Story perspectives

2025 College Football Predictions: Surprises and Challenges Ahead

8/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 college football season has compressed schedules, affecting team performance predictions.
AccuScore projects Western Michigan to achieve approximately 6.43 wins, exceeding its 3.5 win total.
The expanded College Football Playoff creates complex win probabilities, with Notre Dame favored over Michigan at 71%.
Key matchups, such as Alabama vs. LSU, demonstrate tight odds and unpredictability.
SMU and James Madison may struggle in tougher conferences, leading to expected underperformance.

History

Historical Context

The 1978 restructuring of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision transformed college football by expanding postseason opportunities, increasing bowl games from 12 to over 40 by 2023. This shift fostered greater competition and unpredictability, influencing recruitment and funding strategies for teams like Western Michigan and Notre Dame as they adapt to the evolving landscape of college athletics.

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Story summary

The 2025 college football season has compressed schedules, affecting team performance predictions.
AccuScore projects Western Michigan to achieve approximately 6.43 wins, exceeding its 3.5 win total.
The expanded College Football Playoff creates complex win probabilities, with Notre Dame favored over Michigan at 71%.
Key matchups, such as Alabama vs. LSU, demonstrate tight odds and unpredictability.
SMU and James Madison may struggle in tougher conferences, leading to expected underperformance.

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