Preseason Top 25 College Football Playoff Tiers and Rankings
College football season’s almost here, and the buzz is real. The preseason AP Top 25 poll just dropped, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t always tell us which teams are actual title threats.
To clear things up, we put together a tier list that sorts these teams by how likely they are to win it all. The tiers go from S down to F, giving a more honest look at the top 25 and what to expect this season.
S Tier: Legitimate National Title Favorites
The S Tier is for teams everyone agrees are at the top of college football. These programs have the talent, coaching, and resources to really chase the national title.
Ohio State
Ohio State leads the pack here. Their roster is loaded with future NFL draft picks and their starting quarterback is back.
Their schedule’s no joke, but if they make the new 12-team playoff, they’ve got what it takes to go all the way.
Oregon
Oregon’s right up there too. The Ducks have a stacked roster and can compete with anyone.
Their schedule’s a grind, but with this much talent, you can’t count them out.
Georgia
Georgia brings back almost everyone—second-most returning starters in the Power Four. They’re always in the mix, and this year looks no different.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame just missed the playoffs last year. With a returning starting QB and a loaded roster, they’re set up for another run—if they can handle their tough schedule.
Texas
Texas might honestly have the most talented roster in college football. Their quarterback’s back, and so are a bunch of future pros.
The only catch? Their schedule is brutal. Still, they’re a real threat.
Indiana
Indiana comes in as defending champs. They’ve got a lot of starters returning and know what it takes to win.
Miami
Miami rounds out the S Tier. The Hurricanes have a championship-level roster and a starting QB who knows the ropes.
Their path to the playoff might actually be a bit easier than some others up here, so keep an eye on them.
A Tier: Can Win if Things Break Right
A Tier teams are talented and could win it all—if everything goes their way. They just have a few more question marks than the S Tier bunch.
Ole Miss
Ole Miss made the semifinals last season and brings back most of their core. Guys like Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy could make a difference if the team stays healthy.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s defense looks like it could carry them, with six starters returning. The offense, led by John Mateer, still needs to prove itself, but the Sooners have a shot.
LSU
LSU’s got first-round talent at key spots. But with a tough schedule and a few things that need to click, they’re more of a wild card.
B Tier: Have Big Roster Questions but Are Talented Enough
B Tier teams have plenty of talent but some big questions that could hold them back.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is tricky to place. They’re loaded, but with a new-look offensive line and new coordinators, plus a tough schedule, it’s hard to know what to expect.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech probably out-talents most of the Big 12, but can they hang with the best defenses without Brendan Sorsby? That’s the question.
Alabama
Alabama’s defense should be elite. The offense, though, has a lot to prove—especially up front and in the run game.
They’re not the runaway favorites they used to be, but you can’t ignore them.
USC
USC brings back more starters than anyone in the Power Four. The roster’s deep, but the defense needs a big step up, and their schedule is rough.
Michigan
Michigan’s got too much talent to write off. Still, how will Kyle Whittingham handle things in Ann Arbor, and can the passing game develop?
Tennessee
Tennessee’s ceiling is high, but there’s a lot of uncertainty. If Faizon Brandon hits and Jim Knowles can build a top defense, maybe they’re in the mix—but that’s a lot of ifs.
C Tier: Can Win a Playoff Game or Two
C Tier teams could win a playoff game or two but probably won’t go much further.
BYU
BYU’s got more talent than people give them credit for, with a few guys who could get drafted. If Bear Bachmeier steps up at quarterback, the Cougars could surprise some folks.
Washington
Washington always seems to do better than expected. With seven offensive starters back and a strong front seven, plus a player like Demond Williams, they could make some noise.
Penn State
Penn State’s experienced under Matt Campbell. They’re a mix of Big Ten and Iowa State talent, so it’s tough to predict how far they’ll go.
SMU
SMU is a real ACC contender with 11 starters returning. Kevin Jennings is an underrated passer, and the Mustangs could pull off a playoff upset.
D Tier: Could Make the Playoff
D Tier teams might sneak into the playoff but probably won’t do much damage once they’re there.
Utah
Utah’s got enough talent for a playoff bid, but with a new head coach in Morgan Scalley, it’s all a bit theoretical. The offense has a solid floor, but the ceiling? Who knows.
Houston
Houston brings back 12 starters and has a schedule that could work in their favor. Still, it’s hard to say how much impact they’ll really have.
Louisville
Louisville’s conference schedule is pretty favorable, and they’ve got stars on both sides. But with questions at quarterback, it’s tough to see them making a deep playoff run.
F Tier: Would Be a Surprise if They Made the Playoff
F Tier teams would shock everyone if they made the playoff. They’re facing some big obstacles.
Iowa
Iowa always seems to find a way to overachieve, but this year looks rough. With just six starters back and a new quarterback, making the playoff feels like a long shot.
Missouri
Missouri’s been surprising people lately, honestly. Still, they’re staring down a brutally tough schedule this season.
They’ve got a solid offensive line and a decent run game, but everywhere else? It’s a lot of question marks.
Making the playoff feels like a real long shot.
If you want a deeper dive into these rankings, check out the full analysis on CBS Sports.
