Gus Martin (sports digital producer): Texas — The obvious and most likely team to win it all. With top-end talent at every level of its defense, a dynamic running back and Arch Manning, who's been waiting for his chance to take over the sport, the Longhorns seem poised to reclaim the CFP trophy for the SEC.

The CFP will release weekly rankings starting Nov. 4, with final selections and the 12-team playoff bracket announced Dec. 7

The college football season opener features two ranked teams with playoff aspirations as the Wildcats and Cyclones face off at Aviva Stadium, streaming on ESPN at 12 p.m. ET.

There's no major conference realignment to talk about (for once) ahead of a new college football season. Delaware and Missouri State moved up from the FCS to FBS and will play in Conference USA. But doesn't mean realignment is over. There's more to come for the 2026 season with the rebirth of the Pac-12 and a new-look Mountain West.

“I believe the more multi-faceted team is going to win,” Pate said. “I believe that will be Alabama. Also, Alabama is rested in this scenario (because of the bye). Kalen DeBoer has shown the ability to win big games. So has (Ohio State coach) Ryan Day.

The Hoosiers’ schedule for 2025 is not particularly challenging. According to Kyle Wood from Athlon Sports, Indiana has the fourth-easiest schedule in the Big Ten. He ranks the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Michigan Wolverines and Illinois Fighting Illini as having easier schedules than Indiana.

Texas A&M senior CB Will Lee III is ready to prove he's one of the best cornerbacks in the country after his Jim Thorpe Award snub.

Texas opens at Ohio State in Week as a +2.5 point underdog and in October, the Longhorns do not play a home game. Texas goes to Florida, who is off a bye week, then to Dallas for the red river rivalry with Oklahoma, a trip to Kentucky who is off a bye, and to Mississippi State to end the month.