deep stable of running backs, gives Oregon a chance to hurt defenses in a variety of ways.
Biggest Weakness: Injuries took a toll on Oregon’s receiving corps. Will the time off help this unit gain a few playmakers back in the lineup? Preseason All-American Evan Stewart has yet to play a snap after a offseason injury, while true freshman Dakorien Moore (28 catches) and Gary Bryant (25) have missed the last couple of contests. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq was also playing through injuries in recent weeks.
X-Factor:With both play-callers — Will Stein (offense) and Tosh Lupoi (defense) — taking head-coaching jobs, could that impact the preparation or overall performance of this team in the playoff?
The Ducks Will Win it All If …If Oregon gets a couple of playmakers back, and Moore continues to elevate his play, Lanning’s team has the balance, special teams, and coaching to do what they couldn’t do last season — win a playoff game (or two).
6. Ole Miss
How the Rebels Got Here:Last year’s team had all of the pieces for a playoff run but fell short at 9-3. A year later, Ole Miss used a high-powered offense behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy to finish 11-1 and earn the first playoff berth in program history . The Rebels picked up top-25 wins over Oklahoma and Tulane, with their only loss coming at Georgia in a 43-35 thriller.
Biggest Strength:Offense. Despite joining Lane Kiffin on the new LSU staff, coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will remain in Oxford through the playoff run. This unit averages 37.3 points a contest, with Chambliss (290.5 total yards a game) emerging as one of the SEC’s breakout stars after transferring in from Ferris State. Lacy finished second in the SEC in rushing yards (1,279 yards) and anchored an offense that averaged 6.7 yards a snap.
Biggest Weakness: The defense isn’t a massive weakness, but Ole Miss allowed 5.7 yards a play in SEC matchups and finished 13th in the conference against the run. At times, the Rebels have struggled to convert in the red zone, scoring a touchdown on just 61.5% of their trips inside the 20.
X-Factor:How will this team regroup after losing coach Lane Kiffin to LSU and rallying under new full-time coach Pete Golding?
The Rebels Will Win it All If …Kiffin’s departure is a concern, but Ole Miss can make noise in the playoff thanks to its prolific offense and timely defense.
7. Texas A&M
How the Aggies Got Here: Texas A&M took a big step forward in coach Mike Elko’s second season by falling just short of an appearance in the SEC title game with a 11-1 record (the best for the program since '12). The Aggies picked up two key road wins this year, including a 41-40 victory over Notre Dame. The only defeat came at rival Texas on Black Friday.
Biggest Strength:Balance. Texas A&M has a solid all-around squad, with the offense ranking No. 4 in the SEC in scoring, and the defense limiting teams to 21.9 points a game. The Aggies have one of the nation’s top offensive lines, a dynamic quarterback in Marcel Reed, and a group of capable playmakers, including receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. Edge-rusher Cashius Howell (11 1/2 sacks) anchors a defense that finished No. 6 nationally in success rate.
Biggest Weakness: The run defense has been spotty at times. The Aggies allowed four opponents to run for 200 or more yards and surrendered 4.03 yards a carry. Against ranked opponents this year, quarterback Marcel Reed tossed three picks and posted a rating of 130.7. It’s not a major concern, but after throwing two interceptions against Texas, Reed needs to be sharper to make a deep playoff run.
X-Factor:The Aggies changed kickers late in the year after Randy Bond went 11 of 18, but Jared Zirkel missed a field goal in each of the last two games. Running back Le’Veon Moss has missed the last six contests due to injury. Could the senior return to boost the backfield in the playoff?
The Aggies Will Win it All If …Elko’s team is poised for a run if it continues to dominate in the trenches and Reed moves beyond the shaky performance at Texas. With a capable offense and solid defense, everything is in place to win a couple of playoff games.
8. Oklahoma
How the Sooners Got Here:Oklahoma used an elite defense to navigate one of the nation’s toughest schedules to a 10-2 record. The Sooners picked up ranked wins over Michigan and Alabama, with their only losses coming against rival Texas and Ole Miss.
Biggest Strength:Defense. The Sooners allowed only 13.9 points a game and 4.3 yards a play. A deep front anchored by R Mason Thomas (9.5 tackles for a loss) was among the nation’s best at getting to the quarterback and limited opposing rushing attacks to just 2.5 yards a carry.
Biggest Weakness: For as dominant as Oklahoma’s defense has been this season, the opposite is true for the offense. The Sooners averaged only 4.93 yards a snap in SEC games, with a struggling rushing attack, an offensive line still working to find the right mix, and inconsistent play by quarterback John Mateer headlining the list of concerns.
X-Factor:Kicker Tate Sandell is a weapon once Oklahoma crosses the 50-yard line. He’s connected on 15 of 16 attempts of 40-plus yards, including all seven beyond 50-plus.
The Sooners Will Win it All If …If the offense can find a spark to team with a dominant defense. The extra time to get ready for the first round should help Mateer’s thumb injury. If this unit can get on track, Oklahoma’s defense gives this team a chance to make a run.
9. Alabama
How the Crimson Tide Got Here:Alabama’s 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game provided some doubt, but coach Kalen DeBoer’s squad earned the playoff spot on the strength of a schedule that included quality wins over Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt . After a puzzling 31-17 loss to Florida State in the opener, the Crimson Tide won eight in a row to claw their way back into the playoff mix. DeBoer's team capped its path to an appearance in the SEC title game with a last-minute win at Auburn .
Biggest Strength:Alabama’s offense sputtered late in the season, but this unit still has plenty of firepower behind quarterback Ty Simpson and receivers Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard , and Isaiah Horton. The defense is also solid, with the Crimson Tide holding teams to 17.4 points a contest.
Biggest Weakness: The rushing attack. Alabama enters the playoff averaging just 3.6 yards a carry. Without a consistent running game, there’s too much pressure on Simpson to beat teams through the air.
X-Factor:Three key players — running back Jam Miller, tight end Josh Cuevas, and defensive lineman LT Overton — missed the SEC Championship Game due to injury. Will any return in time for the first-round matchup? Kicker Conor Talty has been inconsistent (13 of 20 on field goals) this season.
The Crimson Tide Will Win it All If …The win over Georgia on Sept. 27 showcased this team’s upside. The loss to Florida State in Week 1, along with the offensive inconsistency late in the year, displayed the downside. Simpson and the defense are good enough to win a game or two, but if Alabama wants to challenge for a national title, it has to do a better job of establishing balance with the run game.
10. Miami
How the Hurricanes Got Here:A Week 1 head-to-head victory against Notre Dame proved to be the deciding factor for Miami. After ranking behind the Fighting Irish in each of the selection committee’s first five releases, the Hurricanes moved ahead with the Week 1 victory the final justification with the teams back-to-back in the rankings. This game marks Miami’s first trip to the playoff.
Biggest Strength:The line of scrimmage. Miami owns one of the top offensive lines in the nation, and its defensive front features standouts in Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor and ranks seventh nationally against the run. Quarterback Carson Beck brings big-time experience, while receiver Malachi Toney (84 catches for 970 yards) is one of the top playmakers in college football.
Biggest Weakness: Miami’s rushing attack isn’t bad (seventh in the ACC) but also ranks No. 78 nationally in success rate. The offense had a solid success rate (No. 16 nationally) but wasn’t overly explosive (10 plays of 40-plus yards).
X-Factor:Miami had a minus-four turnover margin in the team’s two losses. With a close game anticipated in College Station, the 'Canes can’t afford costly mistakes.
The Hurricanes Will Win it All If …A matchup in College Station is a tough way to start a playoff run. But Miami’s line of scrimmage and solid all-around play on both sides of the ball give Cristobal’s squad a chance to win any game in the field.
11. Tulane
How the Green Wave Got Here:Tulane overcame a 45-10 non-conference loss at Ole Miss and a 48-26 defeat at UTSA to finish 11-2 as the top-ranked Group of 5 team. The Green Wave picked off quality wins against two power conference opponents (Northwestern and Duke), along with East Carolina, Army, and Memphis in league action, before beating North Texas 34-21 in the American Conference title game.
Biggest Strength: Balance. Tulane’s pass rush (34 sacks) is the best in the American Conference to anchor a defense limiting opponents to 22.6 points a contest. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff (267.1 total yards a game) leads a solid offense that was among the most efficient in the Group of 5 ranks (No. 32 nationally in success rate).
Biggest Weakness: Coach Jon Sumrall’s team had one of the better defenses in the American Conference, but this unit was vulnerable to the pass (No. 100 in success rate and 22 passing touchdowns allowed).
X-Factor:It’s hard to call Retzlaff an X-factor considering his previous starting stint at BYU. However, that veteran experience is crucial with Tulane on the road in the first round. Also, how will this team continue to navigate the ongoing distraction of Sumrall leaving for Florida at the end of the season?
The Green Wave Will Win it All If …Tulane can play up the underdog factor, but it will need everything to go right in order to win four games to claim the national title.
12. James Madison
How the Dukes Got Here:The Dukes handled Troy 31-14 on Friday night to claim the program’s first Sun Belt title. And then coach Bob Chesney’s team got a little help on Saturday with Duke upsetting Virginia, moving James Madison into the fifth (and last) guaranteed spot for conference champions.
Biggest Strength:James Madison ranks sixth nationally in rushing offense and also brings a standout defense into the playoff. The Dukes have four players with 300 or more rushing yards, including running back Wayne Knight (1,263 yards) and quarterback Alonza Barnett III (544). Barnett is also one of the top Group of 5 signal-callers, connecting on 59.9% of his passes for 2,533 yards and 21 touchdowns. James Madison’s defense holds teams to 15.8 points a contest and is tied for eighth nationally in sacks generated (36). Also, the Dukes rank second nationally against the run (76.2 yards a game allowed).
Biggest Weakness: Can James Madison’s offensive line hold up against Oregon (and potentially other) power conference teams? The Dukes surrendered six sacks against Louisville in their lone matchup against a power conference program in '25. The passing game (No. 64 nationally) in success rate could struggle against Oregon.
X-Factor:Chesney is leaving James Madison to coach at UCLA in '26. Will that be a distraction at all for a matchup where the Dukes have no margin for error? James Madison tied for eighth in the Sun Belt in turnover margin (minus-one).
The Dukes Will Win it All If …They defy the odds. Chesney’s team has the defense and rushing attack to create a few headaches for Oregon in the first round. But winning four games is too much to ask.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big-Name QBs Shuffle in Latest 2-Round Forecast
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
