As if it wasn’t clear already, last week’s College Football Playoff rankings served as a reminder that the Big Ten and SEC reign supreme. Eight of the top 12 programs hailed from one of these two powerhouse conferences, with only Miami, BYU, Notre Dame, and Boise State breaking the mold. This dominance raises the question: can any other conferences make a serious push for playoff contention?
The burning question entering Tuesday’s reveal was where Georgia would fall after a loss to Ole Miss. The Bulldogs cracked the top 12 but found themselves on the bubble, landing at No. 12. This positioning means they would be out of the playoff bracket, as No. 13 Boise State would secure a spot as the fifth highest-ranked conference champion. How will this affect Georgia’s playoff aspirations moving forward?
Meanwhile, it was a quieter week for the Big Ten’s projected playoff teams. Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, and Indiana all secured victories, solidifying their standings. In contrast, the SEC experienced a shakeup: Georgia’s loss to Ole Miss was significant, while Alabama’s emphatic road victory over LSU effectively ended the Tigers’ playoff hopes. With these developments, all eyes will be on Tuesday’s rankings to see how they reflect the changing landscape.
Miami, on the other hand, is set to tumble after an upset loss to Georgia Tech. Despite this setback, the Hurricanes remain in the thick of the fight for a top-four seed, as an ACC title is still within reach. In the Big 12, BYU managed to stay in playoff contention after narrowly defeating Utah. However, will this close call cost the Cougars in the rankings as they cling to the top spot in their conference?
College Football Playoff rankings 2024
Who are the top 12 teams in the first CFP bracket poll?
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 1 | Oregon | 10-0 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 8-1 |
| 3 | Texas | 8-1 |
| 4 | Penn State | 8-1 |
| 5 | Indiana | 10-0 |
| 6 | BYU | 9-0 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 8-1 |
| 8 | Notre Dame | 8-1 |
| 9 | Miami | 9-1 |
| 10 | Alabama | 7-2 |
| 11 | Ole Miss | 8-2 |
| 12 | Georgia* | 7-2 |
* – Georgia would be out of the field with No. 13 Boise State as the fifth highest-ranked conference winner.
In the rankings, BYU made a notable leap from No. 9 to No. 6 after narrowly escaping Utah. Indiana also moved up to No. 5, while Miami dropped to No. 9 following their loss. Despite the setback, the Hurricanes still retain a top-four seed as the fourth highest-ranked conference winner. This dynamic raises the stakes for the upcoming games, as teams vie for a coveted playoff spot.
First four teams out
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 13. | Boise State* | 8-1 |
| 14. | SMU | 8-1 |
| 15. | Texas A&M | 7-2 |
| 16. | Kansas State | 7-2 |
* – Boise State would be in the field as the fifth highest-ranked conference winner.
Boise State, despite dropping one spot, is still on track to make the College Football Playoff by winning the Mountain West Conference. SMU, Texas A&M, and Kansas State are also in contention, hoping that one of the SEC teams just ahead of them stumbles. Each of these teams still controls their fate regarding an automatic bid, with their respective conferences remaining wide open.
Rest of the top 25
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 17. | Colorado | 7-2 |
| 18. | Washington State | 8-1 |
| 19. | Louisville | 6-3 |
| 20. | Clemson | 7-2 |
| 21. | South Carolina | 6-3 |
| 22. | LSU | 6-3 |
| 23. | Missouri | 7-2 |
| 24. | Army | 9-0 |
| 25. | Tulane | 8-2 |
Colorado is making waves, jumping from No. 20 to No. 17, but they still haven’t surpassed Kansas State after a loss to the Wildcats earlier this season. LSU’s drop to No. 22 after their defeat to Alabama has all but ended their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, unbeaten Army, now ranked No. 24, is still hopeful of making the field as the fifth highest-ranked conference winner, though they will need Boise State to falter.
How the new College Football Playoff format works in 2024
The new CFP format consists of 12 teams. Automatic bids are granted to the top four conference champions, which will be seeded 1-4, regardless of their playoff ranking. The remaining eight spots will include at least six at-large bids, with the possibility of two additional conference champions joining the fray. This new setup guarantees that at least one Group of 5 team will make the playoffs, adding excitement and unpredictability to the race.
So, how will the playoff seeding play out? In the first round, the top four teams will receive a bye, while the remaining teams will compete in matchups that set the stage for the quarterfinals. This format promises to deliver thrilling matchups and high-stakes drama as teams battle for a shot at the national championship.
The anticipation is palpable as the College Football Playoff rankings continue to unfold. With every game, the stakes grow higher, and the quest for glory intensifies. Which teams will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? The answers are just around the corner, and fans can’t wait to find out!
