NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 1

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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09-01-2025

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NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 1

Week 1 of the NCAA football season is in the books, and while it's early, the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is already starting to take shape. Some teams solidified their positions as contenders, while others face an uphill battle. Let's break down the key takeaways and what we learned from the opening weekend.

The Usual Suspects Emerge:

Several teams expected to contend for a CFP spot started strong.

• Georgia: The reigning national champions dominated their opener, showcasing the same dominant defense and explosive offense that carried them to the title. Their performance solidified their position at the top of many early rankings. Their convincing win significantly boosted their CFP chances.

• Alabama: Despite a closer-than-expected game, Alabama emerged victorious, demonstrating the resilience that's become their trademark. While not as dominant as Georgia, their victory keeps them firmly in the CFP conversation. Their offensive firepower remains a major threat.

• Michigan: Michigan continued their strong run, showcasing a powerful rushing attack and a stifling defense. Their performance cemented their status as a Big Ten powerhouse and a serious CFP contender. A decisive win over a tough opponent strengthens their early CFP claim.

Surprises and Setbacks:

Week 1 also brought some unexpected results that impacted the CFP race:

• Upsets: Several ranked teams suffered surprising losses, shaking up the early rankings and the CFP outlook. These upsets highlight the unpredictable nature of college football and remind us that it's far too early to definitively rule anyone out – or in.

• Close Calls: Some top teams escaped with narrow victories, raising questions about their consistency and potential vulnerabilities. These nail-biting wins, while ultimately victories, might raise concerns among CFP selectors regarding their overall strength.

The Contenders:

Beyond the usual suspects, several teams put themselves in the CFP conversation with impressive performances in Week 1. These teams will need to maintain their momentum throughout the season to stay in the race. Their performances in Week 1 are promising but far from definitive.

Looking Ahead:

The CFP race is a marathon, not a sprint. Week 1 offered a glimpse into the potential contenders, but much remains to be decided. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which teams can maintain their early momentum and which will falter under pressure. Key matchups and conference games will shape the playoff picture significantly.

Key Factors to Watch:

• Conference Dominance: Winning your conference is often a prerequisite for a CFP berth. Dominating conference play will be essential for teams hoping to reach the playoff.

• Strength of Schedule: Playing and defeating strong opponents throughout the season will significantly boost a team's CFP resume.

• Head-to-Head Results: If multiple teams are vying for a limited number of CFP spots, head-to-head results will likely be a deciding factor.

Week 1 provided a thrilling start to the college football season, offering a glimpse into the teams poised to compete for a national championship. While the CFP picture is still blurry, the early results certainly provide plenty of intrigue and excitement for the weeks and months to come. The race is on!