By Lou Tasmin
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There’s no doubt about it. The previous college football season was a true classic that ended in a spectacular playoff series.
Twelve teams entered the national championship game for the first time instead of the previous four, with Tennessee, Clemson, Indiana, and SMU failing to progress from the first round to the quarterfinals.
Ohio State prevailed over Notre Dame, winning by 34 points
The final itself was a closely fought encounter. Ohio State prevailed over Notre Dame, winning by 34 points to 23.
While discussing any underdog teams that may make it to this December’s playoffs may seem a little premature, speculation is already rife. But speculation needs to be based on facts and logic, so what are the indicators of possible underdog success?
The anatomy of an underdog
Counterintuitively, one of the key signs is whether a team had a particularly bad previous season, and one that went against previous form. Often, there have been a number of factors behind this, but they may well be ready to bounce back this season. Another supporting point will always be whether the team is from one of the power conferences.
It’s also helpful to see how the team has fared in college football betting lines in the past. If they have been consistently backed to win but have failed to deliver, it suggests that there’s real quality that didn’t translate into a good result for whatever reason. But you can’t keep a good team down for long.
This is particularly true when teams have found themselves on the wrong side of very close results. Often, teams can be written off for observers who look at the scoreline alone. A sudden injury to a key player in a game may have been the catalyst for the loss, but it was not foul play.
Another thing to look at is when the incumbent coach arrived. Time and time again, it’s been found that when one is in their third or fourth season in charge, it hits something of a sweet spot. They’ve managed to mould the squad to their preference, and their way of doing things has been well-established. Further seasons may see cynicism and familiarity creep in, but the coach could be on a roll for the moment.
So, who could we realistically be looking at when compiling our list of underdogs for the playoffs this year?
Five to watch
While we wouldn’t put our shirts on it, five teams could surprise us all.
Nebraska
Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule
The first of our teams could benefit from the third season of the coach rule. Matt Rhule should now have the team as he wants it. He’s also enjoyed success in the same circumstances with Temple and Baylor. They’ll also be helped by the fact that they’re only scheduled to play two teams from the Big Ten this season: Michigan and Penn State.
Brent Venables’ team could enjoy real success this season.
Oklahoma
Despite a season schedule some have described as brutal, there’s genuine optimism that Brent Venables’ team could enjoy real success this season. With a new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, on board, as well as the arrival of quarterback John Mateer from Washington State, the tide could well be about to turn.
Utah
Devon Dampier: They loved him in New Mexixo.
Last season was undoubtedly miserable for Utah. They were plagued by injuries and results that just didn’t go their way. But they also have a new offensive coordinator in Jason Beck, who’s moved in from New Mexico, bringing quarterback Devon Dampier with him. If things gel as they are predicted to and the offensive line becomes as strong as it can, then the sky could well be the limit.
Iowa
Mark Gronowski, helped South Dakota State win two FCS national titles.
Iowa’s offensive capabilities have long been a source of mild ridicule in college football. But maybe now the laughing will have to stop. The newly transferred quarterback, Mark Gronowski, helped South Dakota State win two FCS national titles. During his time with the team, he also made over 10,000 passing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns. If the team’s defense can back him up, then Iowa might just make it to the playoffs.
In defense, Keldric Faulk is equally strong.
Auburn
Finally, here’s one of those teams that has shown a certain inability to win close games. However, this season’s line-up of players may just give them the competitive edge that’s previously been lacking. For the offense, they will now boast Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. There’s also the freshman Deuce Knight, who shows huge potential. In defense, Keldric Faulk is equally strong. We’ll see how strong they are in the season opener against Baylor.
So there you have them—five that could surprise you, but we’ll have to wait until December to find out for sure.
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