As Championship Week wraps up, college football fans are buzzing with anticipation for the unveiling of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Ahead of the official announcement, projections place Oregon, Georgia, and others at the forefront of the historic playoff lineup. Here’s a detailed look at how the field is shaping up.
Oregon Secures Top Seed After Big Ten Title Win
Oregon cemented its position as the No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff Rankings after defeating Penn State 45-37 in the Big Ten Championship. With an undefeated record and a dominant season, the Ducks were a lock for the top seed.
The Rose Bowl awaits Oregon in the quarterfinals, and the team’s consistency throughout the season makes them a formidable opponent. Their offense, spearheaded by standout performances, has been a key factor in their success, while their defense has risen to the challenge when it mattered most.
Georgia Climbs After SEC Championship Thriller
No. 5 Georgia made a major statement with a dramatic 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the SEC Championship. The Bulldogs battled adversity, with starting quarterback Carson Beck sidelined before halftime due to injury. Backup Gunner Stockton stepped in but was also injured during overtime, forcing Beck to return for the game’s final play.
Georgia’s resilience earned them the No. 2 seed in the playoff, and they will begin their quest for the title in the Sugar Bowl. The win not only showcased their depth but also solidified their reputation as a powerhouse program capable of thriving under pressure.
Texas and Penn State Hold Steady
Despite the loss to Georgia, Texas is expected to maintain its No. 5 ranking, reflecting the committee’s tendency to favor teams that lose competitive games against higher-ranked opponents. The Longhorns’ close contest keeps them ahead of Notre Dame and ensures their spot as the 5-seed.
Penn State, on the other hand, drops slightly to No. 6 after falling to Oregon. While the Nittany Lions couldn’t keep pace with the Ducks in the championship game, they remain a top contender in the playoff field. Their first-round game promises to be a high-stakes matchup.
Notre Dame and Idle Teams Stay in Place
Notre Dame, which was idle during Championship Week, retains its position as the top-ranked team among those that did not play. CFP committee chair Warde Manuel confirmed that rankings among idle teams would remain consistent unless actively playing teams affected the order.
This approach ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the ranking process. As a result, Notre Dame is projected to be a 7-seed in the playoff, preparing for a first-round clash that could reignite excitement among fans.
Projected 12-Team Bracket
Here’s how the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff could shape up based on current projections:
| Seed | Team | Key Matchup | Game Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | Quarterfinal in Rose Bowl | Pasadena, CA |
| 2 | Georgia | Quarterfinal in Sugar Bowl | New Orleans, LA |
| 3 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 4 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 5 | Texas | First-round game as a 5-seed | TBD |
| 6 | Penn State | First-round game as a 6-seed | TBD |
| 7 | Notre Dame | First-round game as a 7-seed | TBD |
What to Watch
The official rankings reveal on Sunday will confirm how accurate these projections are. While Oregon’s No. 1 status seems unassailable, the committee’s decisions on mid-tier rankings could shuffle some matchups.
As the college football world braces for this new era of playoff competition, all eyes will be on the matchups that follow Championship Week’s unforgettable moments. The inaugural 12-team bracket promises to deliver even more excitement in the weeks ahead.
