The Halloween weekend brings a unique layer of tension for top college football playoff contenders. As the 2025 season heads into its final weeks, these teams confront pressing fears that could impact their playoff hopes. The latest AP Top 25 Poll reveals the top twelve teams facing these pressures as Halloween approaches, just before the inaugural College Football Playoff rankings of the season are released.
Top CFP Contenders and Their Fears
No. 1 Ohio State: The Michigan Challenge
Ohio State has a daunting challenge ahead, facing Michigan in their season finale. The Buckeyes have lost their last four encounters with the Wolverines, adding to the weight of this crucial game.
No. 2 Indiana: Breaking Past Perceptions
For Indiana, the concern lies in changing the narrative around the program. Despite potential success this season, the fear remains that past perceptions could overshadow their current performance. A one-loss season may not be enough to assure a playoff spot.
No. 3 Texas A&M: Facing Ahmad Hardy
The Aggies must contend with Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy, who has rebounded after a strong start. Texas A&M’s previous struggle against formidable running backs raises alarms, as Hardy could be a game-changer.
No. 4 Alabama: The Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare
Alabama, though in excellent form with seven consecutive wins, faces a tough task in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Historical challenges at Jordan-Hare Stadium make this matchup particularly perilous, especially as they seek to maintain their strong road record.
No. 5 Georgia: Haynes King Threat
Georgia will face Georgia Tech in a critical neutral-site game. Haynes King nearly led a significant upset last year. Another standout performance from him could threaten Georgia’s playoff aspirations.
No. 6 Oregon: Avoiding Miami’s Mistake
Oregon is wary of replicating Miami’s 2024 fate. As they close the season against strong opponents like USC and Washington, the potential for a crucial loss looms large, threatening their playoff eligibility.
No. 7 Ole Miss: Risk of Unranked Upsets
Ole Miss has previously fallen to unranked teams, a trend that could resurface. They must navigate a challenging game against Florida in the latter part of the season to avoid jeopardizing their playoff contention.
No. 8 Georgia Tech: Finishing Strong
Georgia Tech stands at a pivotal juncture with potential playoff implications. Their performance in the closing weeks is crucial, as consecutive losses could derail their championship aspirations.
No. 9 Vanderbilt: The Rocky Top Rivalry
Vanderbilt’s inability to defeat Tennessee since 2018 poses a significant psychological hurdle. Changing the narrative in this long-standing rivalry could be essential for their playoff hopes.
No. 10 BYU: Big 12 Challenges
Despite being undefeated, BYU faces challenges within the Big 12, where playoff spots are often limited. With high stakes involved, one slip could mean the end of their playoff journey.
No. 11 Miami: Avoiding Late-Season Collapse
Miami’s experience with late-season struggles raises concerns for the current squad. To make a playoff run, they must win out, as two losses could be detrimental.
No. 12 Notre Dame: Committee Rankings Uncertainty
As the top two-loss team in the AP Poll, Notre Dame’s standing in the initial College Football Playoff rankings remains uncertain. Their future may hinge on how the committee views them compared to one-loss teams.
Implications of Upcoming Matchups
Halloween weekend is not just about ghost stories for these contenders. The outcomes of their respective matchups may redefine the landscape of the playoff picture as the season reaches its climax. Each team must confront its unique fears head-on, with playoff glory on the line.
