Five under-the-radar national title contenders in college football

The 2025 college football season is just a few weeks away, and one of the most intriguing storylines is the lack of a true favorite for the national championship.

Many fans and pundits believe Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Penn State or Notre Dame could win the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Yet, it still feels wide open. It wouldn't be shocking if any of those teams won it all or not. 

With a talented roster, the proper schedule, and most importantly, the right quarterback, more college football teams have the chance to secure a national title than ever before. 

Here are five under-the-radar contenders to win it all.

5. Florida | 2024 record: 8-5

Most difficult opponent: Georgia (Nov. 1)

The Gators surged at the end of 2024 and rank 18th in returning college football production, according to ESPN. However, a lot depends on former five-star quarterback DJ Lagway.

Lagway has immense dual-threat potential. Florida's schedule is brutal, but if he realizes his abilities, anything is possible for the Gators' talented roster.

4. South Carolina | 2024 record: 9-4

Most difficult opponent: At LSU (Oct. 11)

Head coach Shane Beamer's team is a trendy pick to make the College Football Playoff this season after falling just a few spots short in 2024.

Quarterback LaNorris Sellers had a breakout campaign for the Gamecocks with 25 total touchdowns, as well as 3,208 total yards (674 rushing). With one of the most talented athletes in the game in wideout Nyck Harbor, South Carolina could have one of the best offenses in college football in 2025. 

The Gamecocks also have multiple returning starters. 

3. Michigan | 2024 record: 8-5

Most difficult opponent: Ohio State (Nov. 29)

The Wolverines struggled for most of the 2024 season. That said, they beat Ohio State on the road and Alabama in a bowl game, with a team mainly comprised of players who will be back this season.

Add five-star phenom QB Bryce Underwood to the mix, along with former five-star running back Justice Haynes, who transferred from Alabama, and Michigan might have a lethal offense. 

If the Wolverines can get the most out of Underwood as a freshman, the sky is the limit, especially if DC Wink Martindale's defense is as good as advertised. 

2. Kansas State | 2024 Record: 9-4

Most difficult opponent: Iowa State (Dublin, Aug. 23)

Quarterback Avery Johnson (3,315 total yards, 32 total touchdowns in 2024) will be key to Kansas State taking a significant leap this year. 

With a traditionally strong defense and a stellar running game, head coach Chris Klieman's team seems to have all the pieces to win the Big 12 championship in 2025.

The first game of the season will be telling. It's in Ireland against a pesky conference opponent in Iowa State. If Kansas State wins there, the Wildcats could rack up 10 or 11 victories. 

If Johnson can take a big step as a passer after completing just 58 percent of his throws in 2024, then K-State is a team to watch. 

1. Illinois | 2024 record: 10-3

Most difficult opponent: Ohio State (Oct. 11)

Illinois has one of the best head coaches in the Big Ten in Bret Bielema and quite possibly the best quarterback in Luke Altmyer.

The Fighting Illini, who won the Citrus Bowl last season, have the third-most returning production, according to ESPN.

Combine that with a nasty defense and a favorable schedule, and a deep playoff run isn't just a pipe dream.