Tennessee Vols (8.5)
Back to the playoff for the Volunteers? It’s hard to believe this win total hasn’t changed since Nico Iamaleava’s departure to UCLA. This is a different team without their quarterback, but Josh Heupel is confident Tennessee will not miss a beat offensively. If Tennessee wins at least one of the ‘Big 3’ against Georgia, Alabama and Florida, the Vols have a chance to get back to 10 wins, the plateau necessary for the playoff discussion.
Indiana Hoosiers (8.5)
Times are changing at Indiana under Curt Cignetti. Pencil in the Hoosiers as an annual threat as long as this program’s transfer portal mindset stays put and Cignetti retains the majority of his coaching staff every offseason. The philosophical switch last season paid off in a big way in Bloomington. Expect that to carry over in 2025. It may not result in a playoff berth, however. The schedule is more difficult, comparatively.
Michigan Wolverines (8.5)
Don’t overlook that Week 2 road trip to Oklahoma for Sherrone Moore’s team. Expect the Wolverines to be better in 2025 and potentially be in College Football Playoff contention by November, but traveling to play a team from the SEC with a first-year starting quarterback could spell trouble. Nebraska hasn’t beaten Michigan since 2013, but it could happen this season with what the Huskers have returning. And yes, that’s a win over Ohio State in the season finale. Until the Buckeyes prove they can beat the Wolverines on the field, Michigan is the favorite in that game regardless of record.
