College Football Playoff 2025 Odds: OSU, Texas Still Favorites After New Format

David

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Post on May 26, 2025

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College Football Playoff 2025 Odds: OSU and Texas Remain Top Contenders Despite Format Shakeup

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is undergoing a significant expansion in 2024, moving from a four-team to a 12-team format. This dramatic change has sent ripples through the college football world, altering recruiting strategies and sparking intense speculation about the future landscape of the sport. But despite the upheaval, some familiar names remain at the top of the 2025 CFP odds: Ohio State and Texas.

The New Format: A Level Playing Field or Increased Chaos?

The expanded 12-team playoff promises a more inclusive postseason, giving more teams a shot at the national championship. However, this also introduces an element of unpredictability. The increased number of games and potential for upsets could drastically alter the pre-season predictions. While powerhouses like Ohio State and Texas are still favored, their path to the championship game will be significantly more challenging. The new format also raises questions about:

• Selection Committee Power: The selection committee's role will be even more crucial in determining the final bracket. Will their choices reflect true merit or introduce bias?
• Conference Dominance: Will the traditional power conferences maintain their dominance, or will we see more representation from Group of Five teams?
• Injury Concerns: The expanded playoff increases the risk of key injuries affecting a team's chances significantly.

Ohio State: Maintaining Momentum

Ohio State consistently ranks among the nation's elite college football programs. Their roster strength, combined with a consistently strong recruiting class, makes them a perennial CFP contender. The Buckeyes' success hinges on their ability to navigate the challenging Big Ten schedule and avoid unexpected setbacks. Their 2025 odds remain strong, fueled by returning talent and the coaching staff's proven track record. However, the increased competition within the expanded playoff presents a new level of challenge. To learn more about the Buckeyes' upcoming season, check out our .

Texas: Back in the Spotlight

Under Coach Sarkisian, Texas has shown signs of returning to its former glory. Their impressive recruiting, coupled with a renewed sense of optimism within the program, has propelled them back into the national spotlight. The Longhorns' inclusion amongst the top contenders for the 2025 CFP is a testament to their upward trajectory. But maintaining this momentum throughout the grueling Big 12 schedule will be vital for their playoff aspirations. Their improved defense and high-powered offense will be critical in their pursuit of a national title. For a deeper dive into the Longhorns' prospects, read our .

Dark Horses and Unexpected Challenges

While Ohio State and Texas remain favorites, the expanded playoff opens the door for unexpected contenders. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and potentially even some rising programs from other conferences could make significant runs. The increased number of teams also means that even a minor slip-up could be costly, making the regular season more critical than ever.

Conclusion: Uncertainty Reigns Supreme

The 2025 CFP odds reflect the current landscape, but the new format introduces a significant layer of uncertainty. While Ohio State and Texas maintain their positions as frontrunners, the expanded playoff creates opportunities for other teams to emerge and challenge for the national championship. The upcoming season will be crucial in shaping the 2025 landscape and confirming (or shattering) these early predictions. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the season unfolds! What are your predictions for the 2025 CFP? Share your thoughts in the comments below.