New York, November 23, 2025
The 2025 college football playoff picture has solidified with Texas officially eliminated from contention, while Miami’s playoff fate remains unresolved amid ongoing complications. Meanwhile, Group of Five conferences gain brief prominence as their teams strive for recognition in the evolving postseason landscape.
Texas Officially Out of Playoff Contention
The Texas Longhorns have concluded their 2025 regular season with a 7-3 overall record, placing fifth within the fiercely competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). Despite respectable performance, their standing has fallen short of the criteria necessary to secure a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. This exclusion reflects the strength of the SEC and the limited playoff spots available, effectively ending Texas’s championship aspirations this year.
Miami’s Playoff Status Remains Uncertain
In contrast, the Miami Hurricanes occupy an ambiguous position in the playoff race. While not definitively excluded, Miami’s status is in limbo as the CFP selection committee continues to evaluate conference champions and at-large candidates. This liminality underscores the complex and dynamic nature of the current playoff selection process, where established programs can face uncertain outcomes.
Group of Five Conferences in Temporary Spotlight
Amid the unsettled landscape for marquee programs, teams from the Group of Five (G5) conferences have drawn heightened attention as potential playoff contenders. These mid-major Football Bowl Subdivision conferences traditionally face systemic challenges in securing postseason recognition equivalent to Power Five counterparts. Their brief prominence this season highlights ongoing discussions about equity and opportunity within the playoff system.
Evolving Playoff Landscape and Its Implications
The 2025 CFP scenario illustrates a broader volatility inherent in college football’s playoff structure. The exclusion of a historically prominent team such as Texas and the ambiguous status of Miami signal heightened competition and complexities in selection criteria. Meanwhile, the cyclical rise of G5 programs as “flavor of the week” contenders reveals persistent structural hurdles. These factors contribute to an environment where playoff inclusivity and fairness remain central subjects of debate among fans, policymakers, and athletic stakeholders.
As the postseason approaches, these developments underscore the challenges faced by traditional powerhouses and emerging programs alike in navigating an evolving college football playoff ecosystem.