2025 College Football Playoff National Championship: Potential pitfalls for this year's top teams ft. Georgia Bulldogs
The 2024 college football season is just over two weeks away as eight teams will take the field on Aug. 24. The landscape of the sport will be much different this season due to conference realignments and an expanded postseason field. The College Football Playoff field expanded from four to 12 teams for the first time since its inception in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll was released on Monday, with the AP Top 25 Poll set to be released next Monday.
Here's a closer look at potential pitfalls that could prevent this year's top-ranked programs from reaching, and winning, the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
2025 College Football Playoff National Championship: Potential pitfalls for this year's top teams
#1. Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs failed to reach the postseason in 2023, finishing 13-1, after winning back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. They were the top-ranked team in the Preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll and are also the betting favorites to win the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Bulldogs' biggest potential pitfall will be a brutal schedule as five of their opponents were ranked in the Preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll. That includes matchups with the No. 4 Texas Longhorns, No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide, No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels, No. 14 Clemson Tigers and No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers.
#2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes also failed to reach the postseason despite finishing the regular season 11-1. They enter the 2024 season ranked second in the preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll and with the second-best odds to emerge as national champions.
The Buckeyes will also face a tough schedule that includes matchups with the No. 3 Oregon Ducks, No. 8 Michigan Wolverines, No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions and No. 25 Iowa Hawkeyes. They also have uncertainty at the quarterback position as they have yet to name a starter.
#3. Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks were yet another team that failed to reach the postseason despite a 12-2 finish. They will begin the 2024 season ranked third in the nation and also have the third-best odds to win the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
The biggest potential pitfall they could face is the move to the Big Ten. While the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 8 Michigan Wolverines are the only opponents they will face that are ranked in the Preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll, the overall level of play will be tougher. Additionally, it remains to be seen how consistently traveling to the Midwest will affect their play.
Rounding out the top five of the Preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll are the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Do you think either the Bulldogs, Buckeyes or Ducks will win the national championship next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.