College Football Media Preseason National Champion predictions reflect unpredictability of 2025 season

The College Football Playoff semifinals have been set with Indiana, Miami, Ole Miss, and Oregon competing for the national championship. The 2025 season has seen unexpected developments, with many preseason favorites either exiting the playoff early or not qualifying. Oregon is the sole team remaining from 50 preseason predictions compiled by On3, with only Taylor Lewan and Rick Neuheisel having picked the Ducks to win the title.

Penn State and Texas, both heavily favored with 12 predictions each to win the championship, fell short. Penn State ended the season 7-6 and dismissed head coach James Franklin, while Texas finished 10-4 and missed the playoff. Clemson and LSU, each receiving six predictions, also struggled with 7-6 records, leading to LSU firing head coach Brian Kelly.

Alabama, predicted by five media members to win the championship, advanced to the SEC Championship and won a CFP first-round game but was defeated by Indiana in the quarterfinals. Ohio State,