The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket has been unveiled, with undefeated Oregon (13-0) securing the No. 1 overall seed. Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State round out the top four, earning first-round byes as the highest-rated conference champions. SMU claimed the final spot, edging out Alabama in a contentious selection process.
Top Four Secured
No. 2 Georgia (11-2) earned its place after an impressive late-season run, including victories over high-ranking opponents. Boise State (12-1), the Mountain West champion, and Big 12 champion Arizona State (11-2) were awarded byes despite their relatively lower strength of schedule.
First-Round Matchups
First-round games, scheduled for Dec. 20-21 at home venues, include:
- No. 12 Clemson (10-3) at No. 5 Texas (11-2)
- No. 11 SMU (11-2) at No. 6 Penn State (11-2)
- No. 10 Indiana (11-1) at No. 7 Notre Dame (11-1)
- No. 9 Tennessee (10-2) at No. 8 Ohio State (10-2)
Clemson’s late surge, capped by a dramatic 34-31 win over SMU in the ACC Championship Game, propelled the Tigers into the field. SMU, despite the loss, secured a spot, beating out Alabama in a debate that highlighted the Mustangs’ stronger consistency over the season.
Alabama Snubbed
The exclusion of Alabama (9-3) stirred controversy, as the Crimson Tide had a notable victory over SEC champion Georgia but suffered three losses, including to two unranked teams. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee defended his team’s selection, saying, “We competed our butts off and deserve to be here.”
Alabama’s resume included a stronger strength of schedule, but its losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma weighed heavily. Meanwhile, SMU’s two losses were to ranked teams—Clemson and BYU—by a combined six points.
Conference Champions Shine
Arizona State surged into the top four with a dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship. Boise State claimed the Mountain West crown with a 21-7 win over UNLV, securing its first-round bye.
Path to the Championship
The quarterfinals will feature games at major bowl sites:
- Fiesta Bowl: Boise State/SMU-Penn State winner
- Peach Bowl: Arizona State/Clemson-Texas winner
- Rose Bowl: Oregon/Tennessee-Ohio State winner
- Sugar Bowl: Georgia/Indiana-Notre Dame winner
Semifinals will follow at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl on Jan. 9-10, culminating in the National Championship on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
A Historic Season Ahead
This inaugural 12-team format promises to deliver an exciting postseason, providing a platform for underdogs like Boise State and SMU while rewarding top-tier powerhouses like Oregon and Georgia. With games spanning the holidays and leading into the new year, the expanded playoff sets the stage for a thrilling chase to the championship.