The Battle for No. 2: College Football Playoff Picture Heats Up
While Georgia (or another powerhouse) likely holds the No. 1 CFP spot, the race for second place is wide open. Undefeated teams like Michigan and Texas are surging, but résumés, strength of schedule, and late-season tests will decide who lands the coveted position. Here’s our projection of the top contenders.
The Clear Favorite for No. 1
Georgia, Ohio State, or Alabama are frontrunners for the top seed thanks to elite talent, coaching, and consistency. But the real drama lies just below them.
Top 5 Contenders for No. 2
1. Michigan Wolverines
- Case for No. 2: Undefeated, dominant defense (top-5 nationally), and QB J.J. McCarthy’s efficiency.
- Question Mark: Weak non-conference schedule—will committee dock them for lack of marquee wins?
2. Texas Longhorns
- Case for No. 2: Huge Week 2 win at Alabama, explosive offense (Quinn Ewers + Xavier Worthy).
- Question Mark: Can they avoid Big 12 pitfalls (see: 2022 collapse vs. Oklahoma State)?
3. Florida State Seminoles
- Case for No. 2: Star power (Jordan Travis, Johnny Wilson) and ACC dominance.
- Question Mark: Defensive lapses vs. LSU and Clemson—can they stop elite offenses?
4. Penn State Nittany Lions
- Case for No. 2: Ferocious defense (leads nation in sacks) and RB duo of Allen/Singleton.
- Question Mark: Is QB Drew Allar ready for Ohio State/Michigan tests?
5. Washington Huskies
- Case for No. 2: Heisman contender Michael Penix Jr. and unstoppable passing attack.
- Question Mark: Can their shaky run defense survive Oregon/USC?
Wildcards That Could Shake Up the Race
- Oklahoma Sooners: Dillon Gabriel’s resurgence and improved defense make them dangerous.
- USC Trojans: Caleb Williams can outscore anyone, but their defense ranks outside the top 80.
- Oregon Ducks: Balanced and physical, but must navigate a brutal Pac-12 gauntlet.
How the Committee Will Decide
- Schedule Strength: Texas’ Bama win > Michigan’s weak non-conference slate.
- Game Control: Blowouts matter (see: Penn State’s 63-7 routs).
- Late-Season Tests: Michigan vs. PSU/OSU, Texas vs. Oklahoma, FSU vs. Miami.
Our Projected No. 2: Texas Longhorns
For now, Texas edges Michigan due to their Alabama road win—the best victory by any contender. But if Michigan dominates Penn State and Ohio State, they’ll reclaim the spot.
Bottom Line
The No. 2 ranking will shift weekly, but one thing’s certain: chaos is coming. Expect upsets, debates, and a photo finish for that playoff bye.
Who’s your pick for No. 2? Let us know in the comments!
