As the 2024 college football season concludes, the anticipation for the 2025 season builds. The College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is beginning to take shape, and while the usual suspects from power conferences are expected to dominate, some surprises are emerging that promise to shake things up. Chief among these surprises is Penn State, which, as of early projections, is poised to lead the race for a CFP spot in 2025. But they’re not the only team making waves. LSU and Oklahoma, typically part of the SEC and Big 12’s elite, are also catching the eye of analysts with their impressive recruitment classes and returning talent.

### **Penn State: The Big Ten’s Rising Force**

Penn State has been a consistent contender in the Big Ten for years, but 2025 could be the year the Nittany Lions break through and establish themselves as the premier program in the conference. Head coach James Franklin has built a program that is not only competitive within the Big Ten but also capable of challenging for a national title. The 2024 season was marked by a series of strong recruiting classes, with Franklin managing to land high-profile recruits that could elevate the program to new heights.

Key to Penn State’s 2025 projections is the return of a number of key players, including quarterback Drew Allar, whose maturity and development throughout the 2024 season have set the stage for a breakout campaign in 2025. Allar has already shown glimpses of brilliance, and with an experienced offensive line, solid running game, and a defense led by one of the nation’s top defensive coordinators, Penn State appears ready to dominate the Big Ten.

While Ohio State and Michigan are always formidable opponents, Penn State has been building a more balanced team that can compete with the best in the country. The Lions’ defensive front seven is arguably one of the best in the country, and the emergence of playmakers on both sides of the ball suggests that Penn State may finally have the depth and talent to take down the perennial conference heavyweights.

Moreover, with the possible expansion of the CFP in 2025 to 12 teams, Penn State finds itself in an even better position to secure a playoff spot. With an undefeated or one-loss season, the Nittany Lions could very well be one of the first four teams selected for the playoff or secure one of the highly coveted spots in the expanded bracket.

### **LSU: An SEC Power on the Rise**

LSU has long been a powerhouse in college football, but after a slight dip in the mid-2020s, it seems the Tigers are back on track. Head coach Brian Kelly has revitalized the LSU program since taking over in 2022, leading them to an SEC Championship game appearance in 2023 and guiding them to a solid finish in the 2024 season. With Kelly’s recruiting prowess and the Tigers’ strong brand of football, LSU is primed for another run at the CFP in 2025.

What makes LSU a particularly intriguing candidate for 2025 is their recruiting and talent pipeline. Players like quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has steadily improved, and wide receiver Malik Nabers, one of the top playmakers in the nation, give LSU an offense capable of keeping up with the elite teams in the country. LSU’s defense, traditionally one of the best in the SEC, is expected to be a major strength once again, with a solid mix of experienced upperclassmen and rising stars.

While the SEC is always a brutal conference, LSU’s potential to make waves in 2025 will depend on their ability to win crucial conference games, particularly against Alabama, Georgia, and the other top-tier SEC teams. If they can emerge from the SEC West with just one or two losses, LSU will be in the hunt for a playoff spot, especially in the expanded CFP format.

The Tigers will need to prove they can compete at a consistently high level against the likes of Alabama and Georgia, two programs that have dominated the SEC and college football in recent years. However, with Kelly at the helm and a roster brimming with talent, LSU is ready to step up and reclaim its place among the elite.

### **Oklahoma: The Big 12 Contender with SEC Ambitions**

Oklahoma’s move to the SEC in 2024 marked a new era for the program, and while many expected the Sooners to struggle initially against their new conference rivals, Oklahoma is already showing signs of being a force to be reckoned with in 2025. Coach Brent Venables has been putting his stamp on the program since taking over, and the Sooner offense, always a potent force, is poised for a dominant year in 2025.

Oklahoma’s quarterback situation is particularly intriguing with the return of a dynamic playmaker who can lead the offense and take advantage of a deep receiving corps. Running backs like Javontae Barnes also provide the Sooners with a balanced offensive attack, complementing a defense that has been steadily improving under Venables’ guidance.

In the SEC, where competition is fierce and the margin for error is thin, Oklahoma will need to show they can win big games against programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. However, the Sooners have long been a team that thrives in high-stakes situations, and their ability to make plays in tight contests will be key in securing a playoff spot.

With the new expanded playoff format set to include more teams, Oklahoma’s chances of making it to the postseason are certainly higher. The Sooners will be able to weather the storm of tough SEC matchups and, with a strong finish to their season, secure one of the 12 coveted playoff spots.

### **The SEC’s Surprising Contenders**

While Alabama and Georgia continue to dominate the SEC, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one where a few surprises emerge from the conference. LSU and Oklahoma are two teams that may not always be considered the front-runners but are capable of making a deep playoff run.

There’s no doubt that the SEC remains the toughest conference in college football, and every team in the league will have to face the reality of playing an extremely tough schedule. However, the 2025 season could see a shake-up in the standings, with LSU and Oklahoma moving into the CFP picture alongside their more established rivals.

### **Conclusion: A 2025 Playoff Picture Full of Surprises**

As we look ahead to the 2025 College Football Playoff, Penn State emerges as a frontrunner from the Big Ten, with an experienced roster and a dynamic coaching staff ready to make a serious push for the championship. Meanwhile, LSU and Oklahoma, both with their unique storylines and strong rosters, have the potential to surprise in the SEC and earn playoff berths.

The expanded playoff format gives more teams a shot at the title, and for programs like Penn State, LSU, and Oklahoma, 2025 represents a golden opportunity to make a deep run. While the usual contenders like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia remain formidable, these up-and-coming programs are ready to challenge for supremacy and change the landscape of college football in ways we haven’t seen in recent years.