College Football Playoff Prediction: CBS Sports projects first CFP Top 25 after Week 3

Three weeks are in the books in the 2025 college football season. CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford has updated his College Football Playoff projections are the weekend that was.

Multiple teams made undeniable statements in Week 3. Georgia survived against Tennessee in a hostile environment, and Texas A&M got their lick back against Notre Dame. Elsewhere, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State stayed the course, while others like Clemson suffered a demoralizing defeat that might’ve ended their hopes.

Regardless, it’s early, but we have an idea of which teams will contend for the Playoff based on the past three weeks. Check out Crawford’s full projections for the Top 25 below, and see where CBS Sports believes your team currently stands. 

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten Champion)

Ohio State overcame a slow start in Week 3 to roll past Ohio 37-9, moving to 3-0. Julian Sayin battled through two interceptions, while Jeremiah Smith scored twice and Carnell Tate and Max Klare each added touchdown grabs to keep the Buckeyes undefeated.

Crawford: “Ohio State would certainly accept a loss if it meant another run through the bracket ending in Ryan Day’s second straight national championship. In this projection, the Buckeyes garner top billing after losing to Penn State in the regular season before taking out the Nittany Lions in Indianapolis to win the conference.”

2. Miami Hurricanes (ACC Champion)

Miami dominated USF from start to finish in Week 3, showing they’re on another level despite the Bulls’ earlier success. Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, while Carson Beck accounted for four scores despite two interceptions, as the Hurricanes prepare to host Florida next.

Crawford: “If a 49-12 victory over previously-unbeaten South Florida wasn’t enough to get you believing in this Hurricanes, perhaps a win at Florida State will push you over the hump in a couple of weeks. This squad has looked dominant on both sides of the football and offseason transfer Carson Beck is a Heisman frontrunner after his 340-yard, four-touchdown effort in Saturday’s win.”

3. LSU Tigers (SEC Champion)

LSU beat Florida 20-10 behind a dominant defensive effort that forced five interceptions and left DJ Lagway frustrated. Brian Kelly brushed off offensive struggles afterward, pointing simply to the scoreboard, but they’re going to need more out of Garrett Nussmeier.

Crawford: “The Tigers’ defense is elite, that much we know, after swiping five interceptions and scoring a touchdown in Saturday’s win over Florida. The season-opening victory at Clemson is not as sexy as it once looked, but Kelly’s not going to care about how that one’s interpreted.”

4. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State rolled past Villanova 52-6, continuing their dominant start to the season. Their biggest test comes in two weeks against Oregon, a matchup that could push James Franklin’s squad to new heights with a win.

Crawford: “The Nittany Lions host Oregon later this month and travel to Ohio State during the season’s second half. Those are the defining games on the schedule for James Franklin, whose team is capable of getting through their schedule without a loss if an elite Drew Allar shows up in those matchups.”

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia topped Tennessee in overtime, extending their streak to nine straight wins over the Vols. Gunner Stockton shined with 304 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score, showing the Bulldogs may have a true star on their hands.

Crawford: “Georgia’s resume may include more quality wins than Penn State, but one fewer loss for the Nittany Lions may garner a slightly better seed at season’s end. The Bulldogs looked the part in Saturday’s win at Tennessee, especially Gunner Stockton, who silenced critics with several big-time throws in the second half.”

6. Oregon Ducks

Oregon faces a huge test at Penn State in two weeks after another dominant showing against Northwestern. Dan Lanning’s Ducks are cruising, running through their opponents once again and making a strong case to return to the Playoff for another season.

Crawford: “Dan Lanning’s team is lethal once again. If they’re able to conquer Penn State at Beaver Stadium at the end of the month, the Ducks will be favored to run through the Big Ten gauntlet for the second consecutive season without a loss.”

7. Florida State Seminoles

Florida State’s early season success stayed fresh on the mind despite a bye week, as they continue their impressive turnaround from last year’s 2-10 season. The Seminoles host Kent State this weekend before opening ACC play against Virginia.

Crawford: “If Florida State beats Kent State and Virginia over the next two weekends, the Seminoles will be hosting an unbeaten Hurricanes team in Tallahassee in arguably the biggest home game of Mike Norvell’s tenure. That could certainly be Miami’s first loss if Tommy Castellanos and the Florida State offense finds big plays that afternoon.”

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12 Champion)

Texas Tech continued its dominant start to the 2025 season with a 45–14 victory over Oregon State, improving to 3–0. Quarterback Behren Morton led the charge, throwing for 442 yards and four touchdowns, while J’Koby Williams contributed both a receiving and rushing touchdown.

Crawford: “The Red Raiders’ showdown at Utah this weekend in the conference opener for both teams is paramount to each program’s possible march to the league title game. Texas Tech’s had no issues moving the football at will early, but the Red Raiders haven’t faced a pass rush yet quite like what the Utes will bring.”

9. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois shut out Western Michigan 38-0 to move to 3-0 and hold their Top 10 spot in the AP Poll. Luke Altmyer passed for 196 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score, and Kaden Feagin led the ground game with 100 yards and a touchdown.

Crawford: “The schedule’s setting up nicely for the Illini if they’re able to beat nationally-ranked Indiana this weekend. USC and Ohio State would be the only other worries the rest of the way and Illinois gets both of those teams at home. Getting to 11 wins in the Big Ten would undoubtedly warrant an at-large berth and depending on league tiebreakers, may get Illinois into the conference title game.”

10. Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M edged Notre Dame 41-40 on the road, marking a huge win for Mike Elko and his squad. The Aggies’ stock is soaring behind strong performances from Marcel Reed and Le’Veon Moss, who ran for 86 yards and three touchdowns.

Crawford: “Welcome to the party, Aggies. Mike Elko has a signature win this season after Texas A&M’s comeback victory at Notre Dame. Marcel Reed is one of the most underrated players nationally and his dual-threat abilities on third down makes this team a serious contender near the top of the SEC.”

CBS Sports’ CFP Top 25 projections — Nos. 11-25:

11. Oklahoma Sooners
12. South Florida Bulls (Group of Five Champion)
13. Alabama Crimson Tide
14. Tennessee Volunteers
15. Texas Longhorns
16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
17. Tulane Green Wave
18. Iowa State Cyclones
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers
20. USC Trojans
21. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
22. Utah Utes
23. Ole Miss Rebels
24. Indiana Hoosiers
25. Missouri Tigers

CBS Sports’ projected 2025 College Football Playoff bracket:

• No. 12 USF at No. 5 Georgia (winner plays No. 4 Penn State)
• No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 6 Oregon (winner plays No. 3 Miami)
• No. 10 Texas A&M at No. 7 Florida State (winner plays No. 2 LSU)
• No. 9 Illinois at No. 8 Texas Tech (winner plays No. 1 Ohio State)