2025 College Football Playoff: Key Challenges for Top 12 Contenders

Spring Football: A Time for Transition and Optimism

Spring football is a period of hope and transformation for college football teams. With new players from high school and the transfer portal, fresh starting quarterbacks, and new coaching staff, the landscape is ever-changing. Teams aiming for the 12-team College Football Playoff in 2025 must address key issues now to stay competitive.

Ohio State Buckeyes

2024 Record: 14-2 CFP Finish: National Champions Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Replacing both coordinators. The departure of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaves significant gaps. New hires Matt Patricia and Brian Hartline must quickly adapt to maintain the Buckeyes' championship-caliber performance.

Texas Longhorns

2024 Record: 13-3 CFP Finish: Semifinal Loss Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Four new starters on the offensive line. Protecting quarterback Arch Manning is crucial, especially with a season opener against Ohio State.

Penn State Nittany Lions

2024 Record: 13-3 CFP Finish: Semifinal Loss Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Elevating the passing game. With key receivers gone, Penn State must find new playmakers to support quarterback Drew Allar.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2024 Record: 14-2 CFP Finish: National Championship Loss Biggest Obstacle in 2025: A first-year starting quarterback. The competition between Steve Angeli and CJ Carr will be critical for the Irish's success.

Georgia Bulldogs

2024 Record: 11-3 CFP Finish: Quarterfinal Loss Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Offensive improvement. Addressing issues in rushing, drops, and fumbles is essential for the Bulldogs.

Oregon Ducks

2024 Record: 13-1 CFP Finish: Quarterfinal Loss Biggest Obstacle in 2025: The unknowns of quarterback Dante Moore. His ability to perform under pressure will be tested early in the season.

Clemson Tigers

2024 Record: 10-4 CFP Finish: First Round Loss Biggest Obstacle in 2025: The SEC. Clemson must navigate tough matchups against LSU and South Carolina to secure a playoff spot.

LSU Tigers

2024 Record: 9-4 CFP Finish: Did Not Qualify Biggest Obstacle in 2025: An average defense. Improving defensive performance is crucial for LSU's return to the top.

Illinois Fighting Illini

2024 Record: 10-3 CFP Finish: Did Not Qualify Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Finding dependable receivers for Luke Altmyer. The Illini need to bolster their receiving corps to compete at a higher level.

BYU Cougars

2024 Record: 11-2 CFP Finish: Did Not Qualify Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Handling heightened expectations. BYU must manage the pressure of being a preseason CFP contender.

South Carolina Gamecocks

2024 Record: 9-4 CFP Finish: Did Not Qualify Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Replacing the heart of the defense. New players must step up to maintain the Gamecocks' defensive strength.

Alabama Crimson Tide

2024 Record: 9-4 CFP Finish: Did Not Qualify Biggest Obstacle in 2025: Determining the next elite quarterback. Finding a successor to Jalen Milroe is critical for Alabama's playoff aspirations.