Hold on to your helmets, college football fans! Just when you thought you knew the contenders, Matt Leinart dropped a bombshell for the 2025 CFP National Champion. His pick might surprise you, but the reasons behind it are compelling. Is Penn State truly ready to make history this season?

As the excitement for Week 1 of the college football season reaches a fever pitch, prominent analysts are unveiling their highly anticipated predictions for the 2025 College Football Playoff national champion. Among these bold forecasts, FOX Sports’ Matt Leinart has made a particularly striking declaration, naming the Penn State Nittany Lions as his choice to hoist the coveted trophy this year.

Leinart, a respected voice in college football, delivered his compelling pick during the Big Noon Kickoff crew’s final preseason predictions. What makes his selection even more notable is that it was made in Columbus, the heartland of Penn State’s fierce Big Ten rival, Ohio State. This audacious pronouncement underscores a growing belief in the potential of the Penn State Football program.

The Nittany Lions are entering the season with significant momentum, building on a strong performance last year that saw them reach a College Football Playoff semifinal. While their journey ended in a tough Orange Bowl loss, the experience gained and the core talent returning are critical factors. Key offensive pieces, including their promising starting quarterback and a formidable two-headed monster at running back, are back to lead the charge.

Beyond the continuity of seasoned players, the Penn State roster has been further bolstered by high-profile newcomers who have quickly integrated into the team. This blend of experienced leadership and fresh talent has generated considerable buzz, leading many to view the Nittany Lions as a legitimate threat for the upcoming season, and certainly influencing Matt Leinart’s perspective.

Penn State’s promising outlook is also reflected in the current National Championship Odds. The Nittany Lions hold the third-shortest odds to win the national championship this year, standing at +600. They are positioned just behind perennial powerhouses Texas and Ohio State, who command +450 and +525 odds respectively, setting the stage for a thrilling season of competition.

The path to a potential Big Ten Championship will be challenging, featuring three preseason ranked teams on their conference schedule. Marquee matchups against top-tier opponents like Ohio State and Michigan present pivotal statement opportunities for Penn State. Successfully navigating this demanding schedule will be crucial for the Nittany Lions to solidify their national championship aspirations.

Adding further weight to the growing consensus, ESPN’s analysts have also chimed in, echoing similar sentiments about Penn State’s potential. Despite the need to replace key departing talent, there’s a strong belief that this is the Nittany Lions’ year to overcome previous hurdles, win crucial top-five matchups, and ultimately emerge as the 2025 College Football Playoff national champion.