College Football Playoff Expansion Shifts Team Projections

The expansion of the College Football Playoff in 2024 has increased postseason opportunities, disrupting the longstanding dominance of programs like Alabama, which now finds itself on the playoff bubble under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. SEC analyst Paul Finebaum points out that Alabama is no longer an automatic contender, while South Carolina, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers and benefiting from a favorable schedule, emerges as a potential breakout team for 2025. Sportsbooks currently project Alabama, Texas, and Georgia with the highest SEC win totals at 9.5, while South Carolina, Missouri, Auburn, and Texas A&M are tied at 7.5. Missouri's win total reflects key player departures despite last season's success. In the Big Ten, UCLA is predicted to finish in the lower half with 5.5 wins amid quarterback changes. These updated projections highlight increased uncertainty and shifting expectations ahead of the 2025 college football season.