2025-12-27 09:00

As we gear up for another thrilling championship season in NCAA football, I find myself, like many of you, diving deep into preseason analyses, scrutinizing returning rosters, and trying to predict which teams will rise to the occasion. It’s a ritual I cherish, blending hard data with a bit of gut feeling. This year, the landscape feels particularly dynamic, and drawing from my years of following collegiate sports, I want to share my perspective on the top 25 teams poised to make serious noise. Interestingly, watching other NCAA competitions, like the recent basketball tournaments, often provides a fascinating parallel in terms of program culture and championship mettle. Just the other day, I was reading about how PERPETUAL and Letran, last year’s finalists, clinched their respective semifinals spots with convincing victories in the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball tournament over at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. That kind of consistent performance, that ability to navigate a long season and peak at the right time, is exactly what separates the good football teams from the truly watchable contenders we’re discussing here.

Let’s start at the very top, where the usual powerhouses reside, but with some intriguing questions. I’m putting Georgia right back in the number one spot until someone proves otherwise; their recruiting pipeline and defensive scheming are just a cut above, and I expect them to win at least 11 regular-season games again. However, I have a strong personal preference for teams that can balance brute force with offensive innovation, which is why I’m incredibly high on Ohio State this year. Their quarterback situation, with the addition of a transfer like Will Howard, could be the final piece. They’re not just a team to watch; they’re my early pick to win it all, and I’ll be surprised if their offense averages under 40 points per game. Then you have Oregon, stepping into the Big Ten. I love this move for them, and I think their high-octane offense, led by a veteran quarterback, will translate immediately. They might drop a game or two in the brutal new schedule, but they’ll be must-watch TV every Saturday. Speaking of must-watch, don’t sleep on Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin has assembled what might be the most explosive roster in school history through the portal. They’re a dark horse for the playoff, and I’d wager their over/under on total yards per game is set around 510, a number I think they’ll smash.

Moving into the next tier, there are teams with specific, fascinating storylines. Texas, for instance, has the target on their back now as they enter the SEC. They have the talent, but the week-in, week-out grind is different. I’m watching their defensive line depth closely. Notre Dame, with Mike Denbrock back as offensive coordinator, should have a much more dynamic passing attack to complement their always-stout defense. I’ve always been a bit skeptical of their ceiling in the playoff era, but this year feels different. A team I’m personally bullish on is Penn State. Drew Allar has a year under his belt, and their running back duo is the best in the country, in my opinion. If their young receivers step up, they could finally break through that Michigan/Ohio State barrier. On the other hand, I’m a tad cooler on Clemson than most. Dabo Swinney’s aversion to the portal is admirable but may be costing them the elite skill player needed to return to the top. I think they’ll be good for 9 wins, but not a true national threat.

The beauty of the NCAA football season, however, lies beyond the top ten. This is where you find the potential Cinderellas and the programs on a steep ascent. Take Missouri. Last year was no fluke. Brady Cook and Luther Burden form an electric connection, and I predict Burden will finish with over 1,400 receiving yards. They play in the brutal SEC, but they’re no longer an easy out. Out west, I’m fascinated by Arizona. They return a staggering 85% of their production from a ten-win team. Jedd Fisch built something special there, and even with his departure, the foundation is rock solid. In the Group of Five, Liberty must be mentioned after their undefeated run, but I’m more intrigued by Boise State. They’ve retooled and in a weakened Mountain West, they could run the table. My personal "fun to watch" award in this group goes to Kansas. When was the last time you could say that? Their offense, with Jalon Daniels healthy, is a nightmare to prepare for, and I’ll be tuning in every chance I get.

As we round out the list, consider the teams with something to prove. Miami needs to show last year’s late surge was real. Oklahoma State, always resilient, returns a veteran squad that could win the new-look Big 12. And never, ever count out Wisconsin under a coach like Luke Fickell, especially now that he’s had a full year to install his system. I expect their points allowed per game to drop significantly from last year’s uncharacteristic 22.5. Looking at all 25 teams, a common thread emerges, much like the composure shown by those NCAA basketball finalists, Perpetual and Letran. It’s about sustainability, adaptability, and having a clear identity. The teams I’m most excited to watch are those that know who they are, whether it’s Georgia’s defensive dominance, Oregon’s offensive fireworks, or Kansas’s sheer unpredictability. This championship season promises a spectacular blend of established royalty and ambitious newcomers. My advice? Clear your Saturdays, because the narratives are set, the players are ready, and the journey to the playoff will be the most compelling story in sports. Just remember, half the fun is being wrong about some of these predictions, so let the games begin.