The College Football Playoff Race Heats Up: Danny Kanell's Bold Predictions After Week 9
As the 2025 college football season reaches its climax, the race for the College Football Playoff is intensifying. Danny Kanell, renowned sports analyst, has just unveiled his updated Top 12 rankings, and they're sure to spark debate. But here's where it gets controversial: with just a few weeks left, which teams will secure their spot in the postseason? And this is the part most people miss: the battle for supremacy is far from over, with several underdogs making a surprising push.
Kanell's latest rankings, shared on his X profile (https://x.com/dannykanell/status/1982419846018302408), reveal a relatively stable top tier, but with some intriguing shifts further down the list. For the second consecutive week, he's introduced fresh faces at the No. 11 and 12 spots, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Unlike last week's dramatic shake-up after Miami's loss and the rise of BYU and Georgia Tech, this week's adjustments are more subtle, thanks to a lack of major upsets among CFP contenders.
Here's a breakdown of Kanell's Top 12, with insights into each team's performance and upcoming challenges:
1. Ohio State (https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/)
Maintaining their stronghold at the top, the 7-0 Buckeyes enjoyed a bye week, gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against Penn State (https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-nittany-lions/). Although the Nittany Lions are having a less-than-stellar season, Ohio State can't afford complacency, especially with the season-defining 'The Game' just around the corner.
2. Indiana (https://www.on3.com/teams/indiana-hoosiers/)
The Hoosiers are on fire, crushing UCLA (https://www.on3.com/sites/bruin-blitz/) 56-6 and solidifying their position as a legitimate national championship contender. With an 8-0 start for the second consecutive year, Indiana's ground game dominated, racking up 262 rushing yards and four touchdowns. QB Fernando Mendoza (https://www.on3.com/rivals/fernando-mendoza-43783/) was unstoppable, contributing four total touchdowns. Next up: a showdown with Maryland (https://www.on3.com/college/maryland-terrapins/).
3. Texas A&M (https://www.on3.com/college/texas-am-aggies/)
The Aggies are writing history, sitting at 8-0 for the first time since 1992. Their Week 9 victory over LSU (49-25) cemented their status as the SEC's team to beat. With only two wins against ranked opponents so far (Notre Dame (https://www.on3.com/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish/) and LSU), Texas A&M has the potential to double that tally with upcoming games against Missouri (https://www.on3.com/college/missouri-tigers/) and Texas (https://www.on3.com/college/texas-longhorns/).
4. BYU (https://www.on3.com/college/byu-cougars/)
BYU staged an impressive comeback against Iowa State, turning a 17-24 halftime deficit into a 41-27 victory, improving to 8-0. With a bye week ahead, the Cougars will face Texas Tech (https://www.on3.com/sites/red-raider-sports/) in Week 11, a game that could determine the Big 12's top dog. Another crucial matchup awaits against Cincinnati (https://www.on3.com/college/cincinnati-bearcats/), the only other undefeated team in conference play.
5. Georgia Tech (https://www.on3.com/sites/jackets-online/)
The Yellow Jackets are on a historic 8-0 run, their best start since 1966, after dismantling Syracuse (https://www.on3.com/college/syracuse-orange/) 41-16. A potential top-10 clash against the Georgia Bulldogs looms large, promising to be even more thrilling than last year's eight-overtime epic.
6. Oregon (https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/)
Despite a relatively quiet Week 9, Oregon climbed a spot after defeating Wisconsin (https://www.on3.com/college/wisconsin-badgers/) 21-7. QB Dante Moore (https://www.on3.com/rivals/dante-moore-29804/) had a modest 86 passing yards, while backup Brock Thomas (https://www.on3.com/rivals/brock-thomas-15112/) added a touchdown. The Ducks aim to regain their dominant form against Iowa (https://www.on3.com/college/iowa-hawkeyes/) next week.
7. Miami (https://www.on3.com/teams/miami-hurricanes/)
Rebounding from their Louisville loss, the Hurricanes crushed Stanford (https://www.on3.com/sites/cardinal-sports-report/) 42-7, scoring 35 unanswered points in the second half. RB Mark Fletcher (https://www.on3.com/rivals/mark-fletcher-83394/) was outstanding, rushing for 106 yards and three touchdowns as part of a 199-yard, five-touchdown ground attack.
8. Alabama (https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/)
Alabama narrowly escaped South Carolina (https://www.on3.com/college/south-carolina-gamecocks/), winning 29-22 thanks to a late 25-yard touchdown run by Germie Bernard (https://www.on3.com/rivals/germie-bernard-45965/). The Crimson Tide have won seven straight and, alongside Texas A&M, remain undefeated in SEC play.
9. Georgia (https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/)
On a bye during Week 9, Georgia's last action was a 43-35 win over then-top five Ole Miss, showcasing over 500 yards of offense and a five-touchdown performance by QB Gunner Stockton (https://www.on3.com/rivals/gunner-stockton-47246/). Upcoming games against Florida, Texas, and Georgia Tech will test their mettle.
10. Ole Miss (https://www.on3.com/teams/ole-miss-rebels/)
Ole Miss bounced back from their Georgia loss, defeating Oklahoma (https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/) 34-26. QB Trinidad Chambliss was exceptional, passing for 315 yards and rushing for 53. With no ranked opponents left on their schedule, the Rebels are in a strong position.
11. Vanderbilt (https://www.on3.com/sites/the-dore-report/)
Vanderbilt continues to make history, hosting ESPN College GameDay for the first time since 2008 and achieving a 7-1 record, their best start since 1941. With games against Texas and Tennessee (https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/) ahead, the Commodores could climb even higher.
12. Louisville (https://www.on3.com/sites/cardinal-sports/)
Riding high after defeating Miami, Louisville beat Boston College (https://www.on3.com/sites/eagle-action/) 38-24, improving to 6-1. With only two remaining opponents above .500, the Cardinals face Virginia Tech (https://www.on3.com/college/virginia-tech-hokies/) next.
Food for Thought: Is Kanell's ranking of Texas A&M at No. 3 justified, considering their relatively weak schedule? And can Vanderbilt sustain their momentum against tougher opponents? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's debate!
