Five teams could surprise in 2025 College Football Playoff

The 2025 College Football Playoff is set to expand, giving more teams a chance at success. Arizona State surprised everyone last season by going from last in their conference to College Football Playoff champions. This has raised hopes for several other teams that might follow a similar path in 2025. One team that could make a big leap is Washington. After a tough 2024 season, they ended up with a 6-7 record. Coach Jedd Fisch is optimistic. Freshman quarterback Demond Williams showed promise in key games, and defensive additions from former players could boost the team's performance. Florida State is another team to watch. Their 2-10 record last year was disappointing. However, they have made significant changes, bringing in new talent, including quarterback Tommy Castellanos. If they can turn things around on offense, they might bounce back. Kansas also had a rocky 2024 with a 5-7 record. Their quarterback struggled early but improved later in the season. They almost beat several ranked teams, which shows they have potential. However, they will need to fill gaps at key positions moving forward. Auburn finished with the same 5-7 record and also faces challenges. Their offense improved last year, but their quarterback situation remains uncertain. Coach Hugh Freeze has brought in competition, which may help the team perform better. Finally, Houston had a rough season with a 4-8 record. Their defense was strong, but the offense struggled. They have added talent from the transfer portal, including a promising quarterback. If they can elevate their offensive performance, they could see better results in 2025.