The expanded College Football Playoff has sparked speculation over which 12 teams will make the field.
Many of the Associated Press’ preseason top-25 teams should be in the hunt, but five unranked teams could also find themselves in the CFP.
Boise State | 8-6 last season | Schedule
The highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion is guaranteed a spot in the 12-team field, but surprisingly, no non-power conference team was in the preseason top 25.
Boise State appears likeliest to come out of the Mountain West and claim that final automatic berth. The 2023 champion Broncos were a near-consensus pick by media voters in the conference’s preseason poll and return nearly every starter under new head coach Spencer Danielson.
Boise State boasts the second-most wins without making the playoff (69). A signature win over No. 3 Oregon on Sept. 7 would help end that streak.
Memphis | 10-3 last season | Schedule
Another Group of Five squad omitted from the preseason rankings, Memphis is in a prime position to find itself in the expanded playoff field.
In a matchup that could decide their season, the Tigers play at No. 10 Florida State on Sept. 14. A win will set up Memphis for an undefeated season and an American Athletic Conference title (as predicted in July). That should be enough to make the playoff over Boise State if it falters anywhere in its schedule.
Virginia Tech | 7-6 last season | Schedule
The Hokies could be the biggest sleeper team in the ACC this season. Redshirt junior quarterback Kyron Drones returns to lead a potential top-five offense, including four returning offensive linemen. CBS Sports’ Josh Pate broke that down further in July.