CFB 2025 Outlook: Week 10’s Winners & Losers

**Bleacher Report Eyes 2025: Georgia, Ohio State Lead Future Winners; USC, Clemson Face Uphill Battle**

**NATIONAL — November 7, 2023** — As the dust settled on Week 10 of the 2023 college football season, the analytical team at Bleacher Report has already cast its gaze two years down the line, releasing a comprehensive projection of which programs are best positioned for success—or struggle—in the 2025 season. Their assessment, based on current on-field performance, recruiting prowess, coaching stability, and strategic program trajectory, offers an early look at the shifting landscape of college football.

**The Frontrunners for 2025 Dominance**

Unsurprisingly, several perennial powerhouses and surging contenders are tabbed as strong candidates to dominate in 2025.

**Georgia** leads the pack, with Bleacher Report noting their relentless pursuit of perfection. The Bulldogs, who remained undefeated through Week 10, continue to churn out elite NFL talent while consistently securing top-ranked recruiting classes under Head Coach Kirby Smart. Their deep roster and development pipeline suggest a sustained reign at the top, irrespective of individual player departures.

**Ohio State** is also considered a perennial lock. Despite lingering questions surrounding quarterback Kyle McCord’s consistency in 2023 and the impending departure of generational talent Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL, Head Coach Ryan Day’s program continues to reload with five-star prospects. Their ability to attract and develop elite talent ensures they will remain a formidable force.

**Michigan**, navigating the complexities of head coach Jim Harbaugh’s suspension and ongoing scrutiny surrounding alleged sign-stealing, still projects strongly for 2025. Fresh off another convincing Week 10 victory, the Wolverines’ robust player development and consistent performance, even amidst off-field distractions, underscore a program built for the long haul.

The impending move to the SEC is a significant boost for **Texas**, positioning them as a major winner. With quarterback Quinn Ewers potentially delaying his NFL jump and five-star Arch Manning developing behind him, the Longhorns’ quarterback room is set for years. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian appears to have revitalized the program, poised for a dominant entry into the sport’s toughest conference.

**Oregon**, under the dynamic leadership of Dan Lanning, also strengthened its 2025 prospects following a commanding Week 10 performance with quarterback Bo Nix at the helm. Their move to the Big Ten Conference offers enhanced exposure and resources, cementing their place as a future national contender.

Other programs making waves for a strong 2025 include **Penn State**, banking on quarterback Drew Allar’s continued development under Head Coach James Franklin, and **Florida State**, whose impressive undefeated run led by star quarterback Jordan Travis signifies a complete program turnaround under Mike Norvell.

**Programs Facing an Uphill Battle**

On the flip side, several programs are identified as facing significant hurdles heading into the 2025 season, stemming from current struggles and systemic issues.

**USC** stands out as a major concern. Despite the electrifying talent of Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, the Trojans’ defense has been a glaring weakness under Head Coach Lincoln Riley, consistently ranking among the nation’s worst in critical metrics. With Williams almost certainly NFL-bound after this season, the substantial holes on the defensive side of the ball, coupled with a reliance on the transfer portal for immediate fixes, raise questions about their long-term stability and ability to compete for national titles.

**Clemson** is another program in the crosshairs. Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s steadfast, often criticized, approach to the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape has many analysts wondering if the Tigers are falling behind top contenders. Despite a Week 10 win, their offensive struggles throughout the season under coordinator Garrett Riley, including inconsistent quarterback play from Cade Klubnik, suggest a program that needs to adapt or risk being left behind in the evolving landscape of college football.

The financial and programmatic fallout from **Texas A&M’s** coaching situation looms large. Shortly after Bleacher Report’s Week 10 analysis, the program parted ways with Head Coach Jimbo Fisher, incurring a massive $76 million buyout. This significant financial outlay is expected to impact the program’s ability to attract a top-tier replacement and invest in vital resources like NIL collectives, signaling a challenging rebuild ahead for 2025.

**Oklahoma**, while enjoying some recent success in 2023, still struggles with defensive consistency under Head Coach Brent Venables. Their defensive issues, particularly in critical moments, suggest that their impending move to the SEC could expose deeper structural problems that may hold them back from consistent contention in a tougher conference.

Perhaps the most surprising name on the “losers” list is **Alabama**. While still a national power, the specter of Head Coach Nick Saban’s eventual retirement—at 72 years old during the 2023 season—is an unavoidable long-term concern. Bleacher Report’s analysis cautiously eyes the seismic shift that Saban’s departure will inevitably create, questioning if any successor can maintain the unparalleled dynasty he has built.

Finally, **Michigan State** is grappling with the severe aftermath of the Mel Tucker scandal, which led to his mid-season firing. Interim coach Harlon Barnett presided over a roster riddled with instability and a depleted recruiting pipeline. The Spartans face a monumental rebuilding effort to restore their program’s competitive footing by 2025. Similarly, **Florida** under Head Coach Billy Napier continues to struggle with on-field performance and faces significant recruiting challenges, putting their 2025 outlook in a precarious position.

As the college football landscape continues its rapid evolution with the transfer portal, NIL, and conference realignments, these early projections underscore the dynamic nature of program building and the constant pressure to adapt for future success.