The expectation for nearly every SEC program is to make the College Football Playoff, but that doesn't mean it happens every year. But there are three SEC programs in particular that fell short last season, but could realistically take the next step and contend in 2025, including the Oklahoma Sooners.
3 SEC teams that could realistically make the College Football Playoff in 2025
LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers are projected by many to not only be one of the top teams in the SEC this season, but one of the best teams in the country. I ranked LSU as the No. 1 team in my post-spring SEC power rankings, and if the Tigers meet those expectations, they’re a lock for the College Football Playoff for the first time under Brian Kelly.
LSU went 9-4 last season and was even in playoff contention at one point before losing three in a row down the stretch. LSU has another stout schedule again, but even if they slip up a few times, the Tigers could still slip into the CFP with two or three losses depending on how other things fall and who those losses were to.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama had a disappointing outcome last year by its standards, yet the Crimson Tide still felt snubbed from the College Football Playoff after going 9-3 during the first regular season under Kalen DeBoer. It’s maybe the only place in the country where missing the playoff twice could put a head coach on the hot seat after Year 2, so don’t expect it to happen again. There’s really no legit reason to believe that other than it’s Alabama, and the Crimson Tide contending always seems inevitable.
Oklahoma Sooners
It might take some Sooner Magic, but Oklahoma could be in for a drastic turnaround after going 6-7 last season. The Sooners seemed to have made the right moves this offseason while replacing both coordinators and Brent Venables will be fighting for his job. It’s also extremely rare for the Sooners to be out of contention two seasons in a row.
The Sooners face another daunting slate, though. I predicted OU to go 9-3 in my recent game-by-game predictions, but coming from the SEC, the Sooners could still sneak into the CFP with two or three losses, especially with their strength of schedule.
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