Iowa State, USC, Wisconsin and the 7 teams that can make their first College Football Playoff this year
By John Buhler
One of these seven teams could make the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2021.
Outside of last year, a Power 5 team has made its College Football Playoff debut annually.
To date, 11 Power 5 programs have sent at least one team into the four-team playoff format. The most recent team to make its debut was the 2019 LSU Tigers, and we all know how their magical season went. While teams like Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma seem to make the tournament almost annually, let’s keep an eye on these magnificent seven to crash the party.
Do not be shocked if one of these seven college programs makes the playoff for the first time.
College Football Playoff: 7 teams who could make it for the first time in 2021
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 813. Big Ten. East. Indiana Hoosiers. 7
Michael Penix Jr. can get Indiana to the Big Ten Championship Game
Admittedly, the Indiana Hoosiers are an extreme dark horse to make it in this year with their daunting 2021 schedule. The Hoosiers have five challenging games, including road dates at Iowa, at Penn State and at Michigan. However, they do draw Ohio State at home this year, as well as Group of Five contender Cincinnati. Indiana will have plenty of games to build its playoff resume.
The only way the Hoosiers make the playoff and build off last year’s success is to stun the Buckeyes at home. It is not likely to happen, but Indiana will start the year out ranked inside of the top 15. A win over Ohio State will do wonders for the Hoosiers’ confidence, as well as their national perception. If they get to Indianapolis at 11-1 (8-1), a win over the West gets them in.
These next three teams have somewhat of a decent shot, but face too daunting of a schedule.