Michigan and Florida emerge as playoff threats outside the Top 10

10 Teams outside the Top 10 that could reach the College Football Playoff

The episode tests whether improving identities, favorable paths, and upset potential can turn overlooked teams into legitimate playoff contenders.

3 key takeaways

1Michigan’s improving identity gives it a stronger foundation for a playoff push outside the national top tier.
2Florida’s promising offense and early-season start create a case for a larger role in the playoff race.
3USC’s defensive concerns and Oregon’s struggles show how quickly contender status can become vulnerable.

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Klatt’s discussion of Florida turns a quietly promising start into a serious playoff argument, centered on its offense and early identity.

The brief

Joel Klatt surveys ten teams outside the AP Top 10 that could still reach the College Football Playoff, focusing on the paths that make their cases credible.

Michigan’s improving identity anchors the discussion, alongside Indiana’s transformation under the Cignetti era and the challenge of building a program that can sustain winning.

The broader field includes Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Utah, Iowa, Texas A&M, USC, and Oregon, with schedules and upset potential shaping each team’s chances.

Florida receives the clearest late attention: Klatt praises its early offense under coach Summerall and coordinator Buster Faulkner, led by quarterback Aaron Filo and receivers Brown and Wilson.

The episode’s central tension is whether promising traits can survive tougher tests, especially as USC’s defense raises concerns and Oregon continues to struggle.