ESPN's Analytics Has One SEC Program as Long Shot to Make College Football Playoff originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Florida Gators are 19-19 in three seasons under head coach Billy Napier, who just went 8-5 in 2024.

The Longhorns have their sights on their first national title since 2005. Texas has a terrific shot at ending the two-decade drought in large part because of sophomore quarterback Arch Manning. ESPN analyst Bill Connelly ranked the 40 most important college football players for 2025 and Manning topped the list.

According to ESPN, Texas A&M has 34% chance to make the College Football Playoff, ranking 11th among 32 teams with at least a 10% chance.