CBS Sports updates College Football Playoff predictions, projects 12-team field

Ahead of the 2025 college football season, CBS Sports has updated its College Football Playoff predictions. The 12-team field, chosen by Brad Crawford, is bound to be the cause of tremendous debate.

There’s a bevy of interesting teams that have a case to be among the CFP field this season. They’ll have to play the games, of course, but we can begin to separate the contenders from the pack as the season begins to take shape this summer.

Let’s dive into the field, based on Crawford’s predictions. Check it out below, as anticipation continues to rise for what should be an awesome season of college football.

First Round Bye — No. 1 Texas

Texas is the No. 1 team in the country, according to the AP Poll, and Crawford has them in his top spot, as well. As the SEC Champion, the Longhorns would likely be 12-1 or 13-0 by season’s end, if they’re the top-ranked team.

If that’s the case in 2025, everything will have broken right for Texas, and Arch Manning is as good as advertised. It’ll be a well-earned first round bye for the Longhorns.

First Round Bye — No. 2 Penn State

Penn State will rise above and become Big Ten champions, according to Crawford. Breaking through the glass ceiling, the Nittany Lions get a bye week this time around in the CFP.

The Nittany Lions will run it back with Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton and more. This team is certainly talented enough to win the entire thing after making it to the semifinals last season.

First Round Bye — No. 3 Clemson

Clemson is looking like it could win the ACC for the second straight year and make the CFP once again, per CBS Sports. The Tigers would receive a bye this time around, after once again clinching their spot as the champion of their conference.

Cade Klubnik is back under center this fall, and Clemson might have two first round picks on the defensive line. TJ Parker and Peter Woods will certainly wreak havoc this year.

First Round Bye — No. 4 Ohio State

The defending national champions are slotted in the No. 4 spot, per Crawford. While they’re not champions in the Big Ten, Ohio State would get a bye in the CFP based on these predictions. The Buckeyes remain among the best.

Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs give the program two of the best overall players in college football. Julian Sayin is expected to step in at QB and based on Ryan Day’s track record, it might be a seamless transition.

No. 5 Notre Dame vs. No. 12 LSU — Winner faces Ohio State

With the CFP adjustments, Notre Dame could actually play itself into a top four seed and a first round bye. But for now, Crawford has them at No. 5, so they’ll host a first round game once again.

Familiar face Brian Kelly would be their opponent in what would be a doozy of a game. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will be in the Heisman conversation, and he’ll likely be the biggest reason why this team is great.

No. 8 Texas Tech vs. No. 9 Miami — Winner faces Texas

Texas Tech irked a lot of people with its immense NIL spending this offseason, but Crawford believes it’ll all pay off for the Red Raiders. They’re the lone Big 12 team in his Playoff predictions, and they draw Miami as their opponent in Lubbock.

Mario Cristobal brings back a talented squad in 2025, along with a new star at quarterback, with a motivation to make things right. Carson Beck takes over at quarterback, and he’ll be hoping to slay Texas Tech in this scenario.

No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Boise State — Winner faces Clemson

The Crimson Tide will return to the CFP and get there for the first time under Kalen DeBoer. All is right in Tuscaloosa. The pressure is on, but DeBoer has the talent and the mettle to handle it.

Alabama would welcome Boise State to town, marking their second consecutive appearance in the Playoff. Before their move to the Pac-12 next year, the program is looking to finish its final season in the MWC on top of the college football world.

No. 7 Georgia vs. No. 10 Oregon — Winner faces Penn State

The Bulldogs couldn’t overcome their SEC competition this time around, missing out on a bye in the CFP, but they remain a dangerous squad. A lot hinges on QB Gunner Stockton this season.

They’re matched up with a heavyweight opponent in Oregon, returning to the Playoff for the second straight year under Dan Lanning. Dante Moore likely takes over at quarterback after sitting a year to develop, and he’ll be the biggest key to Oregon’s success in 2025.