As the 2021 college football season reaches its midway point, a handful of teams around the country have emerged as frontrunners for a berth in the College Football Playoff. While there is still plenty of football to be played, these teams have shown the potential to make a run at the national championship.
Alabama Crimson Tide:
As the reigning national champions, Alabama is always a top contender in college football. The Crimson Tide have notched impressive wins over Miami, Florida, and Ole Miss, and boast one of the most talented rosters in the country. Quarterback Bryce Young has stepped in seamlessly for last year’s Heisman winner, Mac Jones, and the defense is loaded with talent at every level. Alabama has won six national championships in the past 12 years and they are undoubtedly a team that no one wants to face come playoff time.
Georgia Bulldogs:
Georgia has been dominant in every aspect of the game this season, winning all six of their games by an average margin of 30 points. The Bulldogs have the number one defense in the country, led by an elite front seven that has held opponents to just 5.6 points per game. Offensively, quarterback Stetson Bennett has played well in place of the injured JT Daniels, and the running back tandem of Zamir White and Kendall Milton is as good as any in the country. Georgia has not won a national championship since 1980 but this may be their best shot in years.
Oklahoma Sooners:
Oklahoma has been a mainstay in the College Football Playoff conversation in recent years, and this season is no different. The Sooners have a dynamic offense led by quarterback Spencer Rattler, who has thrown for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns through six games. The defense has shown improvement from last season and has given up just 21.7 points per game. Oklahoma has made the playoff in four of the past six seasons but has yet to win a game in the semifinal.
Ohio State Buckeyes:
Ohio State stumbled early in the season, losing to Oregon in week two, but the Buckeyes have bounced back with three straight wins, including an impressive victory over Penn State. Quarterback CJ Stroud is improving with each game and is surrounded by a talented group of receivers. The defense has been inconsistent but has shown flashes of potential. Ohio State has made the playoff in four of the past seven seasons and will be looking to make a run once again this year.
Cincinnati Bearcats:
Cincinnati is the lone representative from a Group of Five conference that is in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Bearcats have an impressive win over Notre Dame, and a remaining schedule that includes games against SMU and Memphis, provides them with an opportunity to make their case. Quarterback Desmond Ridder has been one of the best players in the country this season, and the defense is experienced and talented. A Group of Five team has never made the playoff but Cincinnati has a chance to make history this season.
While there are plenty of other teams around the country with playoff aspirations, these five squads have established themselves as early favorites. As the season progresses and conference play heats up, the race for the College Football Playoff is sure to become even more intriguing.