Oklahoma one of 32 teams with a real shot at College Football Playoff
That's according to ESPN's playoff predictor. The network's computers provide 32 teams with at least a 10% chance of making the playoffs. The number is higher than any since the company's tracking began. Oklahoma has the 23rd best odds as analytics tab the Sooners with an 18.4% chance to make the playoff and a 0.8% chance to win the national title.
They're a fringe contender in desperate need of an offensive answer after finishing next to last in the SEC in scoring offense (24 points per game). With a new offensive coordinator and quarterback, and coach Brent Venables now calling the plays on defense, it's time to see if the overhaul pays off in Year 4 for Venables. - Heather Dinich, ESPN
The five highest-ranked conference champions, not just in power conferences, will receive an automatic bid to the 12-team tournament. Remaining teams will be chosen by the selection committee, which, Dinich wrote, won't always see things the same way the computer does.
FBS coaches have a different take, too. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said only four or five teams have a shot to win the national championship. Alabama's Kalen DeBoer said eight.
Oklahoma's SEC foes Texas (No. 1), Georgia (No. 2), and Alabama (No. 4) all cracked the top five. Also in front of the Sooners from the SEC are Tennessee, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, LSU, Auburn, and South Carolina. It's important to note that the ranking isn't the same as the betting odds. OU is in front of South Carolina and Auburn, while with the same odds as Tennessee.
The Sooners open their 2025 season at home against FCS Illinois State on August 30. Michigan, which is ranked 14th on ESPN's list, follows in Week 2.
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