2025 marks the second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, and while there is still some debate about how teams should be selected to the postseason, there will be a shift from Year 1 to Year 2 as instead of the four highest-ranked conference champions getting byes, the four top-ranked teams will receive byes, regardless of whether they won their conference. With more teams in the playoff, there are more options for bettors to find value.

Indiana and SMU, considered afterthoughts at the beginning of the season, ended up making the 12-team field in 2024. Alabama, a perennial college football contender, missed out on the playoff. SportsLine college football expert Thomas Casale breaks down this year's best bets to make/miss the 2025-26 College Football Playoff with a live longshot to consider. 

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Which SEC powerhouse is missing the College Football Playoff? And which longshot is worth backing in this futures market? Join SportsLine right now to see Thomas Casale's top college football futures plays and other insights, all from a proven expert!