College football is entering an exhilarating phase as we approach the end of the season. With only a few games left for each program, the race for the College Football Playoff (CFP) is heating up. Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating which teams will secure their spots in the coveted playoff bracket.
Excitement of the 12-team playoff format
The anticipation is even greater this year with the upcoming expansion of the playoff format from four teams to 12, set to debut in 2024. This change is a game-changer, allowing teams that may have previously been out of contention for a national championship to now vie for one of the 12 playoff spots. The four-team system, which has been in place since 2012, replaced the outdated BCS format, and fans have long wondered when it would expand again. The answer is finally here, and it promises to make the end of the season even more thrilling.
Understanding the new playoff format
So, how will this new 12-team playoff format work? The structure is designed to be inclusive and competitive. Automatic bids will be awarded to the top four conference champions, which will be seeded 1-4, regardless of their overall playoff ranking. The remaining eight spots will consist of at least six at-large bids, with the potential for two additional conference champions to join the mix. This means we could see a scenario with seven at-large bids and one conference champion or even eight at-large bids. Importantly, this new format guarantees that at least one Group of 5 team will make the playoff field.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the playoff seeding will unfold:
First round
- No. 1 team (bye)
- No. 2 team (bye)
- No. 3 team (bye)
- No. 4 team (bye)
- No. 12 team at No. 5 team
- No. 11 team at No. 6 team
- No. 10 team at No. 7 team
- No. 9 team at No. 8 team
Quarterfinals
- No. 1 team vs. No. 8/9 team
- No. 2 team vs. No. 7/10 team
- No. 3 team vs. No. 6/11 team
- No. 4 team vs. No. 5/12 team
Current playoff rankings
As we look at the latest College Football Playoff rankings, it’s clear that the competition is fierce. The first rankings were revealed in early November, and there will be five total releases before the final 12-team playoff is selected in January. The next reveal is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19, and fans are eagerly awaiting the updates.
Here are the top 12 teams in the latest CFP bracket poll:
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 1. | Oregon | 11-0 |
| 2. | Ohio State | 9-1 |
| 3. | Texas | 9-1 |
| 4. | Penn State | 9-1 |
| 5. | Indiana | 10-0 |
| 6. | Notre Dame | 9-1 |
| 7. | Alabama | 8-2 |
| 8. | Miami | 9-1 |
| 9. | Ole Miss | 8-2 |
| 10. | Georgia | 8-2 |
| 11. | Tennessee* | 8-2 |
| 12. | Boise State | 9-1 |
*Note: Tennessee is the first team out, as No. 14 BYU is projected to earn an automatic bid as the fifth highest-ranked conference champion.
With Georgia’s recent victory over Tennessee, the Bulldogs have surged into the playoff picture, while the Volunteers find themselves on the outside looking in. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of the rankings and the intense competition for playoff spots.
Upcoming matchups that matter
Looking ahead, one of the most significant matchups is No. 5 Indiana facing off against No. 2 Ohio State. This game will be crucial for the Hoosiers as they attempt to solidify their place in the top five. The top five teams in the rankings have remained consistent, but BYU’s recent loss has dropped them from No. 6 to No. 14, further complicating the playoff picture.
First four teams out
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 13. | SMU | 9-1 |
| 14. | BYU* | 9-1 |
| 15. | Texas A&M | 8-2 |
| 16. | Colorado | 8-2 |
*BYU remains in contention as the fifth highest-ranked conference champion.
Looking ahead to the playoff schedule
As we gear up for the playoff season, fans should mark their calendars for the important dates ahead. The first round of the playoffs is scheduled for December 20-21, with the quarterfinals taking place on December 31 and January 1. The semifinals will follow on January 9 and 10, culminating in the National Championship on January 20.
With the excitement building, college football fans have plenty to look forward to as the season reaches its thrilling conclusion. Who will emerge victorious, and which teams will secure their spots in the new 12-team playoff format? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this season promises to be one for the ages!
