Last week, the selection committee revealed the 12 finalists for the NCAA playoffs. This is the first time in the history of college football that this format will be applied. For 1 month, and in one match, universities play more than playoff matches. Some will stake their reputation, others their odds for the next Draft.
All this for the same objective. Be present on the evening of Monday January 20, 2025 for the final of the national championship, and succeed Michigan.
Oregon big favorite
During the regular season, Dan Lanning's Oregon was impressive. 13 wins, no losses, and a Big Ten conference title in their first season in the conference. Behind them, the 2nd ranked team, Georgia, has already lost twice in the regular season. The Ducks have a very well-rounded team, with NCAA experience and talent on all lines.
However, with their experience as well, the Bulldogs are also one of the favorites. The SEC conference champion has won 2 championships in the last 3 years. To reach the final, Kirby Smart's men will have a lot to do after the week off. Notre Dame and Penn State could stand in their way to the finals. It won't be easy, but their victory in the conference final against Texas may have revived a machine built to win.
Hungry underdogs
Obviously, in these 12-team NCAA playoffs, there are many outsiders who could reach the final. There is obviously Texas, semi-finalist last season, and which remains on a good regular season despite the defeat in the SEC conference final. Notre Dame impressed despite a surprise home loss to Northern Illinois. After this defeat, the Fighting Irish are on 10 consecutive victories (current series), and in style. This is the first time coach Marcus Freeman has brought Notre Dame to the playoffs.
But, above all, two teams from the Big Ten conference were sometimes close to the playoffs in the old formula, but never managed to get their hands on the championship. The Ohio State Buckeyes failed to beat their nemesis Michigan in the regular season. Coach Ryan Day is playing for his place in these playoffs. Then, the Nittany Lyons of Penn State never made the playoffs under James Franklin. 10 years later, this is the first time the coach has reached this stage.
Clemson to relive history, Boise State as a scarecrow
And then there are those teams that may not have a chance, but will fight with their weapons.
It seems like a long time ago when Dabo Sweeney marched on the NCAA. The Clemson coach has already won 2 championships in 2016 and 2018. His experience could make the difference. But, compared to the years he reigned, the Tigers look much weaker this year.
Boise State and Arizona State may be top seeds, but far from favorites. These two teams will mainly rely on their dominant ground game. Unlike SMU and Indiana, who are also far from being favorites, these two teams have a strong appetite for aerial play. But, on the other hand, there will be quality air and ground coverage, and the slightest mistake could be costly.
Players to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft
All eyes will be on Boise State. Finalist in Heisman TrophyAshton Jeanty (RB/#2) can still break the screen. If he succeeds, his place in the first round can be almost assured. It's not just him as a runner to watch, as there are also Arizona State's Cam Skattebo (RB/#4), Penn State's Nicholas Singleton (RB/#10) and Dylan Sampson (RB/# 6) from Tennessee. The Ohio State duo, Quinshon Judkins (RB/#4) and TreVeyon Henderson (RB/#32), will also be in high demand.
Otherwise, the defensive lines will be worth watching. Georgia and their entire defense first of all, headlined by Mykel Williams (EDGE/#13) and Jalon Walker (LB/#11). It’s the same thing with Ohio State and Penn State. Ohio State's defensive line is terrifying, with players likely to go in the first round. The leading candidates are Jack Sawyer (EDGE/#33) and JT Tuimoloau (EDGE/#44). That of Penn State is just as much, led in particular by Abdul Carter (EDGE/#11), the new Micah Parsons (EDGE, Cowboys). Tennessee also has a talented pass rush player in James Pearce Jr. (EDGE/#27).
With this, we forget the most important position in this sport. The quarterbacks of Texas, Quinn Ewers (QB/#3), and Penn State, Drew Allar (QB/#15), will be particularly scrutinized. That of Georgia, Carson Beck (QB/#15), was injured during the last game, and not sure we will see him during his playoffs. The big odds at this position are Dillon Gabriel (QB/#8) from Oregon who is surprisingly not mentioned in the first three rounds of the main 2025 NFL Mock Draft. Riley Leonard (QB/#13) from Notre Dame and Kurtis Indiana's Rourke (QB/#10) may also be worth a look.
Among the receivers, we will have to look at Penn State where Tyler Warren (TE/#44) can still surprise us. Oregon and Ohio State are also provided in terms of receivers with the duo Evan Stewart (WR/#7) – Tez Johnson (WR/#15) for the Ducks, and Emeka Egbuka (WR/#2) for the Buckeyes. Their defensive alter egos don't lack talent either, with the best defensive back of the year Jahdae Barron (CB/#7) of Texas headlines. Also worth watching are Xavier Watts (S/#0) from Notre Dame, Daylan Everette (CB/#6) from Georgia and the pair Denzel Burke (CB/#10) – Davison Igbinosun (CB/#1) from Ohio State .
Finally, the teams in mind of a protector for their quarterback could also find what they are looking for by watching these NCAA playoffs. Kelvin Banks (OT/#78) and Cameron Williams (OT/#55) are power players, with a top 10 spot on the line for the former next April. Josh Conerly Jr. (OT/#76) will probably play right tackle in the NFL, but at left tackle, he is very effective. Finally, the interior linemen are not left out, with Donovan Jackson (IOL/#74) of Ohio State and Tate Ratledge (IOL/#69) of Georgia as prospects who could start in the NFL in their first season.
Calendar
1st round of the playoffs (December 21 and 22, 2024)
- Notre Dame (7) – Indiana (10)
- Penn State (6) – SMU (11)
- Texas (5) – Clemson (12)
- Ohio State (8) – Tennessee (9)
Quarter-final (January 1 and 2, 2025)
- Fiesta Bowl: Boise State (3) – Penn State (6) or SMU (11)
- Peach Bowl: Arizona State (4) – Texas (5) or Clemson (12)
- Rose Bowl: Oregon (1) – Tennessee (9) or Ohio State (8)
- Sugar Bowl: Georgia (2) – Notre Dame (7) or Indiana (10)
Semi-final (January 10 and 11, 2025)
- Sugar Bowl Winner – Fiesta Bowl Winner
- Winner Peach Bowl – Winner Rose Bowl
Final on January 21, 2025 at 1:30 a.m.
