Preseason consensus positions Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, Texas, Indiana, and Miami as leading College Football Playoff contenders due to elite roster talent, experienced coaching staffs, and strong returning production on both sides of the ball. Depth from transfer portal additions and high recruiting classes bolster these programs ahead of a 12-team format. Early September results, including Clemson at LSU and the September 12 Ohio State-Texas matchup, will immediately influence strength-of-schedule metrics and committee perceptions. Conference title races in the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC remain pivotal, while injury management and quarterback stability across the top tier could shift playoff odds as the regular season progresses.