Predictions on the College Football Playoff and Championship Contenders

Anticipating the winner of the College Football Playoff this season brings challenges, especially after last year’s surprising outcomes. Texas, ranked No. 1 last preseason, missed the Playoff. Similarly, Penn State and Clemson, ranked No. 2 and No. 4, faced off in the Pinstripe Bowl, ending unranked. Currently, Ohio State holds the top spot in both the AP Top 25 and coaches poll, also having favorable championship odds according to Austin Mock’s CFP Predictor. Despite this, The Athletic’s college football staff does not favor Ohio State.

Staff and Reader Predictions

Polling 31 writers and editors alongside over 2,000 readers, The Athletic gathered insights into potential national champions, Power 4 championship victors, Playoff teams, and Heisman Trophy winners. Here’s a look at the results and some bold predictions.

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Stewart Mandel and his team of contributors shared their thoughts on who might clinch the national title. The staff leaned heavily towards Notre Dame, with 13 of 31 predicting their victory. Despite being ranked No. 4 and No. 5 in the AP and coaches polls respectively, the staff believes Notre Dame’s skilled defense, led by All-American Leonard Moore, and a strong quarterback in CJ Carr, position them well for success. Marcus Freeman’s experience from previous seasons bolsters Notre Dame’s prospects, and their favorable schedule reduces the likelihood of missing the CFP barring any significant mishaps.

Other contenders like Oregon, Ohio State, Miami, Texas, Indiana, and Georgia also received staff votes. Oregon is noted for their talent and readiness to secure a championship, built on the foundation of a strong team led by Dante Moore. Ohio State’s high talent concentration and challenging upcoming schedule present their case according to Chris Kamrani. Miami’s improved offensive depth and defense are also highlighted by Manny Navarro. Texas’ potential with key players, despite coach Steve Sarkisian’s scrutiny, is another point of interest.

Heisman Trophy Contenders

Predicting the Heisman winner remains unpredictable. Ohio State’s receiver Jeremiah Smith leads the prediction list, despite finishing sixth in the previous race. His stats boast 163 catches, 2,558 yards, and 27 touchdowns in two seasons. Yet, Heisman traditionally favors quarterbacks, hence other notable candidates include Oregon’s Dante Moore, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Texas’ Arch Manning, and others. Predictions indicate a competitive race with multiple potential winners.

Power 4 Conference Championships

Evaluating the Power 4 conferences, predictions vary. Miami is a strong choice for the ACC title, supported by their offensive revamp. Texas Tech, after their top-10 finish last year, is the Big 12 favorite. Meanwhile, Oregon emerges as a Big Ten favorite due to their consistent performance despite Ohio State’s historic dominance in the conference. In the SEC, Texas is favored by the staff but readers and models differ, favoring Georgia.

College Football Playoff Predictions

Staff unanimously picked Notre Dame and Oregon for Playoff spots with high hopes for Ohio State, Texas, and Miami. Interestingly, 34 teams received Playoff votes, showcasing the unpredictable and fluctuating nature of college football.

Bold Predictions

Staff members submitted unexpected forecasts for the season. Bruce Feldman foresees Miami’s Malachi Toney achieving a unique feat across multiple scoring facets in one game. Other bold ideas include Cal’s potential standout season, surprising Playoff qualifiers, and strategic conference decisions affecting future league structures. These predictions underscore the inherent uncertainties and excitement surrounding college football.