Which teams will return from Ohio State to Clemson in 2025, according to college football playoff predictions?

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) approaches, college football fans and analysts alike are bracing for another intense season full of twists and turns, surprises, and expectations. One of the key aspects of the buildup to the 2025 season will be watching which programs have the strength and potential to return to the prestigious CFP and compete for a national title. For Ohio State and Clemson, two perennial powerhouses, the road to the 2025 College Football Playoff is already attracting significant attention, with their performances over the next season being closely monitored by both the college football community and media.

The 2025 season will present both challenges and opportunities for these two teams, as they navigate high expectations, fierce competition, and the ever-changing dynamics of recruiting, transfers, and coaching. In this article, we will explore the outlook for Ohio State and Clemson, analyzing what their paths might look like as they aim for a return to the College Football Playoff in 2025. We’ll examine the key players, coaching decisions, recruiting classes, and schedule hurdles that will determine whether these two programs will once again make it to the postseason’s grandest stage.

Ohio State: Can the Buckeyes Return to the College Football Playoff in 2025?

Ohio State’s football program has firmly established itself as one of the top teams in college football over the past decade. The Buckeyes have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff, competing in the postseason consistently and winning a national championship in 2014 under then-head coach Urban Meyer. Even after Meyer’s departure, Ryan Day has continued the Buckeyes’ dominance, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances.

Heading into the 2025 season, Ohio State will once again be a contender for the national title, despite the challenges of replacing key players, including stars at quarterback and in the secondary. The road to the 2025 College Football Playoff will be defined by several key factors.

1. The Quarterback Position: A Vital Factor

Ohio State’s success in recent seasons has been built on a combination of elite recruiting, solid coaching, and standout performances at key positions. One of the most crucial positions to watch as Ohio State heads into the 2025 season will be quarterback.

Kyle McCord, the current starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, is expected to enter the 2025 season as a leader under center. If McCord can build on his experience and continue to develop into a top-tier signal-caller, the Buckeyes could have one of the most potent offenses in college football. However, much of Ohio State’s future success will also hinge on the development of the next generation of quarterbacks—whether it’s Devin Brown or a highly-rated recruit.

The quarterback situation will need to be resolved quickly if Ohio State is to avoid the pitfalls of inconsistency at the position, which could ultimately hurt the team’s chances of making the playoff. A standout quarterback performance will be a key component of Ohio State’s 2025 CFP hopes.

2. Dominant Recruiting and Developing Playmakers

Ohio State has been able to continually reload with top-tier talent, which is why the Buckeyes have remained a top contender year after year. The program’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent has allowed it to stay on top of the college football landscape.

In particular, Ohio State’s recruiting success at wide receiver and along the defensive line has been paramount. With players like Marvin Harrison Jr., a future NFL star, and a host of elite recruits on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes will continue to have a potent offense and a formidable defense. If Ohio State’s defense can continue to improve, particularly in areas like the secondary, it will give the team an extra edge in tight games against top-tier competition.

The 2025 recruiting class will be integral for the Buckeyes. As they aim to build on their already impressive roster, Ohio State will focus on filling holes and enhancing the overall team depth. Highly-ranked recruits in the trenches and in the secondary could be the difference-makers in helping Ohio State’s defense return to championship-caliber status.

3. A Tough Schedule and Big Ten Competition

The road to the College Football Playoff is rarely easy, and Ohio State’s schedule in 2025 will be challenging. A loaded Big Ten featuring teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin will present tough matchups each week. The rivalry with Michigan will remain a focal point, especially after the Wolverines’ recent success in the Big Ten, and Ohio State cannot afford to slip up against conference foes if they are to make it to the playoff.

Additionally, Ohio State will likely face a non-conference opponent that could bolster their resume if they perform well, as well as potential top-tier programs throughout the season. With the Big Ten now expanding, Ohio State will face additional competition from incoming programs, and maintaining a perfect or one-loss record in this environment will be key.

4. Championship Pedigree and Coaching Stability

Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has been stable and successful. Day has consistently proven himself to be one of the best minds in college football. With a coaching staff focused on consistent growth and development, Day will have the resources to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of college football and lead the Buckeyes to another CFP berth.

Ohio State’s experience and proven ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations is a major advantage. The Buckeyes’ championship pedigree—combined with the leadership of Ryan Day—will be a key factor in determining if Ohio State returns to the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Clemson: A Return to the Playoff in 2025?

Clemson, once a perennial power in college football under head coach Dabo Swinney, will also be a team to watch in the 2025 College Football Playoff race. The Tigers have a rich history of success, including winning two national championships in 2016 and 2018. However, after a slight dip in performance in recent seasons, Clemson will be looking to reassert itself as one of the top programs in college football.

The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Clemson to reclaim its spot among the elite, but there will be challenges along the way. The Tigers have the potential, but several factors will need to align for them to make a successful return to the College Football Playoff.

1. Quarterback Play and Offensive Revival

Clemson’s offense has been one of the key points of concern over the last few seasons. While the Tigers had a dominant defense in the past, their offense, particularly at quarterback, has struggled to maintain consistency. The departure of former starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and the emergence of Cade Klubnik as the new signal-caller will be one of the most important storylines to watch in 2025.

Klubnik, who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, will need to develop into an elite quarterback for Clemson to compete at the highest level. His ability to read defenses, lead the offense, and improve on last season’s performance will play a huge role in determining Clemson’s fate in 2025. If he can step up, the Tigers’ offense could once again be a dominant force in college football, which would make them a contender for a playoff spot.

Additionally, Clemson’s offense will need to find a reliable playmaker at wide receiver, as the Tigers have often struggled to find consistency in the passing game. If the wide receivers step up and Klubnik takes control, Clemson could once again have an offense that balances power with finesse, which would make them difficult to stop.

2. Defense: Still a Strength, But Can It Return to Elite Form?

Clemson’s defense has long been its calling card, and the 2025 season will need to see the Tigers return to their defensive roots. Under defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Clemson became synonymous with elite defense, churning out NFL talent and dominating opponents. The key for Clemson’s 2025 hopes will be getting back to that level.

With a defensive line that features several future NFL prospects, Clemson’s defense has the potential to once again be dominant. The question will be whether the secondary can improve and whether the overall defensive scheme can regain its previous form. If Clemson’s defense can become one of the nation’s top units again, it will make a strong case for a playoff return.

3. ACC Competition and Scheduling

The ACC has historically been Clemson’s domain, and the Tigers have consistently dominated the conference. However, recent years have seen other programs, such as North Carolina, Florida State, and Miami, rising in prominence. While Clemson is still the favorite in the ACC, they will need to avoid upsets and continue to dominate the conference if they want a shot at the playoff.

Clemson’s non-conference schedule will also be important. A strong performance in early-season games can solidify the Tigers’ resume, especially if they can win big matchups against non-conference opponents. A clean run through the ACC, along with solid victories in non-conference games, will be essential for Clemson to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

4. Dabo Swinney’s Leadership

Dabo Swinney’s leadership will be a key factor in Clemson’s 2025 season. Swinney has built one of the most successful programs in the country, and his ability to inspire and motivate players will be crucial as the Tigers look to return to the top. Swinney has a proven track record of success in the postseason, and his experience will be invaluable as Clemson tries to make a playoff run in 2025.

 Will Ohio State and Clemson Make the Playoff in 2025?

Both Ohio State and Clemson have the potential to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025, but it will depend on several key factors. Ohio State’s success will depend on quarterback play, player development, and overcoming a tough Big Ten schedule, while Clemson will need to revamp its offense, revive its defense, and dominate the ACC. Both programs have the pedigree, the talent, and the leadership to make a deep playoff run.

Ultimately, Ohio State and Clemson will likely be two of the top contenders for a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff. However, they must overcome their respective hurdles and prove themselves against tough competition in order to make that dream a reality. The road to the playoff will be difficult, but both teams have the potential to rise to the occasion and once again make their mark on college football’s biggest stage.