Unexpected CFP Contenders Emerge as College Football Season Heats Up
September 21, 2025 – Week 4 of the college football season delivered a series of surprising results, propelling both Texas Tech and Indiana into the College Football Playoff conversation while raising serious questions about clemson’s early-season performance. The Red Raiders and Hoosiers, previously overlooked by many, demonstrated the potential to disrupt the established power structure, while the Tigers faced mounting pressure and a concerning display on the field.
The evolving landscape of college football, fueled by NIL opportunities and transfer portals, continues to create unpredictable outcomes. Texas Tech’s and Indiana’s ascents highlight the increasing accessibility of contention for programs previously outside the national spotlight.Clemson’s struggles, meanwhile, underscore the challenges of maintaining dominance in a rapidly changing habitat. These developments signal a potentially wide-open race for the CFP, wiht several teams positioning themselves for a postseason run.
Beyond on-field results,meaningful off-field developments are reshaping the media landscape. Recent reports indicate that Larry Ellison may soon acquire a ample stake in American media, potentially impacting the future of college football broadcasting. simultaneously, the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is becoming increasingly apparent, with reports suggesting NIL activity helped secure quarterback Bryce Underwood’s commitment to Michigan.
In a lighter moment from the weekend, North Texas’ celebration following a successful play mirrored the iconic pose of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, delighting fans and adding a touch of levity to the competitive atmosphere.
However, Clemson’s performance against Syracuse raised significant concerns. Despite Syracuse blitzing less frequently than the average FBS team, they managed to pressure quarterback Cade klubnik on 39 percent of his dropbacks - a rate considerably higher than the national average of 28 percent. This defensive pressure exposed vulnerabilities in the Clemson offense, prompting observers to recall the team’s struggles in previous games against LSU and Troy. The situation has sparked anxieties among Clemson supporters, evoking memories of the program’s 70-33 loss to west Virginia in the 2011 Orange Bowl.
Adding to the weekend’s memorable moments, a Clemson mascot was captured on video performing a “surrender cobra” gesture, a playful but unusual display that quickly circulated on social media.
(Top photo: Rich Janzaruk / Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK)
