The first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff is almost over. Notre Dame will play Ohio State on January 20th. CFP National Championship The winner will earn bragging rights as the first team to advance in the newly expanded playoff format.
The bracket began last month with 12 teams, including teams that were unpopular preseason options to reach the CFP. Arizona State completed the greatest upset in college football history. The Sun Devils went from being the last pick in the preseason Big 12 media poll to winning the conference and earning an automatic bid to the CFP.
Indiana University began life as a Cinderella team under first-year coach Curt Cinetti. The program won 11 games for the first time in program history, losing in the first round to Notre Dame. Indiana and Arizona State join SMU, Penn State, Tennessee and Boise State in the CFP for the first time.
So who will be the next Arizona State and Indiana? Looking ahead to the 2025 season, here are five teams that could emerge as dark horses to reach the CFP. Add one team from each Power 4 conference and a trending Group of 5 pick.
Big Ten CFP dark horse
illinois
I’m going to go the Homer route here and ask why not Illinois? This team just came off a 10-3 season, with two of those losses coming against playoff teams. The entire offensive line returns with Luke Altmaier as the starting quarterback. A schedule is set up that is easy to manage. I know it sounds crazy to say this about Illinois, and it certainly is for me, but winning back-to-back 10-win seasons is unlikely, but possible. — Tom Fornelli
More information on Illinois: 2025 projected depth chart, including replacements for star WRs.
SEC CFP dark horse
oklahoma
I don’t like to call a program that reached the CFP multiple times in the previous format a “dark horse,” but after going 6-7 in 2024, next season will be a big hit for Brent Venables and the guys in Norman. It will be a winning season. Incoming quarterback John Matthia was one of the most exciting players at Washington State. My other bold prediction is that he puts himself in the Heisman race. — Cameron Salerno
More Oklahoma Sooners coverage: Latest rumors on coaching staff, including hole at DC
Big 12 CFP Dark Horse
Texas Tech University
The Red Raiders will enter 2025 as Big 12 championship favorites. In my opinion, there should be no question about that after the transfer portal binge that saw the Red Raiders ranked No. 2 in the nation in 247Sports’ transfer class rankings.
Texas Tech already returns a fourth-year starter at QB (Behren Morton), three O-line starters and two impact receivers. Throw in all the transfer additions, a new defensive coordinator (Seal Wood), and some notable offensive additions, not to mention a high school development win with a top-30 class in 2023 and 2024. , this is what the Red Raiders will be like. At least on paper, they are the most talented team in the Big 12. The schedule is also very manageable considering the Red Raiders do not play any Power 4 opponents in the non-conference portion. schedule. — Chris Hammer
More Texas Tech coverage: How the Red Raiders will replace all-time RB Taj Brooks
ACC CFP Dark Horse
Georgia Tech
The return of both Haynes King and Aaron Philo gives Georgia Tech one of the better quarterback situations in the ACC. Given the way Brent Key has developed the team and prepared it for its biggest game, it’s hard to think there won’t be more good results ahead. Both players display the kind of athleticism that will make Georgia Tech’s offense roar, and King’s experience can be combined with Philo’s ability to shine in his true freshman season. The Yellow Jackets finished tied for fourth in the ACC standings this year, and at the end of the year they showed their strength with a win over Miami and a near come-from-behind victory over Georgia in a close game in eight overtimes. Sure they lost some notable talent to the portal, but I’m hoping Georgia Tech is a sleeper who can challenge the ACC like Clemson or Miami. — Chip Patterson
More information about Georgia Tech: How the new portal addition fits in
Group of Five CFP Dark Horse
UNLV
I still believe in Dan Mullen. And given the possibility that Boise State and Tulane will inch back after massive personnel losses, give me UNLV as the Group of Five champion. QB Anthony Colandrea, a transfer from Virginia, is an ideal fit for Mullen’s system, and the addition of QB Alex Orsi, a transfer from Michigan State, is also interesting. Looking at the Running Rebels’ schedule, I think they are certain to win the Mountain West. — Brad Crawford
