The college football playoff landscape has been reshaped after Week 6, with Miami and Ohio State emerging as the top seeds in updated projections, while several preseason favorites have been eliminated. The 2025 college football season witnessed significant turmoil in Week 6, leading to major changes in the projected College Football Playoff field. Key losses by Texas, Penn State, and Clemson created opportunities for other teams to climb into the top 12. The hypothetical bracket, based on current standings and performance, reflects a new hierarchy dominated by consistent performers and surprise contenders.
Miami solidified its position as the No. 1 seed after a hard-fought victory over Florida State, enhancing its résumé as the likely ACC champion. Ohio State follows closely at No. 2, boasting an undefeated record and a defense that has been nearly impenetrable, allowing just 25 points through five games. Oregon rounds out the top three, benefiting from other teams’ setbacks and maintaining its perfect start. These teams have capitalized on the chaos to establish themselves as front-runners for the playoff.
The SEC demonstrates its depth with six teams in the projection, including Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. Alabama, despite an early loss, has rebounded and is positioned as a potential conference champion. Texas, a preseason favorite, fell out after a loss to Florida, highlighting the volatility in the league. The conference’s strength means multiple teams could secure at-large bids, with LSU re-entering the conversation but facing a challenging schedule ahead.
In the Big Ten, Indiana and Michigan are in the mix, with the Hoosiers eyeing a critical matchup against Oregon that could define their season. Michigan, led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, has won three consecutive games and could challenge Ohio State in the regular-season finale. The conference’s competitive balance means every game carries playoff implications, and surprises like Indiana’s rise add to the unpredictability.
The Big 12 is represented by Texas Tech as the projected champion, with BYU also in contention. Texas Tech has a straightforward path to the conference title game, but upcoming games against tough opponents will test their mettle. Meanwhile, Group of 5 teams like Memphis and Tulane are vying for the automatic bid, with Memphis currently leading thanks to an undefeated record. These teams must navigate their schedules carefully to maintain their playoff hopes.
Several bubble teams, such as LSU and USC, are on the cusp of breaking into the top 12. LSU re-entered the conversation after Penn State’s loss but faces a challenging schedule ahead. USC, despite a strong start, needs statement wins to secure a spot, with key games against Michigan and Notre Dame on the horizon. The selection committee will closely monitor these teams’ performances in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, critical matchups will determine the final playoff field. The first College Football Playoff rankings in November will provide more clarity, but for now, the projections underscore the unpredictability of college football. With the expanded 12-team format, more teams have a shot, but the competition for at-large bids is fiercer than ever. Fans can expect more twists and turns as the race for the championship intensifies.