Breaking down the programs that have done well enough on the recruiting trail to win the CFP in the 2025 season

CFN preseason college football rankings of teams 11 to 25. From Michigan to Oklahoma to Utah, which top 25-caliber teams have the stuff to push for the College Football Playoff?

We’re getting closer to the college football season, with analysts announcing their predictions for what to expect ahead of the 2025 kickoff. That includes the

Will Clemson return to the College Football Playoff or play in a non-CFP bowl game for the fourth time in five years? Here are five projections.

Why? K-State football coach Chris Klieman was happy to explain. He has never been a fan of preseason rankings. Watching Arizona State win the conference last season after the Sun Devils were picked to finish dead last was a final straw, of sorts, for him and others around the league.

The transfer portal and constant turnover makes assembling spot-on preseason rankings a tough task. CFP rankings are all that ultimately matter anyhow.

Clemson was the final team to make the CFP last year after winning the ACC to earn an auto bid. Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin hopes this process changes soon.

Greg Sankey reiterated that the SEC and Big Ten hold all the cards when it comes to the future CFP format, but conceded that it may stay the same if an agreement can't be reached.