Too Early Top 25: Matches that determine whether a team’s season succeeds or fails
The college football landscape is defined by the season’s pivotal moments—the games that can make or break a team’s ambitions. The “Too-Early” Top 25 rankings offer a snapshot of where teams stand heading into the season, but it’s the matchups that will ultimately shape their destinies. Whether it’s a rivalry game, a conference showdown, or a critical non-conference test, each game carries the weight of a season’s hopes and dreams.
As teams across the country prepare for the 2025 season, here’s a breakdown of the top games that will determine whether each team in the Too-Early Top 25 succeeds or falls short of expectations. Some of these contests are marquee matchups with national implications, while others are critical for playoff hopefuls looking to solidify their credentials. Every one of these games will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of each team’s season.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Game to Watch: SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama
Georgia enters the 2025 season as one of the top contenders for another College Football Playoff appearance and a potential third consecutive national championship. However, their fate will largely be decided in the SEC Championship Game against Alabama. While Georgia has dominated the SEC in recent years, Alabama always seems to be lurking, and a loss to the Crimson Tide would likely knock Georgia out of the playoff race. This game will test Georgia’s ability to continue their dynasty in the toughest conference in the country. A win here secures a spot in the playoff and boosts their chances of repeating as national champions.
2. Michigan Wolverines
Game to Watch: at Ohio State
Michigan has taken the upper hand in their rivalry with Ohio State over the past few seasons, but in 2025, the Buckeyes will be looking to reclaim their dominance. A win for Michigan at Ohio State would solidify their position atop the Big Ten, likely guaranteeing a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, a loss could derail their hopes of winning the conference and securing a playoff bid. The rivalry always has high stakes, and this game will determine whether Michigan can build on its recent success or if Ohio State will bounce back to reclaim supremacy.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Game to Watch: at Michigan
For Ohio State, their entire season is often judged by their performance against Michigan, and 2025 will be no different. With a new quarterback likely taking the reins for the Buckeyes, this game will be critical to determine if Ohio State has reasserted itself as the dominant force in the Big Ten. A win at Michigan would not only keep their playoff hopes alive but could also provide them with the confidence to make a run at the national championship. On the other hand, another loss to Michigan could prevent them from making the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
Game to Watch: at LSU
While Alabama’s game against Georgia in the SEC Championship is likely to be the defining moment of their season, the regular-season showdown against LSU is equally important. Tiger Stadium is one of the toughest venues in college football, and a loss to LSU would put Alabama in a precarious position in the SEC West. Alabama’s ability to win this road game will determine if they can maintain a path toward the SEC Championship and playoff contention. With Alabama’s dynasty on the line, this game could ultimately be the difference between a successful season and a disappointing finish.
5. LSU Tigers
Game to Watch: vs. Alabama
LSU’s ability to compete for the SEC West title in 2025 will depend heavily on their matchup with Alabama. Coach Brian Kelly has made significant strides with the program, but the road to the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff will likely go through Alabama. If LSU can secure a win against the Crimson Tide, they will position themselves as serious contenders for both the SEC and a playoff berth. This game will test LSU’s mettle against one of the premier programs in the country and could elevate them to national title contender status.
6. Florida State Seminoles
Game to Watch: vs. Clemson
Florida State’s 2025 season could be defined by their matchup against Clemson. The Seminoles have made great strides under head coach Mike Norvell, and to reach the College Football Playoff, they’ll need to take down perennial ACC powerhouse Clemson. The game will likely decide the ACC Championship race and could put Florida State in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth. A win over Clemson would signal that Florida State is ready to contend on the national stage, while a loss would likely leave them on the outside looking in.
7. USC Trojans
Game to Watch: vs. Oregon
USC has built a potent offense under Lincoln Riley, but their defense has often been a weak point. In 2025, they will face a major test when they host Oregon, a team that is rising quickly in the Pac-12. This matchup will have significant implications in both the Pac-12 and the College Football Playoff race. If USC can defeat Oregon, they will solidify themselves as the team to beat in the Pac-12. However, a loss could expose their defensive vulnerabilities and damage their playoff hopes.
8. Washington Huskies
Game to Watch: at Oregon
For Washington, a win at Oregon in 2025 could go a long way toward securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Ducks are one of the toughest teams in the Pac-12, and beating them in Eugene would be a statement victory. Washington’s high-powered offense will be tested by Oregon’s physical defense, making this game one of the biggest of the season. A victory would propel Washington into the national conversation, while a loss could send them into a tailspin and harm their playoff chances.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
Game to Watch: at Michigan
Penn State is a team on the rise, and to prove they belong in the conversation for a national title, they must find a way to beat Michigan on the road. A win in this early-season matchup would put Penn State in a strong position to challenge for the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, Michigan has been a tough opponent for Penn State in recent years, and a loss here would likely leave the Nittany Lions on the outside looking in for the playoff race.
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Game to Watch: at USC
Notre Dame’s game against USC in 2025 is a must-watch for both teams. USC’s potent offense presents a significant challenge for the Fighting Irish, and a win in this high-profile matchup could give Notre Dame a major boost in their quest for a playoff berth. The game will test Notre Dame’s ability to compete with the top programs in college football, and a loss could derail their hopes of reaching the playoff and securing a spot in a major bowl game.
11. Tennessee Volunteers
Game to Watch: vs. Alabama
Tennessee’s season will hinge on their performance against Alabama in 2025. After a thrilling win over the Crimson Tide in 2024, the Volunteers will look to prove that their success is not a one-year fluke. Beating Alabama would solidify Tennessee’s standing as one of the top teams in the SEC and keep them in the playoff race. A loss, however, would make it difficult for the Volunteers to secure a spot in the playoff, especially with the loaded SEC schedule.
12. Texas Longhorns
Game to Watch: vs. Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry)
Texas’ annual Red River Rivalry game against Oklahoma is always one of the most important on their schedule. After joining the SEC in 2024, the Longhorns will need a statement win to prove they belong among the conference elite. A victory over the Sooners in this rivalry game could propel Texas into SEC contention, while a loss could expose weaknesses that prevent them from reaching their potential.
13. Oregon Ducks
Game to Watch: vs. Washington
Oregon’s game against Washington in 2025 will be a key determinant of their conference and playoff aspirations. The Ducks’ defense will need to step up against Washington’s explosive offense, and this game could provide a preview of who will ultimately represent the Pac-12 in the College Football Playoff. A win over Washington would position Oregon as one of the top teams in the country, while a loss could harm their playoff hopes.
14. Ole Miss Rebels
Game to Watch: at Alabama
Lane Kiffin’s squad will face their toughest test when they travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama. Ole Miss has been a formidable SEC contender, but they have yet to defeat Alabama in recent years. A win in this game would not only elevate Ole Miss in the SEC standings but could put them in contention for a playoff spot. A loss, however, would likely end their hopes of competing for a national championship.
15. TCU Horned Frogs
Game to Watch: at Texas
For TCU to continue their momentum from last season’s CFP run, they’ll need to prove themselves in their road game against Texas. A victory here would not only keep TCU in the hunt for a Big 12 title but also put them in the playoff discussion. A loss, however, could tarnish their chances and make it difficult to recover in a competitive conference.
16. Arizona State Sun Devils
Game to Watch: vs. Oregon
Arizona State’s rise in the Pac-12 will face a significant test when they host Oregon. A win would place the Sun Devils among the conference’s top teams, while a loss could send them back into mediocrity. The Pac-12 is stacked with talent in 2025, and Arizona State must rise to the occasion to prove they are a legitimate contender.
17. Wisconsin Badgers
Game to Watch: at Iowa
Wisconsin’s game against Iowa will likely determine the winner of the Big Ten West division. Iowa has always been a tough, disciplined team, and Wisconsin will need to outperform them on the road to stay in the race for a Big Ten title. A win would place Wisconsin in a favorable position for the playoff, while a loss could keep them out of contention.
18. Oklahoma Sooners
Game to Watch: vs. Texas (Red River Rivalry)
Oklahoma’s annual showdown with Texas is as important as ever, especially with both teams looking to rise to national prominence. A win in this rivalry game would position Oklahoma as a legitimate contender in the Big 12 and beyond. A loss, however, would likely leave them out of the playoff race and hinder their ability to challenge for a conference title.
19. Utah Utes
Game to Watch: at USC
Utah’s game against USC in 2025 will be critical for their aspirations of winning the Pac-12 and making a playoff run. USC’s offense presents a major challenge, and Utah will need to prove they can keep up with the Trojans on the road. A win would place them firmly in the Pac-12 title race, while a loss could dampen their playoff hopes.
20. North Carolina Tar Heels
Game to Watch: vs. Clemson
North Carolina’s performance against Clemson will determine their ability to contend for the ACC title. A win could catapult them into the playoff race, while a loss would likely knock them out of contention.
21. Kansas State Wildcats
Game to Watch: vs. Texas
Kansas State will face their biggest challenge of the season when they host Texas. A win would keep them in the Big 12 title hunt and push them closer to a potential playoff berth.
22. BYU Cougars
Game to Watch: at Notre Dame
BYU’s game against Notre Dame will have significant implications for their playoff hopes. A win would establish them as a legitimate contender in college football, while a loss would likely derail their season.
23. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Game to Watch: at Texas A&M
Mississippi State will need to prove they can handle tough SEC competition on the road. A win at Texas A&M could solidify their position as an SEC contender and keep their playoff hopes alive.
24. Iowa State Cyclones
Game to Watch: vs. Oklahoma State
Iowa State’s matchup with Oklahoma State will have major conference implications. A win would put them in a strong position in the Big 12 standings.
25. Miami Hurricanes
Game to Watch: at Florida State
Miami’s rivalry game against Florida State will have major consequences for their season. A victory would boost their chances for a major bowl and potentially a playoff berth.
