The newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff system has officially been unveiled, featuring an exciting lineup that includes top-seeded Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State, all of whom have earned first-round byes. This season marks a significant change from the previous four-team format, as the 13-member selection committee carefully selected the top five highest-ranked conference champions and an additional seven at-large teams.
In this new bracket, the seeds are as follows:
1. Oregon (13-0)
2. Georgia (11-2)
3. Boise State (12-1)
4. Arizona State (11-2)
5. Texas (11-2)
6. Penn State (11-2)
7. Notre Dame (11-1)
8. Ohio State (10-2)
9. Tennessee (10-2)
10. Indiana (11-1)
11. SMU (11-2)
12. Clemson (10-3)
With only the four highest-ranked conference champions eligible for a top-four seed and a coveted bye into the quarterfinals, the final top-25 rankings reflect this determination. Notably, the committee’s last-minute assessments provoked discussions, especially with Clemson’s last-second victory over SMU in the ACC championship game. While SMU was initially seen as a potential top-four seed, their loss led to intense debate over their inclusion in the playoffs versus that of Alabama, which the committee ultimately decided in favor of SMU.
Committee chair Warde Manuel explained that the decision came down to the performance of SMU in their close game, emphasizing that SMU’s narrow loss showcased their capabilities against a formidable opponent.
Looking ahead, the playoffs will commence with first-round games scheduled for December 20-21, with matchups taking place at the home stadiums of the higher-seeded at-large teams. The first-round contests include:
– Clemson at Texas
– Indiana at Notre Dame
– SMU at Penn State
– Tennessee at Ohio State
Successful first-round teams will advance to the quarterfinals at prominent bowl locations, engaging with the top four seeds. The playoff timeframe is set, with semifinals slated for January 9-10 and the championship game on January 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This exciting new format amplifies the competitiveness and significance of college football, providing fans with more thrilling matchups and opportunities for teams to showcase their talents on a national stage. As fans near the playoff season, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable culmination of college football.