Historic Shake-Up: Eight New Teams Eye College Football Playoffs

The college football landscape is shifting fast as the 2025 season pushes into November. For years, the College Football Playoff (CFP) felt like a private club for powerhouses like Alabama and Clemson.

But with the new 12-team playoff format that rolled out last year, more programs have a real shot. This season, we might see at least six—maybe more—first-time playoff teams.

Let’s take a closer look at the new contenders, wild performances, and all the chaos shaking up college football right now.

Emerging Contenders in the SEC

The SEC is where things get especially interesting. Alabama has ruled the roost for ages, but now it looks like the conference is in the middle of a changing of the guard.

Texas A&M: A Rising Powerhouse

Texas A&M is sitting at No. 3 after absolutely rolling over LSU, 49-25. The Aggies are undefeated so far, and when they play No. 22 Texas in a month, it’ll probably be all about playoff seeding.

Ole Miss: Knocking on the Door

Ole Miss, ranked No. 8, is right there in the playoff mix. The Rebels just beat No. 13 Oklahoma 34-26 to move to 7-1.

Their schedule isn’t too daunting from here, so unless something weird happens, they’re in great shape.

Vanderbilt: A Historic Season

No. 10 Vanderbilt is having a season no one saw coming. They’ve got a 7-1 record after a gritty 17-10 win over No. 15 Missouri.

If they can knock off Texas or Tennessee and handle Auburn and Kentucky, they’ll probably punch their first-ever playoff ticket.

First-Time Contenders Beyond the SEC

The shake-up isn’t just an SEC thing. Other conferences are watching new faces rise, too.

Group of 5: A New Representative

With Boise State out, the Group of 5 conferences are set to send someone new to the playoffs. Memphis, Tulane, Navy, North Texas, and USF are all fighting for that spot.

Memphis just edged out USF 34-31, which could end up being huge.

ACC: New Faces in the Mix

Clemson and Florida State aren’t in the picture, so the ACC will have a fresh playoff team. Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia, Louisville, and Pitt are all still alive after wins last weekend.

Big 12: A Competitive Field

The Big 12 is a bit of a free-for-all. BYU, Texas Tech, Utah, and Houston are all in the hunt.

BYU, especially, has been impressive—they’re 8-0 and showing no signs of slowing down.

Notable Performances and Coaches on the Hot Seat

Some individual stories and coaching drama have definitely added spice to the season.

Brian Kelly’s Firing at LSU

LSU firing Brian Kelly has been a hot topic. The Tigers are 5-3, and with Alabama and Oklahoma coming up, it’s not looking any easier.

Kelly’s buyout is north of $50 million, but the noise from fans and social media is impossible to ignore.

Steve Sarkisian’s NFL Aspirations

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has apparently been poking around for NFL head-coaching jobs, including the Titans. Meanwhile, his No. 22 Texas squad just barely survived Mississippi State, winning 45-38 in overtime.

Shane Beamer’s Future

South Carolina’s Shane Beamer could be eyeing the Virginia Tech job. The Gamecocks played No. 4 Alabama tough but still lost 29-22, dropping them to 3-5.

Standout Games and Key Moments

It’s been a season packed with wild games and moments that could decide who gets in.

Memphis vs. USF

Memphis staged a wild 17-0 fourth-quarter comeback to stun No. 18 USF 34-31. That win puts them right in the thick of the Group of 5 playoff chase.

Virginia’s Nail-Biting Wins

No. 16 Virginia just keeps finding ways to win close ones. They’re 7-1 after edging North Carolina 17-16.

They’ve already pulled out three overtime wins this year, which says a lot about their grit.

BYU’s Undefeated Run

No. 11 BYU keeps rolling, still undefeated after beating Iowa State 41-27. They lost their starting QB before the season, but freshman Bear Bachmeier has stepped up in a big way.

Now, the Cougars are 8-0 and feeling pretty good about their chances.

Conclusion

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one for the history books.
With the expanded playoff format, new teams are emerging as serious contenders.

Some of the old powerhouses aren’t looking quite as untouchable anymore.
Honestly, it’s hard to remember a year that felt this unpredictable.

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