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ESPN’s Shocking Computer Picks: Which 5 Teams Will Rule the Nation This Season?

ESPN’s Shocking Computer Picks: Which 5 Teams Will Rule the Nation This Season?

As the echoes of the 2025 NFL Draft subside and the final picks have been inked in Green Bay, the real question staring us in the face isn’t just about who’s headed to the pros—but which college contenders are gearing up to dominate the gridiron this fall. With spring football behind us and summer camps looming, the crisp tension of Week 1 is practically tangible. And speaking of dominance, ESPN’s SP+ model has done what it does best—crunching numbers and whispering predictions about the country’s five most formidable squads this season. But before we dive into that, a quick detour—did you ever wonder who the ever-watchable Kirk Herbstreit’s better half is? Trust me, the clip’s worth a peek. College football’s about more than just stats and scores; it’s stories, personalities, and a touch of mystery. So, as we count down to kickoff, let’s unravel who’s poised to rise—and who might just surprise us all. Ready to get into it?

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Meet The Wife Of Kirk Herbstreit (1:13)

The 2025 college football regular season continues to get closer and closer.

The football offseason calendar flipped another big page this weekend, with the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2025 NFL Draft took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin over the past three days, with several notable picks. But it’s over now and it’s time to look ahead to the fall.

The 2025 college football regular season will be here before you know it. Spring football has wrapped up and teams will soon be reporting to summer camp. Week 1 is right around the corner.

Ahead of the 2025 regular season, ESPN’s model, the SP+, has predicted the country’s five most “dominant” teams for the season.

INGLEWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 24: ESPN analyst Kirk Edward Herbstreit during the Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams on October 24, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Here are the country’s five most dominant teams for the 2025 season, according to a projection.

1. Ohio State

The Buckeyes are losing a lot to the National Football League, including quarterback Will Howard, defensive lineman Jack Sawyer and more. But Ohio State brings back a lot of talent, too.

Ryan Day’s team is very confident in new starting quarterback Julian Sayin.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 10: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on in the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Alex Slitz/Getty Images

2. Alabama

The Crimson Tide missed the College Football Playoff in 2024-25, but they are expected to make it back next season.

Kalen DeBoer’s team is expected to be among the country’s best this fall.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Head Football Coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide is seen on the sideline during the first half of the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

3. Penn State

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has Penn State as his No. 1 team in the country heading into the fall.

ESPN’s SP+ model isn’t quite that high on James Franklin’s squad, though they are widely expected to contend for a national championship.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 09: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

4. Georgia

The Bulldogs had a disappointing finish to the 2024-25 college football season, losing early in the College Football Playoff.

But few teams are as loaded as Georgia heading into the fall. Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are projected to be among the top contenders in America.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 02: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs looks on during the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

5. Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game. 

ESPN’s model believes the Fighting Irish will get another crack at a title in 2025-26.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on prior to the 2025 CFP National Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

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Who do you have among college football’s best in 2025?

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