By As we dive into Week 5, the exciting college football season has unveiled clear frontrunners. Georgia and Ohio State maintain dominance, yet other potential contenders eagerly await their moment to shine.
Let’s take a closer look at the top teams and their chances of winning the College Football Championship in 2025.
Ohio State
Ohio State appears to have everything clicking this season, making a strong case for their top favoritism in the College Football Championship race.
Although their schedule has been relatively light, consisting only of MAC opponents, the Buckeyes have embraced the “no easy wins” ethos and turned their matchups into dominant exhibitions.
Their impressive 108-6 combined score against Akron and Western Michigan reveals an offensive unit that’s finding chemistry quickly, with new stars Jeremiah Smith and Will Howard integrating seamlessly into Ryan Day’s system.
Notably, Quinshon Judkins, the transfer from Ole Miss, showcased his skills remarkably in a powerful performance against Western Michigan. He drove the Buckeyes’ rushing game to new heights, leaving fans excited for what’s to come.
However, it’s the stalwart defense that truly underpins Ohio State’s championship credentials. Limiting Western Michigan to only 99 total yards reflects a well-oiled defensive line, complemented by a secondary that ranks in the nation’s top five.
Despite yet to face a playoff-caliber opponent, the Buckeyes’ blend of explosive offense and unyielding defense positions them as a formidable force with the best NCAAF betting odds of +340.
Georgia
Georgia’s face-off against Kentucky in Week 3 sparked concerns about their vulnerability, especially since the Bulldogs barely eked out a 13-12 win. The spotlight was on Carson Beck, who struggled, recording one of his career’s weakest performances.
Despite this and accumulating just 262 total yards, there’s a silver lining—the Bulldogs’ defense remains impenetrable. Ranked fifth in SP+, they effectively silenced Kentucky’s passing attack, limiting former backup Brock Vandagriff to a mere 114 yards, even with key defensive players like All-American candidate Mykel Williams missing the game. Jalon Walker admirably filled this void, demonstrating Georgia’s defensive depth.
Offensively, however, Georgia faces challenges. The absence of a dynamic pass-catcher and a lackluster performance from their offensive line are pressing issues further complicated by star guard Tate Ratledge’s exit due to injury.
Georgia’s strength lies in their formidable defense, but to solidify their championship bid, their offense must rise to the occasion.
Texas
The buzz in Austin is undeniable as Texas faces an intriguing quarterback situation after the Week 3 matchup against UTSA. Quinn Ewers, the Heisman favorite after his stellar Week 2 performance, seemed poised to continue his impressive run before being sidelined with an abdominal injury.
The good news for Longhorn fans is that Ewers’ injury isn’t severe, and he’s expected to be back for the much-anticipated Red River Rivalry on October 12. However, his absence opened the door for Arch Manning, who entered the game and left a huge impression with a scintillating display.
Manning’s debut was nothing short of electric, throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass and sprinting 67 yards for another score. Despite the modest competition, his 90% adjusted completion rate and five touchdowns speak volumes.
Freshman Ryan Wingo and Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond were dynamic weapons on the field, amplifying Texas’s offensive prowess. With a defense tallying 12 tackles for loss, Texas’s balanced dominance sees them ranked third in SP+. As Steve Sarkisian navigates this QB conundrum, the Longhorns are a team to watch with anticipation.
