The 2025 college football season is nearly here. The regular season kicks off on August 23 with Week 0 games. As early as June, fans are already buzzing with excitement, teams are finalizing their strategies, and the competition is set to be fierce.
This season is even more anticipated because the expanded 12-team playoff will continue, bringing new dynamics to the championship race.
As we gear up for the season opener, let’s review the 2025 schedule and make some predictions on the teams that could challenge for the title.
Key Matchups to Watch in 2025
The 2025 National Collegiate Athletic Association Football promises plenty of excitement, and these five matchups are expected to shape college football betting and fan expectations:
- Texas vs. Georgia (November 15). This game could be a preview of the national championship. Texas, with its fresh talent and star quarterback Arch Manning, is looking to make a splash in the SEC, while Georgia, with its dominant defense, will be looking to defend its title,
- Texas vs. Ohio State (August 30). The season opener doesn’t get much bigger than this. Both Texas and Ohio State are considered top contenders for the national title, and this game will be an early indicator of how each team plans to approach their respective seasons,
- Alabama vs. Georgia (September 27). The SEC is always full of fireworks, and this game will be no different. Alabama’s potent offense and Georgia’s elite defense make for an intriguing matchup. With both teams expected to be in the playoff hunt, the outcome of this game could have massive implications on the road to the SEC Championship and the playoffs,
- Georgia vs. Tennessee (September 13). Tennessee is looking to make its mark in the SEC, and facing Georgia in Knoxville is the perfect test. With a potent offense led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, Tennessee has the tools to challenge Georgia’s defense. This game could be pivotal for Tennessee’s playoff hopes and will test Georgia’s ability to handle pressure on the road,
- Penn State vs. Ohio State (November 1). A crucial Big Ten showdown, this game could determine the winner of the East Division. Penn State, led by quarterback Drew Allar, is looking to break through the dominance of Ohio State and Michigan in the conference. This late-season matchup could be a must-win for both teams as they push for a spot in the 12-team playoff.
The Effect of the 12-Team Playoff
The 12-team playoff format is changing how teams approach recruitment and strategy. More teams now have a shot at the national title. Consequently, schools from traditionally weaker conferences target higher-tier recruits to strengthen their rosters. This shift means teams focus on building depth instead of relying on a few star players.
The longer season and potential for multiple postseason games also impact coaching strategies. Teams must be deep in key positions like quarterback and defensive line to maintain success through the extra rounds.
For fans, this expanded playoff brings more uncertainty, which could significantly influence college football betting strategies. The added competitiveness and unpredictability in the season’s outcomes mean that odds will shift more frequently, creating new opportunities for bettors.
Dark-Horse Candidates for the 2025 College Football Playoff
The 2025 season has plenty of potential surprises, and with the expanded 12-team playoff format, these dark-horse teams could emerge as serious contenders:
- After a 10-win season in 2024, Illinois returns 16 starters, including quarterback Luke Altmyer. With challenging home games against USC and Ohio State, their schedule sets them up to make a playoff push if they continue their momentum,
- Head coach Matt Rhule enters his third season, and with Dylan Raiola returning at quarterback, Nebraska’s offense is poised to improve. Their schedule features challenging road games, but if they can capitalize on their talent, they could challenge for a playoff spot,
- Texas A&M. With a playoff-caliber defense and dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed returning, A & M’s offense is primed to take a step forward. Strong additions in the transfer portal make them a real contender in the SEC if the offense can match the defense’s strength,
- After a strong 2024 campaign, UNLV brings in Dan Mullen as head coach and adds transfer quarterbacks Anthony Colandrea and Alex Orji. If Mullen can unlock their potential, the Rebels could make a run at a Group of Six playoff spot. To track how UNLV’s odds shift and how they compete in the Mountain West, refer to FanDuel NCAAF Updates for the latest betting insights,
- With new quarterback John Mateer and standout running back Jayden Ott, Oklahoma’s offense is set to improve. Combined with their strong defense under Brent Venables, the Sooners have a real shot at making a deep playoff run if their offense clicks.
What’s Next is Anyone’s Guess
With the 12-team playoff format in play, the 2025 season is shaping to be one of the most exciting yet. Teams like Ohio State and Texas will be looking to assert their dominance, but plenty of others are waiting to make a surprise run. The journey to the national title is wide open, and that’s exactly what makes this season so thrilling.
Chad Wilson is a college football recruiting expert and creator of the GridironStudsApp which allows high school football players to gain exposure to college football coaches and fans. Wilson is a former college football player for the University of Miami (92-94) and Long Beach St. (’90-’91) and played briefly for the Seattle Seahawks (’95). He is also a former youth and high school football coach for over 15 years most recently for 5-A State of Florida Champs American Heritage. He runs All Eyes DB Camp a defensive back training company located in South Florida IG: @alleyesdbcamp. Wilson’s oldest son Quincy plays in the NFL for the New York Giants and his younger son plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals.
