The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has unveiled its fifth set of rankings, serving as the final assessment before the selection of the 12-team playoff field this Sunday. This year marks a significant change, as the playoff format expands to include 12 teams, allowing for a more robust competition that promises to engage fans and teams alike.
The playoff structure is designed to feature the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large teams. The top four conference champions will earn first-round byes, while the remaining eight teams will compete at the home fields of the higher-seeded teams.
As it stands, the projected bracket for the first round includes:
**First-round byes:**
1. Oregon Ducks (No. 1 seed)
2. Texas Longhorns (No. 2 seed)
3. SMU Mustangs (No. 3 seed)
4. Boise State Broncos (No. 4 seed)
**First-round matchups:**
– No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers will visit No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes, with the winner advancing to face No. 1 Oregon.
– No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils will match up against No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions, and the winner will play No. 4 Boise State.
– No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide will challenge No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with the victor moving on to play No. 3 SMU.
– No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers will face No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs, and the winner gets to compete against No. 2 Texas.
The current top 25 rankings are led by Oregon (12-0), followed by Texas (11-1) and Penn State (11-1). Other notable teams in the top 25 include Alabama, Georgia, and Notre Dame, all of which have demonstrated competitive performances throughout the season.
This expansion to a 12-team playoff format introduces an exciting dynamic for college football, promising more thrilling matchups and opportunities for teams that may not have made the playoff cut under the previous 4-team setup. Fans can look forward to a tournament that includes a diverse range of teams, heightening the anticipation for the national championship game set for January 20, 2025.
In summary, the College Football Playoff’s new format not only enhances competition among the nation’s best programs but also captivates the audience with the promise of exciting football action ahead.