Shifting Tides in the CFP Race After Week 6
The College Football Playoff (CFP) picture for 2025 is becoming clearer after an action-packed Week 6, with major upsets shaking up the projected field. Teams like Penn State and Texas, once considered strong contenders, have stumbled, opening the door for others to make their case. According to recent analyses, Ohio State and Miami are emerging as top seeds, while surprises like Oklahoma and Ole Miss are gaining traction.
The chaos of Week 6 saw significant losses that reshaped the postseason outlook. Penn State's collapse and Texas's struggles have dropped them from the conversation for now, with projections indicating they may not even host first-round games. Meanwhile, teams on the bubble are under intense scrutiny as every game becomes critical in the expanded 12-team playoff format.
Bubble Teams to Watch in Each Conference
In the SEC, Alabama remains a favorite despite challenges, holding strong as a top contender alongside Texas A&M and Tennessee. Ole Miss, previously on the bubble, has surged into contention with a solid performance, positioning itself as a potential playoff team. Georgia, however, faces questions after inconsistent play, and will need to string together wins to secure a spot.
The Big Ten sees Ohio State leading the charge, with Oregon and Oklahoma also making strong cases for inclusion. Indiana and Notre Dame are among the bubble teams hoping to capitalize on any further stumbles by higher-ranked squads. In the ACC, Miami's undefeated record keeps them at the forefront, while Clemson’s recent setbacks have pushed them closer to the edge of playoff contention.
Other conferences are not without their dark horses. Memphis, currently undefeated, could lock up a spot as the fifth-highest projected conference champion, earning the No. 12 seed in some projections. These bubble teams across leagues have their work cut out for them as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Playoff Hopefuls
As the season moves forward, every matchup carries heightened importance for teams on the bubble. Analysts note that consistency will be key for programs like Texas A&M and Ole Miss to solidify their standing, while fallen giants like Penn State and Texas must rebound quickly to salvage their postseason hopes. The next few weeks will likely see even more shakeups as conference play intensifies.
Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on how these narratives unfold. With the expanded playoff format offering more opportunities, the race for the 12 spots is tighter than ever, promising an exciting finish to the 2025 college football season.