The first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff was a complete success.

Ohio State came away victorious in the first tournament in college football. There were many teams that made a push before the Buckeyes took down Notre Dame in the final. The committee changed the seeding rule where now it will go based off rankings.

With more slots, this means more teams will be in the mix toward the end of the year.

Below take a look at five teams that can be considered dark horses for the 2025 College Football Playoff.

5. Texas Tech

Texas Tech is hardly a dark horse considering it will arguably be the favorite in the Big 12. This would be uncharted territory for the Red Raiders so that dark horse tag still applies. The schedule is not too difficult. Behren Morton returns under center while three across the offensive line return as well.

4. Texas A&M

Texas A&M would not typically be considered a dark horse but the CFB Playoff is not a place the Aggies have been. KC Concepcion and Micah Hudson were brought in to bolster the group of wide receivers with five-star Jerome Myles.

3. Auburn

It is now or never for Auburn. The Tigers brought in the No. 4 recruiting class out of the transfer portal. Eric Singleton Jr. was brought in to boost the receiving corps along with Cam Coleman. Jackson Arnold will have plenty to work with intros much-improved offense.

2. Florida

Florida will play a gauntlet once again this season but the talent has taken another step for the Gators. DJ Lagway has turned into a star under center and this gives Florida a boost right away.

1. Oklahoma

John Mateer is taking over as the starting quarterback for Oklahoma and will have immediate Heisman hopes. This puts the Sooners in a position to win right away. Mateer was one of the biggest transfers in the portal coming out of Washington State. He landed in Oklahoma and this puts the team at the forefront in terms of dark horses.