The Comprehensive NCAA 2025 College Football Preview, with predictions

As confetti rained down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ohio State celebrated a National Championship win over Notre Dame that underscored a season full of excitement, close games, and eventual Buckeye dominance.

As one season ends, another begins. The 2025-26 campaign looks poised to bring just as much excitement through tight conference battles and races for the nation’s most prestigious awards.

With all this in mind, let’s take a look at my predictions for each Power Four conference winner, some award hopefuls, and even some teams that may surprise College Football – for better or worse.

The SEC is coming off a year that featured three of the conference’s top teams making the College Football Playoff in Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. With many of the conference’s top players leaving via the Transfer Portal or for the NFL Draft, the SEC is wide open. So who should viewers keep their eyes out for in the mighty Southeastern Conference?

Alabama-
The Kalen DeBoer era got off to an up-and-down start in Tuscaloosa. Alabama climbed to No. 1 in the polls midway through the season but ultimately missed the playoff and stumbled in its bowl game against Michigan. With Jalen Milroe gone, the Tide turn to junior Ty Simpson to lead them back to the promised land. And with dynamic receiver Ryan Williams returning, along with Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb anchoring the defense, Alabama is a team to look out for.

The best-case scenario for Alabama fans is Ty Simpson developing into a Mac Jones-like quarterback while Ryan Williams delivers a season reminiscent of DeVonta Smith’s Heisman campaign. That’s possible, but I don’t view the Tide as legitimate title contenders given preseason injuries to key players like Jam Miller and defensive captain Tim Keenan III. Still, if Kadyn Proctor and the offensive line can keep Simpson upright, Alabama has enough playmakers to make noise.

Georgia-
With Kirby Smart at the helm in Athens, the Bulldogs will always be in the SEC title conversation. This year’s team will lean on its offense, returning key playmakers like Nate Frazier, Oscar Delp, Dillon Bell, and quarterback Gunner Stockton. The defense, however, features many new faces after several top contributors departed for the NFL or through the transfer portal.

While it’s never wise to count out Kirby Smart, I don’t see this Georgia team winning the SEC or making a serious playoff run. I expect the Bulldogs to lean heavily on Nate Frazier and keep

things simple for quarterback Gunner Stockton, with tight ends Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie playing key roles. If Georgia does make a push, it will be fueled by Smart’s coaching brilliance.

Texas-
Texas enters 2026 coming off back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances. This year’s roster might be the Longhorns’ best in a decade, headlined by quarterback Arch Manning. But Manning isn’t the only star — Texas also returns standouts like running back Quintrevion Wisner, edge rusher Colin Simmons, and safety Michael Taaffe. And don’t overlook running back C.J. Baxter, who is set to return after missing the entire 2024–25 season with a knee injury.

I fully expect Arch Manning to compete for the Heisman Trophy, and if he delivers a Heisman-caliber season, Texas should cruise to the CFP National Championship. Even if Manning falls short, the Longhorns have enough talent in the backfield and on defense to carry them into the title game. Just look at last year: Quinn Ewers wasn’t spectacular, yet Texas still put together a highly successful season. Overall, I have the Longhorns reaching the championship game — whether or not Manning shines.

Other teams to watch:

South Carolina- South Carolina brings a fun, young squad led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers and edge rusher Dylan Stewart. Under head coach Shane Beamer, the program has been revitalized and now looks to build on last year’s success.

Louisiana State University: LSU returns Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier and standout linebacker Whit Weekes, along with edge rusher Harold Perkins. If Nussmeier can exceed expectations, the Tigers could be a team to watch

The Big Ten is coming off a strong year, with Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State all among the nation’s elite. Rosters may look different this season, but the conference continues to run through these powerhouses. Will Oregon repeat as champion, or will the Big Ten crown a new champion?

Penn State–
The Nittany Lions have been a Big Ten stalwart under James Franklin. Yet the coach has been unable to prove he can win big games, carrying a 17–26 record against ranked opponents. Franklin might not get a better chance to rewrite that narrative than in 2026. Penn State returns a wealth of talent, including running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, nearly its entire offensive line, and key defensive playmakers in edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton and linebacker Tony Rojas. And with quarterback Drew Allar back in Happy Valley, the Nittany Lions appear locked in to make a push for their first national championship of the College Football Playoff era.

Many are high on Allar and believe he’s ready to take the next step — but I’m not one of them. I expect Penn State to lean heavily on its run game and generate turnovers on defense to win football games. If the Nittany Lions are going to win a championship, Drew Allar will need to have a Heisman-like 2026 campaign, which I do not see happening.

Ohio State–
Ohio State’s case for contention can be summed up with two names: Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith, arguably the two best players in college football. The Buckeyes also return another impact receiver in Carnell Tate, who, alongside Smith and others, will be tasked with helping first-year starter Julian Sayin adjust to the pressure of leading a storied program like Ohio State. Defensively, linebacker Sonny Styles and defensive back Davison Igbinosun bring much-needed experience to a rather young defensive unit. Still, the Buckeyes suffered major losses to the NFL. Defensive leaders Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau are gone, as are offensive standouts Quinshon Judkins, Will Howard, TreVeyon Henderson, and Emeka Egbuka. To make matters worse, former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly left for the Las Vegas Raiders, forcing the Buckeyes to adjust to fresh leadership on offense.

Overall, I still believe in this Ryan Day-led squad to get the job done during the season. They open the season against No. 1-ranked Texas, a test that should benefit the Buckeyes once Big Ten play begins. I trust first-year starter Julian Sayin to guide Ohio State to a conference title and a deep run in the College Football Playoff.

Oregon-
The Ducks are coming off arguably the best season in program history, though they fell short of their first National Championship. This offseason, Oregon lost key playmakers across the board to the NFL, including Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James, Tez Johnson, Josh Conerly Jr., Jordan Burch, and Terrance Ferguson. While the Ducks added talented running back Makhi Hughes from Tulane via the transfer portal, the overall roster doesn’t match the firepower of last year’s team.

I don’t expect Oregon to be a significant factor in 2026. Still, if quarterback Dante Moore takes advantage of a relatively soft Big Ten schedule, the Ducks could sneak into the conference championship game. And if they reach the College Football Playoff, expectations should be modest — don’t expect a deep run.

Other teams to watch:

Michigan– Michigan followed its National Championship with a disappointing season, but if first-year starter Bryce Underwood lives up to the hype and the defense maintains its dominance, the Wolverines could be a dark-horse contender in the Big Ten.

Indiana– Coming off its best season ever under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have transformed into a football school. If Cignetti can replicate his magic and quarterback transfer Fernando Mendoza can exceed expectations, Indiana could threaten the big dogs in the Big Ten.

Illinois- In the first AP poll of the 2025 season, the Illini landed at No. 12, one of the program’s highest rankings since the AP Poll began in 1950. Much of the excitement stems from the Senior quarterback Luke Altmeyer and seasoned coach Bret Bielema. I do not expect much from the Fighting Illini, but don’t be surprised if they give fits to some of the top Big Ten teams.

In recent years, much of the ACC’s success has come from the Clemson Tigers and Miami Hurricanes. Expect the 2026 season to be no different, as these two teams should field competitive teams. Recent ACC newcomer SMU should also provide the conference with another CFP contender, but do they or Miami have enough talent to dethrone the Tigers as ACC champions?

Clemson–
The short answer: no. Clemson is, in my opinion, the most complete team in the country alongside Texas. The Tigers return Heisman-hopeful quarterback Cade Klubnik and his top three receivers from 2024 — Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore. Defensively, they bring back linebackers Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown, plus standout defensive backs Avieon Terrell, Khalil Barnes, and Ashton Hampton, who impressed as a freshman. In the trenches, T.J. Parker — who racked up 11 sacks and forced six fumbles last year — anchors one of the nation’s best defensive fronts, joined by Peter Woods, the highest-graded returning defensive tackle in the Power Four. Simply put, this team is loaded.

Clemson should breeze through the ACC and regular season in general. They open the season playing host to the LSU Tigers, which should be their hardest test of the season. The Tigers are my preseason National Champion pick, and the Tigers’ leader, Cade Klubnik, is my Heisman pick. Do not be surprised if orange confetti is falling from Hard Rock Stadium come January.

Miami-
The Hurricanes lost almost all offensive production through the draft; however, they did adequately replenish the roster. The big move of the offseason was Miami landing UGA transfer quarterback Carson Beck. The Hurricanes also revamped their defense by adding four 4-star transfers in the secondary and more on the defensive line, which is very important as Miami’s defense was one of the worst units in the Power Four. Miami also added All-American kick returner Keelan Marion from Brigham Young University.

Miami will most definitely compete in the ACC and provide somewhat of a stumbling block to Clemson; however, the team’s total reliance on the transfer portal worries me. It reminds me heavily of Florida State’s roster this past year, which relied immensely on transfers producing right away. Not to say Miami will perform like Florida State did, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on. Until proven otherwise, Miami feels more like a dark horse than a true contender.

SMU–
The Rhett Lashlee era is rolling in Dallas, as SMU rides the momentum of an ACC title game appearance and a berth in the College Football Playoff. With quarterback Kevin Jennings, receiver Jordan Hudson, and safeties Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses all returning, the Mustangs have the potential to play spoiler once again in 2026.

Although the team returns solid production from a year ago, it is hard for me to imagine a world where SMU replicates the success they were able to have last year. Lashlee and the Ponies have a bright future with the university’s NIL treasure trove; however, this year belongs to someone else.

Other teams to watch:

Georgia Tech- Haynes King is must-watch football. Do not expect this squad to make a run at the conference championship, but they could upset several top tier teams.

North Carolina– Bill Belichick returning to football makes this team an immediate spectacle, however the team has been able to pick up solid talent. Keep an eye out for South Alabama transfer quarterback Gio Lopez.

This year’s Big 12 might be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. While I could name three clear contenders, the truth is nearly every team in the league has a legitimate shot outside of a select few.

Arizona State will look to build on last season’s momentum, though the Sun Devils will be without star running back Cam Skattebo. The Sam Leavitt-to-Jordyn Tyson connection will be the engine of their team.

Texas Tech made a massive NIL splash this offseason while also retaining many of last year’s key contributors. That combination of transfer talent and returning production makes the Red Raiders one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.

BYU enters uncharted territory, starting a true freshman quarterback for the first time in program history as it tries to build on an impressive 2025 campaign. Kansas State, meanwhile, hopes Avery Johnson can finally break through, though losing standout running back Dylan Edwards after Week 1 was a huge blow.

Iowa State has already proven it won’t take a step back, as Rocco Becht and the Cyclones upset Kansas State in Ireland in Week 0. And don’t overlook Utah, which boasts perhaps the best offensive tackle duo ever in Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano, with Devon Dampier leading the charge under center.

If I had to choose a team to emerge from this chaos, I’m rolling with Texas Tech. With one of the nation’s top transfer classes and plenty of returning talent, the Red Raiders have the tools to win the Big 12 and represent the conference in the College Football Playoff.

Recap:

SEC Champion- Texas
BIG 10 Champion- Ohio State
ACC Champion- Clemson
BIG 12 Champion- Texas Tech
National Championship Prediction: Clemson-21, Texas-17
Heisman Trophy Winner- Cade Klubnik, Quarterback, Clemson