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5 Likely Teams to Make First College Football Playoff
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. With the new college football season kicking off in less than a month, many of the 138 FBS teams, if not all, are dreaming of making the 12-team playoff field.
The days of the same 4-5 teams at the top are gone, and last season showed that a 12-team field will have noticeable turnover. Numerous teams came close to the College Football Playoff last year, and one of those is particularly itching for another such.
Here's a look at five teams that could break through to the CFP.
The Trojans have an explosive offense, and the team improved enough physically in Big Ten play last year to merit confidence that a CFP birth is realistic. USC has a dynamic quarterback in Jayden Maiava, and the Trojans' defense should make strides under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
The Cougars have unfinished business after a 12-2 season and a No. 12 ranking in the final CFP poll. BYU has a stellar quarterback in Bear Bachmeier and a strong running back in L.J. Martin. On defense, the Cougars have quite the crew of linebackers with Cade Uluave, Isaiah Glasker and Siale Esera.
The Cardinals look to build off of a strong transfer portal and make a run at the ACC crown. Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown are talented running backs, and wide receiver Lawayne McCoy is a big addition. Defensively, the Cardinals have one of the best pass rushes around with defensive ends A.J. Green and Clev Lubin.
Similar to USC, the Gators are a storied program that will look to get the CFP monkey off its back. Florida has a new head coach in Jon Sumrall, who led Tulane to the CFP last year. The Gators have a talented running back in Jadan Baugh, and the defense has a good crew of linebackers in Aaron Chiles, Jaden Robinson and Myles Graham.
The Bison didn't petition the NCAA to lift the two-year transition postseason ban for just a bowl game appearance. Bison quarterback Nathan Hayes sat behind two NFL quarterbacks before starting this year, running back D.J. Scott should keep the lineage of 1,000-yard running backs going. If the defense keeps up last year's takeaway pace of 28 in 13 games, the Bison could sneak into the CFP this year.
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