In college football, the College Football Playoff (CFP) is the pinnacle of achievement, with teams clamoring for a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage. However, as every season wraps up, there are always a handful of programs left frustrated, feeling overlooked and undervalued. This year is no different. Despite strong seasons, several teams were unceremoniously snubbed from the playoff picture, leaving fans, players, and analysts alike scratching their heads. While the four teams that made the cut head to the national semifinals, those left behind are left with one burning question: What now?
Here are the top teams that were snubbed from the College Football Playoff and what they are doing instead.
1. Florida State Seminoles: The Victim of an Injustice?
Florida State’s undefeated regular season should have been enough to secure a spot in the CFP, but the committee had other plans. Despite being one of only two Power 5 teams to finish the season without a loss, the Seminoles were left on the outside looking in. The argument against Florida State boiled down to the loss of their star quarterback, Jordan Travis, in the middle of the season. The committee cited concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level without Travis, even though backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker had led the team to an ACC Championship.
What’s next for the ‘Noles? A New Year’s Six bowl game against a team that will likely be overmatched, making it more of a showcase for the players looking ahead to the NFL Draft than a true competitive challenge. The Seminoles’ feelings of betrayal are palpable, but they’re using this snub as fuel for their future. Head coach Mike Norvell has vowed that Florida State will be back stronger next year, with hopes of a playoff expansion on the horizon.
2. Texas Longhorns: A Case of Scheduling Bad Luck
Texas put together a solid season, including a statement win over Alabama, and their lone loss was a narrow defeat to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship. Despite their impressive resume, the Longhorns were ultimately left out of the CFP. While the committee ranked Texas highly, they placed more emphasis on conference championships and other teams’ strength of schedule, leaving the Longhorns with little more than “what could have been.”
Instead of preparing for a playoff run, Texas will instead play in a prestigious bowl game, likely the Cotton Bowl or the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face a well-respected but lesser opponent. For head coach Steve Sarkisian, this is a missed opportunity to prove the Longhorns belong among the elite, but it gives him a chance to recruit, refine, and retool for a potential championship run next season. The team’s bitter disappointment is not without hope, as the Longhorns look to join the SEC soon and continue to build a powerhouse.
3. Georgia Bulldogs: A Dominant Team Left Out in the Cold
It’s hard to fathom how a two-time defending national champion could miss the playoffs, but that’s exactly what happened to Georgia this season. With a slight hiccup against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, the Bulldogs were pushed out of contention despite dominating the regular season and holding a dominant roster filled with elite talent at nearly every position.
What is Georgia doing instead? Well, as most of the top teams head to the CFP, the Bulldogs will likely be playing in one of the biggest bowl games available—most likely the Sugar Bowl or Orange Bowl. Though Georgia will not compete for the national championship, the Bulldogs’ status as a perennial powerhouse in college football will likely remain unchallenged, and many of their star players will look to make a statement in their final collegiate game before heading to the NFL.
4. Oregon Ducks: The Pac-12’s Final Snub
The Oregon Ducks were one of the most dynamic teams in college football this year, boasting an explosive offense led by quarterback Bo Nix. A narrow loss to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship left them outside the CFP picture, despite impressive victories over top-ranked teams throughout the season. Oregon’s selection committee snub raises questions about the perceived bias against the Pac-12 in a year when its teams were highly competitive.
So, what’s next for the Ducks? Oregon has been invited to the Rose Bowl, a prestigious New Year’s Six game against a strong opponent—likely Michigan or Penn State. Though the game is not the ultimate prize, it presents a valuable opportunity to prove that the Pac-12 still deserves respect as one of the top conferences in college football. For head coach Dan Lanning, it’s another chance to build his program for future seasons, with eyes firmly set on a CFP berth next year.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes: A Reputation Tarnished by a Single Loss
Ohio State, a traditional power in college football, found themselves on the outside looking in despite finishing with a 12-1 record and one of the most potent offenses in the nation. The Buckeyes’ only loss came at the hands of Michigan in the final game of the regular season, a result that knocked them out of contention for the playoff. Ohio State’s schedule, strength of wins, and impressive performances throughout the year had many wondering why they were left out of the CFP conversation.
Now, instead of battling for a national title, the Buckeyes will have to settle for a likely Fiesta Bowl bid against a strong opponent. The team’s future is still bright, but Ohio State’s reputation has taken a hit. This snub could be seen as a wake-up call to do better in big games, especially against rivals like Michigan, who continue to have their number.
Conclusion: The CFP Snubs – Fuel for Future Dominance
Though the College Football Playoff has made its selections, the teams left out aren’t simply accepting their fate. Florida State, Texas, Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State may not be playing for a national title, but they each have something to prove in the coming bowl games. Whether it’s Florida State’s anger over their perceived injustice, Texas’ desire to build on a strong season, or Georgia’s determination to stay on top, these teams will all have a chip on their shoulder as they look to next season—and the eventual playoff expansion.
It’s a reminder that the journey to a national championship is long, and sometimes, the road to redemption starts with a snub. And while these teams won’t have a shot at the national title this season, they will be back, stronger, and more determined than ever. College football is a business of second chances, and it’s only a matter of time before the CFP’s omissions start to feel the heat.