NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 4

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 4

Week 4 of the college football season delivered thrilling upsets, dominant performances, and plenty of movement in the playoff picture. Let's break down how the landscape shifted after another exciting Saturday.

The Top Contenders Solidify Their Positions:

• Georgia (4-0): The Bulldogs continue their reign atop the rankings, dismantling their opponents with their characteristic physicality and defensive prowess. Their convincing wins solidify their spot as a top contender for the national championship. Stetson Bennett continues to lead the offense efficiently, and the defense remains a nightmare for opposing teams.

• Michigan (4-0): The Wolverines showed their championship mettle with another strong performance, demonstrating their power running game and a stifling defense. Their consistent dominance keeps them firmly in the playoff conversation. The continued development of their passing game will be key moving forward.

• Ohio State (4-0): The Buckeyes bounced back from a close call last week with a resounding victory. Their explosive offense is capable of putting up points against anyone, but questions remain about their defensive consistency. The upcoming schedule will be a true test of their playoff potential.

The Contenders Gaining Ground:

• Penn State (4-0): The Nittany Lions continue to impress with their balanced offense and strong defense. Their undefeated record and strong performances against ranked opponents puts them in a very strong position. They are quietly making a statement and are a team to watch closely.

• Clemson (4-0): Despite a slow start, the Tigers are finding their rhythm, and their strong defense remains a key asset. While their schedule hasn't been the toughest, their wins are significant. Their consistent performance against tougher opponents will determine their playoff chances.

Teams Facing an Uphill Battle:

• Alabama (3-1): The Crimson Tide suffered a shocking upset, significantly impacting their playoff hopes. While they remain a talented team, they now face a much tougher road to the playoff. Winning out is crucial, and even then, their chances may depend on other teams' performances.

• Texas A&M (3-1): Similar to Alabama, a loss significantly diminishes their playoff hopes. They'll need to win out and hope for chaos among the top teams to have any realistic chance.

The Week 4 Upsets and Their Impact:

This week's biggest surprise was undoubtedly the upset of a top-ranked team. This loss completely reshaped the playoff race, opening doors for other teams and increasing the level of uncertainty. The remaining games in the season will only get more intense and more consequential.

Looking Ahead:

The College Football Playoff picture remains fluid and highly competitive. Upcoming matchups between top-ranked teams will be crucial in determining the final four. Several teams are on the verge of a breakthrough, and any stumble by the top contenders could open the door for a dark horse to emerge. The next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the final playoff standings. Stay tuned for more thrilling college football action!

Key Takeaways:

• Georgia and Michigan remain the frontrunners.
• Penn State and Clemson are climbing the ranks rapidly.
• Alabama and Texas A&M face a long road to recovery.
• The race for the College Football Playoff is far from over, and plenty of drama remains.

What are your predictions for the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments below!