BNK Hot Ones: Which Top 10 Team Misses the CFP Between James Franklin’s Team or Arch Manning’s?

College Football Shakeup: Will franklin or Manning Depart First? CFP Predictions Emerge

The world of College Football was abuzz as Sean Evans, the popular host of “Hot Ones,” injected fresh energy into the Big Noon Kickoff pregame show. Evans didn’t shy away from posing provocative questions, centering on the future of Penn State’s James Franklin and the trajectory of Texas quarterback Arch Manning.

The Coaching Carousel: Franklin’s Future

A central point of discussion revolved around James Franklin, the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Evans directly inquired as to whether Franklin or the highly-touted Texas quarterback, Arch Manning, would be the first to move on from their respective programs. This question highlights the ongoing pressure on Franklin to deliver consistent championship-level success at Penn State, a program with a passionate fanbase and high expectations.

Recent performance data shows that Penn State, while consistently competitive, has struggled to overcome the final hurdles to national prominence. NCAA Power Rankings place penn State among the top 25 teams,but ofen below programs like Georgia,Alabama,and Ohio state.

Arch Manning and the Texas Quarterback Situation

the conversation then shifted to Arch Manning, the son of NFL legend Peyton Manning and a highly-anticipated recruit for the University of Texas. Evans’s question regarding Manning implies scrutiny of his advancement and potential impact on the Longhorns’ program. As of October 2025, Manning has seen limited playing time, sparking debate about his readiness to lead a Power Five team.

Did You Know? Arch Manning was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, according to multiple major recruiting services.

CFP Contenders and Potential Snubs

evans also turned his attention to the College Football Playoff picture, challenging the analysts to identify wich team, currently ranked within the Top 10, might unexpectedly miss out on a coveted playoff berth.The current CFP format,expanding to 12 teams in 2024,increases the chances for more teams to contend,but the competition remains fierce.

Here’s a fast look at the current Top 10 as of October 11, 2025:

Rank	Team	Record
1	Georgia	8-0
2	Ohio State	7-1
3	Michigan	8-0
4	Florida State	8-0
5	Oregon	7-1
6	Texas	7-1
7	Alabama	7-1
8	Penn State	7-1
9	Notre Dame	7-2
10	Ole Miss	8-0

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on strength of schedule when evaluating CFP contenders. A team with a perfect record but a weak schedule may not be as battle-tested as others.

The Impact of External voices

The inclusion of Sean Evans from a popular culture platform like “Hot ones” demonstrates the growing intersection between sports and entertainment. This crossover appeal can attract new viewers and generate broader discussion around College Football. His unique viewpoint injected a dynamic element into the traditionally analytical Big Noon Kickoff broadcast, sparking debate and capturing audience attention.

Understanding the College Football landscape

The college Football Playoff has substantially altered the dynamics of the sport. The expanded playoff format, set to take full effect, promises greater access for teams from all conferences. However, navigating the increasingly competitive landscape requires consistent performance, strategic recruiting, and a bit of luck. The transfer portal has also become a major factor, allowing players to quickly change programs and impacting team rosters year-to-year.

Frequently Asked Questions about College Football

What are your predictions for the College Football Playoff? Do you think James Franklin will be coaching at Penn State next season?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What scenarios lead to Penn State finishing with a 10-2 record and being excluded from the CFP?

The Playoff Picture: A Tight Race in 2025

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a brutal gauntlet, and the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) – now a 12-team format – doesn’t necessarily guarantee access for conventional powerhouses. This year, the question isn’t if a blue blood will be left out, but which one? Two teams generating significant buzz, and facing potential CFP exclusion, are James Franklin’s Penn State Nittany Lions and the Texas Longhorns led by quarterback Arch Manning. Let’s break down their scenarios,strengths,weaknesses,and the key factors that will determine their postseason fate. We’ll analyze their schedules, potential upsets, and the impact of conference competition.

Penn State Nittany Lions: A Consistent Contender Facing a Tough Path

Penn State, consistently ranked in the Top 10 under James Franklin, has built a reputation for strong defense and disciplined play. However, offensive consistency has often been their Achilles’ heel.

* Strengths: Elite defensive line, strong secondary, proven coaching staff, and a favorable home-field advantage at Beaver Stadium. Their run game, if established, can control the clock.

* Weaknesses: Quarterback play remains a question mark.Can they consistently score against top-tier defenses? A relatively difficult Big Ten schedule.

* Key Games: Ohio State (away), Michigan (home), and potentially a challenging matchup against USC in the expanded Big Ten. These games will define their season.

* CFP Probability: Currently high, but susceptible to a single loss derailing their chances, especially in a competitive Big Ten. A two-loss Penn State team might find itself on the outside looking in.

* Schedule Difficulty: Ranked among the top 10 toughest schedules in the nation, according to several early projections.

Texas Longhorns: Arch manning’s debut and Championship Expectations

The arrival of Arch Manning in Austin has injected a massive dose of excitement into the Texas program. Expectations are sky-high, but translating hype into wins is never easy. The Longhorns are now in the SEC, a conference known for its relentless competition.

* Strengths: Arch Manning’s potential, a talented receiving corps, and a coaching staff led by Steve Sarkisian focused on offensive innovation. The move to the SEC provides a national spotlight.

* Weaknesses: Manning is a true freshman; growing pains are certain.The SEC is a brutal conference with no easy wins. Defensive consistency needs betterment.

* Key Games: Georgia (home), Alabama (away), and LSU (away). Navigating this gauntlet will be crucial for their CFP hopes. The Red River Rivalry against oklahoma is always a must-win.

* CFP Probability: High, but heavily reliant on Manning’s growth and the team’s ability to win on the road in the SEC. A loss to a Group of Five team would be devastating.

* SEC Impact: The SEC’s depth means even a one-loss texas team could face a tiebreaker disadvantage compared to a one-loss team from a less competitive conference.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Key Factors & Potential Scenarios

Let’s directly compare the two programs,focusing on the elements that will likely determine which team misses the CFP.

Feature	Penn State Nittany Lions	texas Longhorns
Conference	Big Ten	SEC
QB Experience	Moderate	Freshman (Arch Manning)
Schedule Strength	Very High	Extremely High
Defensive Strength	Elite	Good
Offensive Consistency	Questionable	Potential, but unproven
road Game Difficulty	High	Extremely High

Scenario 1: Both Teams Finish 11-1. This is where things get really interesting. The CFP committee would have a difficult decision. Strength of schedule would likely be the deciding factor. Given Penn State’s big Ten schedule and Texas’s SEC slate, the edge might go to Texas, but it would be incredibly close. Conference Championship wins would be paramount.

Scenario 2: Penn State Loses to Ohio State & Michigan, Finishes 10-2. This scenario almost certainly excludes Penn State. The Big Ten is likely to send multiple teams to the CFP, but two losses to their biggest rivals would be a significant mark against them.

Scenario 3: Texas Loses to Georgia & Alabama, Finishes 10-2. similar to penn State, a 10-2 Texas team with losses to Georgia and Alabama would be in a precarious position. The SEC is deep enough that other teams could leapfrog them in the rankings.

the Impact of the Expanded CFP Format

The 12-team playoff should increase the chances of both teams making the field. Though,it also introduces new complexities. Automatic bids for conference champions mean that winning your conference is now