12. LSU
After losing last year’s Heisman winner Jayden Daniels to the NFL draft many fans speculated that the Tigers offense wasn’t going to be as productive as the previous years. LSU shattered expectations and has balled out so far in the season. With stars like offensive tackle Will Campbell, running back Caden Durham and quarterback Garret Nussmeier the Tigers offense looks spectacular. Although not having a defense not quite on the same level as their offense does affect them, Whit Weeks leads the defense and the Tigers into the 12th seed of the college football playoffs.
11. Clemson
After having a great and short dynasty with Trevor Lawrence, Clemson failed to see success from going 4-4 in conference play last year to being first in the ACC in the 2024 season. With Coach Dabo Swinney not allowing and using the transfer portal, the loyalty and team chemistry of this Tigers offense is special. Having the seventh-ranked offense in all of college football helps their chances of succeeding in the playoffs even more, along with having a corresponding defense. Which is why I have Clemson at the 11th seed.
10. Indiana
Because of either bad coaching or a lack of talent, Indiana never found franchise success apart from going to the Rose Bowl in 1967. This Hoosiers team looks like it has it all. After beating Nebraska 56-7, I have full confidence that they’re special this year. With first-year coach Curt Cignetti, he has led the Hoosiers to be 7-0 for the first time in 57 years. With quarterback
Kurtis Rourke and number one receiver Elijah Sarret, the Hossiers offense looks the most productive in actual decades. Defensive lineman Mikail Kamara as the cornerstone of this defense is one of the many reasons I have Indiana at the 10 seed.
9. Ole Miss
Although losing to Kentucky 20-17 in week five and losing to LSU 29-26 in week seven, I believe that quarterback Jaxson Dart and the Rebels will come back with more tenacity than ever. By responding with a dominating victory in week six against the South Carolina Gamecocks, the morale and overall motives shot up. I am very high on this Rebels team because of the consistent unity and tenacity that I know they can portray in the last half of the season to get ready for the playoffs. Which is a big reason why I think the Ole Miss Rebels will get in the ninth seed.
8. Tennessee
After losing the insane athlete of Joe Milton to the NFL draft as well, fans were not sure if Tennessee was going to maintain its consistent dominance. Tennessee persevered and continued to be great. While not having a true wide receiver one has been a big struggle after losing star receiver Jalin Hyatt to the NFL draft. Although not having a wide receiver one affects the speed of this offense, quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running back duo Dylan Sampson and DeSean Bishop help keep this offense productive. While having a very consistent and top-of-the-league defense, the inconsistency of this offense is a big reason I think Tennessee will secure a confident eighth spot in the playoffs.
7. Ohio State
Consistency is one of the hardest aspects to master in football, yet Ohio State has accomplished it. Ohio State has dominated the Big 10 for decades now, so why would they let up? With star freshman receiver Jerimiah Smith and Heisman contender quarterback Will Howard, this offense looks spectacular. With such an explosive offense the Buckeyes do not even need a productive defense, in which they have, to succeed. I think the Buckeyes are going to land in the seventh seed.
6. Miami FL
Having a Heisman runner-up as your quarterback greatly increases your chances of winning the natty. Cam Ward as a leader is one of the most influential players on the team. Nobody is as calm and patient in the pocket as Ward. As well as running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and Damien Martinez, the backfield of this Miami offense is stacked. Miami’s air attack remains his strong suit with star receiver Xavier Restrepo being the main force in the passing game. Restrepo garnered 686 yards and six touchdowns through the first seven games of the year Tight end Elijah Arroyo also help this explosive offense with an additional four touchdown receptions this season. Although having an amazing offense their defense lacks a lot. One of the biggest concerns is allowing too many points per game. Thus, I have them confidently securing that number six spot in the playoffs.
5. Alabama
After one of the biggest upsets in college football history, Vanderbilt beating Alabama, 40-35, the Crimson Tide needs to gain momentum as soon as possible to be a powerhouse in the playoffs. Apart from that fluke game the Alabama roster is still stacked and one of the best in all of college football. With freshman receiver Ryan Williams and Heisman contender quarterback Jalen Milroe, the entire offense looks like nothing can hold it back. Although Alabama lost multiple key pieces in their defense, specifically first round picks edge Dallas Turner and cornerback Terrion Arnold, from last year they still look like a very powerful unit. This Alabama football team is still great after decades, and I do not think they’re going to hold back now which is why I have them as a strong fifth seed in the playoffs.
4. Texas
Having the best defense in college football overall, along with scoring defense, it drastically improves the chances of going deep in the playoffs. Although losing to Georgia 15-30 in week seven, the Longhorn offense is very consistent with quarterback depth in Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Star wide receiver Isaiah Bond and tight end Gunner Helm help keep these quarterbacks throwing the ball down field, running backs Jaydon Blue and CJ Baxter also keep the run game powerful. This versatile offense and spectacular defense led by star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. are the reason I have them confidently landing in the fourth spot.
3. Penn State
The Lions have been one of the most consistently great teams in the past 10 years, leading them to be a heavy hitter in the playoffs. This Penn State offense hasn’t looked this productive and hopeful since the Trace Mcsorley and Saquon Barkley days. Having one of the most dominating and a top five scoring defense. Along with their top-five offensive line and productive running back help this explosive offense and dominating defense have a great shot in the playoffs.
2. Oregon
Acquiring Dillion Gabriel, through the transfer portal, had been the move Oregon needed to fill the hole Bo Nix left as he went to the NFL, drafted by the Denver Broncos. The Ducks passing defense improved by having seniors Jabbar Muhammad and Brandon Johnson play their best football while still having a very underwhelming run defense. Having one of, if not the best, special teams units at the collegiate level helps produce big plays to set up their offense to rack up more points on the board. After the 32-31 win against Ohio State, the Ducks have proven they’re not a team that needs to be played with. With the high speed and electric offense that makes up for their lackluster defense, the Oregon Ducks can squeeze into the second seed.
1. Georgia
Although not making last year’s National Championship, Georgia has dominated college football in the past four years, winning two championships in that time. The Bulldogs have not led up from being one of if not the best, teams in college football. After almost coming back to beat Alabama, many suspected that this Bulldog team couldn’t be as successful as intended. After Georgia dominated Texas in week seven makes me beg to differ – I put all my money on Georgia this year once again, and I put my faith in Carson Beck and coach Kirby Smart. Trevor Etienne and Georgia’s elite defense helped shape the number-one caliber team in college football. That is why I have the Georgia Bulldogs first overall going into the playoffs.
