By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
Week 1 of the college football season kicks off this weekend, which means it’s time to lock in my picks. The playoff format will once again feature 12 teams, with all five conference champions earning automatic bids. However, unlike last year, there will be no re-seeding, adding an extra layer of intrigue to how the bracket could shake out. I’ll kick things off with my conference champion selections, starting in the ACC. My pick to come out on top is the Clemson Tigers. Top to bottom, this roster is loaded with talent and stands out as one of the best in the nation. Leading the way is returning quarterback Cade Klubnik, who enters the year with the second-shortest Heisman odds on FanDuel. Surrounding him is NFL-caliber talent everywhere, including five players projected as first-round picks in the upcoming draft — three of which are expected to land inside the top 10. With that kind of firepower, Clemson is built to reclaim the ACC crown.
My pick to win the SEC is none other than the Texas Longhorns. The hype in Austin is very real, and for good reason. This will be the first year young phenom quarterback Arch Manning takes over as the full-time starter, and expectations couldn’t be higher. With Steve Sarkisian dialing up the offense, Manning has all the tools and weapons around him to put up massive numbers. On the other side of the ball, Texas brings back a defense that has the potential to be the very best in the country. With that balance of star power and depth, the Longhorns are my choice to capture the SEC.
My pick to win the Big Ten is the Penn State Nittany Lions. This season feels like a true put-up-or-shut-up year for James Franklin, as he enters with one of the most talented rosters of his tenure in Happy Valley. Penn State is coming off a College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance, and the pieces are in place to take the next step. Quarterback Drew Allar’s decision to return for his senior season provides stability and leadership under center, and he has the chance to cement his legacy by bringing the Nittany Lions back to national glory.
My pick to win the Big 12 is the Texas Tech Red Raiders. No program in the conference was more aggressive this offseason, as they were massive spenders in both the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail. Reports suggest they’ve invested upwards of \$25 million into building this year’s roster, and the talent influx is undeniable. Beyond the star power, I trust head coach Joey McGuire to maximize this group’s potential, especially with senior quarterback Behren Morton leading the way. Morton is the definition of a gunslinger — confident, battle-tested, and fully comfortable in the Red Raiders’ system after four years in Lubbock. With his experience and the upgraded roster around him, I’m rolling with Texas Tech to capture the Big 12 Championship.
My Group of 5 bid was one of the tougher decisions to make, as a few teams had strong cases, but in the end I’m rolling with the UNLV Rebels. I have a lot of faith in Dan Mullen and the roster he’s put together, and when you combine that with a very favorable schedule, it gives UNLV a legitimate path to make history. The Rebels have the talent and leadership needed to take control of the Mountain West, and for that reason, I’m picking them not only to win the conference but also to earn their first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff.
Now it’s time for my seven at-large selections: Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, Oregon, Notre Dame, Miami, and Texas A&M. Each of these teams has the talent and depth to make a deep run, even without a conference championship. With a combination of elite quarterbacks, strong defenses, and experienced coaching staffs, they all have what it takes to secure one of the coveted playoff spots.
Now let’s seed the teams and set up the first-round matchups to see who could make a run at the National Championship. Here’s how round one shapes up:
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No. 12 UNLV vs. No. 5 Georgia
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No. 9 Texas A&M vs. No. 8 Miami
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No. 11 Texas Tech vs. No. 6 Oregon
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No. 10 ND vs. No. 7 LSU
For the Quarterfinals, the matchups are set as follows:
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No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 4 Texas
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No. 8 Miami vs. No. 1 Penn State
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No. 6 Oregon vs. No. 3 Clemson
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No. 7 LSU vs. No. 2 Ohio State
For the Semifinals, the matchups narrow down to:
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No. 4 Texas vs. No. 1 Penn State
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No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 7 LSU
For the National Championship, it’s a blockbuster showdown: No. 4 Texas takes on No. 3 Clemson in a clash that has fans on the edge of their seats. After a thrilling playoff run, the Longhorns rose to the occasion, outlasting the Tigers to claim their first National Title in 20 years. Led by star quarterback Arch Manning and a dominant defense, Texas showcases a perfect blend of explosive offense and lockdown stops. The victory not only ends a two-decade championship drought but also cements this team as one of the most memorable squads in Longhorn history, delivering a title celebration that fans will remember for generations.