Who’s Predicted to Win the College Football Playoff This Season?

Predicting the winner of the College Football Playoff can be challenging, as proven by last year’s preseason predictions that missed the mark. The top-ranked teams like Texas and Penn State missed major opportunities, playing in less significant bowls by the end of the season.

This year, Ohio State holds the number one spot in both the AP Top 25 and coaches poll. It also has the highest odds for winning the national championship according to Austin Mock’s CFP Predictor. Yet, The Athletic’s staff has different views.

Staff and Readers Poll

The Athletic conducted surveys involving 31 writers and editors, alongside over 2,000 readers, to predict the national title winner and other accolades.

National Championship Predictions:

• Notre Dame: Staff (41.9%), Readers (18.9%), Model (10.4%)
• Ohio State: Staff (16.1%), Readers (17.9%), Model (13.5%)
• Oregon: Staff (16.1%), Readers (20.8%), Model (10.1%)
• Indiana, Miami, Texas, Georgia, Texas A&M, Alabama, Oklahoma, LSU each garnered varying percentages.

Will Notre Dame claim victory after a 38-year drought? The Irish, ranked highly in preseason polls, are favored by most staff due to their strong lineup and favorable schedule.

Championship Contenders

Notre Dame is among the favorites, driven by a solid defense and an impressive quarterback, CJ Carr. Head Coach Marcus Freeman aims to capitalize on past experiences to secure a playoff spot. Oregon is a close contender with past strong performances, despite concerns over coordinator turnover. Buckeye talent makes Ohio State another strong candidate, including their challenging road ahead.

Additional Teams Analysis:

• Miami: Featuring strong offensive weapons, Miami aims to break past runner-up status with strengthening in defense.
• Texas: Coach Sarkisian’s team is predicted to rise due to impactful players in key positions.
• Indiana: Despite logo stereotyping, Indiana remains robust, hosting formidable opponents at home.
• Georgia: Georgia’s conference and defensive performance set them up as potential champions.
• Texas A&M: The team looks to overcome skepticism with strategic plays and strong prospects.

Heisman Trophy Candidates

Prediction lists often spotlight outstanding players early in the season.

Leading Contenders:

• Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State): Leads the list with impressive stats.
• Dante Moore (QB, Oregon): Key quarterback contender poised to shine.
• CJ Carr (QB, Notre Dame): Holds strong potential to compete.
• Several other quarterbacks hold noteworthy potential.

Power 4 Conference Predictions

ACC: Miami is favored to win, rebuilding lines but keeping a strong offensive front.

• Miami: Overwhelming favorites by staff, readers, and models.
• SMU and Louisville as competitive contenders but trailing Miami.

Big 12: Texas Tech leads predictions over BYU, holding a history of strong finishes.

• Texas Tech: Consensus choice by staff.
• BYU following closely behind.

Big Ten: Oregon tops staff choices, but models and readers sway to Ohio State, a historically strong performer.

• Penn State, USC, and Washington received votes yet remain secondary to main titles.

SEC: Predictions favor Texas, with Georgia as a close contender.

• Teams like Ole Miss, Alabama, and LSU having varied perspectives in their playoff chances.

Bold Predictions and Hot Takes

Experts offer bold predictions for the season, revealing potential surprises.

• Bruce Feldman anticipates an FBS record-breaking performance from Miami’s Malachi Toney.
• Mark Cooper predicts a strong season for Cal, despite playoff struggles.
• Various panelists shared insights into team performances and potential playoff impacts.