The 2024-2025 college football season has left NHP college football fanatics captivated as they are eagerly anticipating the approaching bowl games and national championship.
“It’s a reminder of why this sport captures the hearts of so many: unpredictable drama, nail-biting finishes, and the raw passion that defines the game. Saturdays have become more than just a day for football; they’re a celebration of grit, determination, and the unyielding spirit of competition,” senior Tyler Lopez said.
A major change to the football landscape this year is the new 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format. Under the new system, the five highest-ranked conference champions will receive automatic bids, while the next seven highest-ranked teams will round out the field. The top four teams will earn a first-round bye and move directly to the quarterfinals. This expanded format promises to increase excitement, allowing for more teams to compete for the coveted national title.
Upsets have rocked the standings, with Alabama falling to Vanderbilt, Arkansas pulling off a win against Tennessee, and Notre Dame crumbling to Northern Illinois. Dominant teams from last year, like Washington and Michigan—who competed for the national championship—are nowhere to be found in the Top 25 this season.
Currently, the Oregon Ducks are leading the rankings, undefeated and led by sixth-year senior Dillion Gabriel. They are followed by the Texas Longhorns, Penn State Nittany Lions, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, who all stand at 11-1, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, follow at 10-2, SMU, Indiana, Boise State trail at 11-1 and controversially rounding the twelve playoff seeds is the Alabama Crimson Tide sitting as the only three loss team with a record of 9-3.
“I’m thrilled that a small school team in SMU will be in the college football playoffs. They’re a team that I’m rooting for as I feel their success is something that great for the game,” senior Vir Sethi said. “Though, Alabama doesn’t deserve to get in. It’s only because of their big-market branding and past success from Nick Saban. Teams with true grit and heart like Ole Miss and South Carolina hold the same record and deserve to be in.”
This season of college football has been heavily marketed by two athletes: Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter. Ashton Jeanty, a 220-pound junior, has been the talk amongst fans with his speed—running at 22 miles per hour—and being on pace to break Barry Sanders single season rushing record.
“Jeanty deserves the Heisman, he’s the best and most valuable player in college football. He will most definitely excel in the NFL and will lead Boise State a long way through the CFP,” senior Charlie Vasquez said.
Jeanty currently stands second in odds +1300, following the two-way talent from Colorado, Travis Hunter with odds of -5000. Travis Hunter is praised for his capability of playing on both sides of the ball, both offense and defense at wide receiver and cornerback, respectively. Hunter is top five in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns while also attaining a 90.9 coverage grade which is the highest amongst all corners in the country.
“College football season has proven to be a thrilling ride, full of memorable moments,” senior Jash Mody said. “Every game is watching two teams battle it out. This is the year where a 12th seed can end the season of the 1st, it’s the season where our Heisman plays on both sides of the ball, it’s the season of the unexpected.”
