Predicting the No. 1 Team in 2025 College Football Playoff Rankings
The College Football Playoff rankings for the 2025 season will debut on Tuesday at 8 p.m. This event marks the first rankings of the season, setting the stage for teams vying for a playoff spot. A model is being utilized to predict how the selection committee may rank the contenders weekly.
Predicted Rankings Overview
The anticipation surrounding the rankings is heightened by the potential impact of strength of schedule on selections. Previous models have attempted to balance this metric with team performance. Last season, there was notable controversy regarding the final at-large bid given to SMU over Alabama. This season, it remains to be seen whether the committee will continue to weigh these factors equally.
Projected Top 25 Teams
| Rank | Team | Record | SOR | SOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team A | 8-0 | 6 | 64 |
| 2 | Team B | 9-0 | 3 | 45 |
| 3 | Team C | 8-0 | 1 | 14 |
| 4 | Team D | 7-1 | 4 | 7 |
| 5 | Team E | 7-1 | 5 | 9 |
| 6 | Team F | 8-1 | 2 | 19 |
| 7 | Team G | 7-1 | 21 | 72 |
| 8 | Team H | 8-0 | 7 | 57 |
| 9 | Team I | 8-1 | 11 | 49 |
| 10 | Team J | 6-2 | 16 | 16 |
| 11 | Team K | 7-2 | 13 | 23 |
| 12 | Team L | 7-1 | 9 | 53 |
| 13 | Team M | 8-1 | 12 | 70 |
| 14 | Team N | 7-2 | 10 | 8 |
| 15 | Team O | 8-1 | 8 | 74 |
| 16 | Team P | 7-2 | 14 | 17 |
| 17 | Team Q | 7-2 | 18 | 58 |
| 18 | Team R | 6-2 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | Team S | 6-2 | 20 | 31 |
| 20 | Team T | 6-2 | 23 | 30 |
| 21 | Team U | 7-2 | 15 | 36 |
| 22 | Team V | 6-2 | 22 | 42 |
| 23 | Team W | 6-2 | 30 | 67 |
| 24 | Team X | 6-3 | 32 | 13 |
| 25 | Team Y | 7-2 | 19 | 54 |
Impact of Strength of Schedule
- Strength of Record (SOR) is pivotal in ranking the teams.
- SEC teams dominate the top positions with four of the top five.
- Tenure of Power 5 conferences now reflects the influence of only two: Big Ten and SEC.
The coming rankings are expected to lead to robust discussions about the metrics employed by the selection committee. With an expanded playoff field, debates about the final at-large bids are likely to persist.
As we await the initial rankings, many are eager to see how the committee prioritizes strength of schedule versus overall team performance. The predictions suggest a continued alignment toward elite programs, particularly from the Big Ten and SEC.
