In order for the College Football Playoff to truly capture the excitement of fans, it needs to deliver some unforgettable upsets. Just look at March Madness—it’s the unpredictability that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. As we gear up for the 2024 tournament, the big question is: will the 12-team playoff field deliver those jaw-dropping moments? Our bracket predictions suggest that we might see a couple of surprises along the way.
This year, we have our eyes set on the first round, where we expect the higher seeds to dominate. We anticipate that No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Penn State, No. 7 Notre Dame, and No. 8 Ohio State will all advance to the quarterfinals. While that might not be the most thrilling outcome for the new playoff format, we’re hoping for some nail-biting clashes. Imagine No. 9 Tennessee pushing Ohio State to the brink or No. 10 Indiana giving Notre Dame a run for their money in South Bend. The first round will also be a test of how home-field advantage plays out in this new setup.
Bracket Predictions for the 2024 Playoff
Inevitably, we came to an easy conclusion: Oregon has been the best team in the country this year. They might just face off against Ohio State again, rekindling memories of their thrilling 32-31 battle on October 12. Meanwhile, Georgia has navigated a challenging schedule and has a clear path back to a potential third national championship in four years. Are you really going to bet against Kirby Smart in this format? Let’s take a closer look at our predictions.
Round 1 Picks
No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas
This matchup has the potential to turn into a high-scoring affair if Clemson can find their rhythm. The Tigers will need to establish a running game with Phil Mafah against a Texas defense that’s tough to crack, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry. Remember, Texas is 0-2 when Quinn Ewers completes less than 60% of his passes. Can Clemson’s secondary step up?
Pick: Texas
No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State
This is the must-watch game of the first round. How will Ohio State, boasting the best scoring defense in the FBS at just 10.7 points allowed per game, respond after their loss to Michigan? Tennessee’s power-rushing attack, led by Dylan Sampson, poses a significant challenge. The pressure is on Ryan Day—how will an SEC team fare in Big Ten territory in December?
Pick: Ohio State
No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State
The College Football Playoff committee made a smart move by including the Mustangs, but now they face a formidable Penn State defense anchored by Abdul Carter. SMU’s Kevin Jennings leads an offense that averages 38.5 points per game, while Penn State counters with a strong ground game featuring Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The key will be whether the Mustangs can contain Penn State’s rushing attack.
Pick: Penn State
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame
This unexpected in-state showdown is a delightful strength-on-strength matchup. Indiana, under Kurtis Rourke, will aim to exploit Notre Dame’s secondary, led by Xavier Watts. The Irish have been one of the top teams in the FBS during the latter half of the season. While the Hoosiers have a chance to make history, the home-field advantage will be significant for Notre Dame.
Pick: Notre Dame
Quarterfinal Picks
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State
As the Big 12 champion, Arizona State is riding high, but they’ll face a tough test against Texas. Cam Skattebo, with 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns, needs to find success against Texas’ defensive front. Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is on fire, and we expect him to continue that trend.
Pick: Texas
No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State
This matchup could be a thriller. Oregon narrowly edged out Ohio State earlier this season, and a rematch could be just as exciting. Both teams have explosive offenses, and the winner will likely emerge as a favorite for the national championship.
Pick: Oregon
No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State
Boise State, led by Ashton Jeanty, is looking to make a statement. Will they pull out all the stops in true Boise State fashion? The Nittany Lions, with their strong ground game, will need to create turnovers to secure a victory.
Pick: Penn State
No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Georgia’s quarterback Carson Beck needs to avoid turnovers against a Notre Dame team that boasts a +16 turnover margin this season. This matchup promises to be intense, and while many may lean towards an upset with the Irish, it’s hard to go against a well-rested Georgia squad.
Pick: Georgia
Semifinal Picks
No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 5 Texas
This semifinal features two dynamic coaches: Steve Sarkisian and Dan Lanning. Expect a high-octane game with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. Oregon’s Jordan James has been impressive, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game.
Pick: Oregon
No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 6 Penn State
The Nittany Lions will be playing with nothing to lose, but Georgia’s experience in high-pressure situations could be the deciding factor. While Penn State has shown flashes of brilliance, Georgia’s defense knows how to step up when it matters most.
Pick: Georgia
CFP National Championship Picks
Oregon vs. Georgia (Atlanta)
Looking at the paths both teams have taken, it’s clear they’ve faced formidable opponents. Georgia would have battled through Notre Dame and Penn State, while Oregon would have taken on two of the best defenses in the FBS. The coaching duel between Smart and Lanning adds another layer of intrigue, especially considering Oregon’s impressive evolution since their earlier matchup. This time around, the Ducks have a potent offense led by Dillon Gabriel, and they’re poised to claim their first national championship.
Pick: Oregon
