Greg McElroy Doesn't Expect College Football Playoff Team to Drop Off in 2025

Greg McElroy Doesn't Expect College Football Playoff Team to Drop Off in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy played just outside of the College Football Playoff era, ending his college career in 2010.

On a recent episode of "Always College Football," McElroy mentioned one CFP team from a season ago that he has high hopes for in 2025. The 2024 season was the first time that the 12-team format was used, allowing for teams like the Indiana Hoosiers to make it.

Indiana reached the playoff last year, but lost to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 27-17. McElroy does not think the program will drop in year two under head coach Curt Cignetti.

"I believe the Indiana Hoosiers will back up what they did this past season, and I don't know if the record will be quite as good as 11-1, but I absolutely think they have the capabilities of getting back into the playoff mix with what returns and some of the additions they've made," McElroy said.

The Hoosiers' transfer class was highlighted by California Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Notre Dame interior offensive lineman Pat Coogan and Kent State Golden Flashes defensive lineman Stephen Daley.

Before Cignetti arrived last season, Indiana had not had a winning season since 2020 under former head coach Tom Allen. He led them to an 11-1 finish and narrowly missed the Big Ten Championship Game.

For McElroy's alma mater, Alabama, the Crimson Tide is trying to return to national championship contention under head coach Kalen DeBoer. McElroy called Alabama a legitimate national championship contender earlier in the offseason.

McElroy's former head coach, Nick Saban, has since retired from the sidelines. However, he joked that he reconsidered when Miss Terry asked him to vacuum around the house. Cignetti was an assistant under Saban at Alabama from 2007-2010.

Indiana opens the year against the Old Dominion Monarchs on August 30. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Related: Ty Simpson Reveals What Helped Him Earn Starting QB Job at Alabama

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.