My Top 12 NCAA Football Playoff Predictions After Week 3!

Forget the AP Poll! I’m unveiling my Top 12 teams primed to dominate the 2025 College Football Playoff, hand-picked for explosive Week 2 performances and schedules built for epic postseason matchups. These squads have the grit, star power, and paths to crash the 12-team playoff. Let’s dive in!

Ohio State – The Buckeyes followed their Texas win with a dominant 70-0 demolition of Grambling in Week 2, showcasing another defensive masterclass. Julian Sayin’s growing command and a cushy Big Ten slate cement them as the top seed.

Oregon – Dante Moore and the Ducks’ relentless run game steamrolled Oklahoma State 69-3 in Week 2, proving their 59-13 Montana State rout was no fluke. Big Ten gauntlet? No problem for this playoff lock.

Penn State – Drew Allar’s precision and a suffocating defense kept the Nittany Lions roaring with a 34-0 shutout of FIU in Week 2 after crushing Nevada. They’re cruising toward a playoff bye.

Miami Hurricanes – The Canes’ heart-pounding 27-24 Notre Dame win in Week 1 carried into a 45-3 rout of Bethune-Cookman in Week 2, with their new QB delivering clutch plays. ACC champs and a top-four seed.

Illinois – The Illini’s 52-3 Week 1 demolition of Western Illinois was just the start. Luke Altmyer and a ferocious D pulled away for a 45-19 road win at Duke in Week 2, making this Big Ten sleeper a first-round menace.

Texas – Arch Manning shook off the Ohio State loss with a strong Week 2 rebound, scoring four touchdowns in a blowout of San Jose State and keeping the Longhorns’ talent in the at-large hunt. The SEC grind won’t stop them.

Georgia – Gunner Stockton’s dual-threat brilliance shone in a 28-6 Week 2 win over Austin Peay after the Marshall rout. The Bulldogs’ SEC pedigree secures their spot in the playoff bracket.

Florida State – The Seminoles bounced back in Week 2 with a 77-3 thrashing of East Texas A&M, showcasing a revitalized offense and stout defense. Their ACC path keeps them in the at-large conversation.

LSU – Garrett Nussmeier’s poise in the 17-10 Clemson upset carried into a 23-7 defensive masterclass over Louisiana Tech in Week 2. These Tigers are a dark horse ready to pounce in the SEC and playoffs.

Oklahoma – Jackson Arnold’s growth and the Sooners’ balanced attack kept rolling with a 24-13 upset over No. 13 Michigan in Week 2 after their Week 1 win. They’re a dangerous at-large pick with playoff upside.

Iowa State – The Cyclones built momentum with a 16-13 nail-biter over Iowa in the Cy-Hawk Trophy game during Week 2, flashing defensive grit and clutch kicking. They’re a Big 12 wildcard ready for chaos.

South Florida – My Group of 5 pick! The Bulls’ high-octane offense, led by a dynamic attack, stunned No. 13 Florida 18-16 on a walk-off field goal in Week 2 after upsetting Boise State. They dominate the AAC and earn a coveted playoff spot.

Why this ranking? Week 2’s fireworks, combined with schedules and potential for jaw-dropping playoff matchups, shaped this list. Ohio State, Texas, Iowa State, and Miami snag byes as conference champs, while 5-12 set up first-round battles for maximum drama.

Who’s your playoff sleeper? Drop it in the comments!

#CFB #PlayoffPredictions #Week2Check the full breakdown on Rumble for highlights, analysis, and why these teams are postseason-ready!

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Sources: NCAA.com, ESPN, CBS Sports