The New 12-Team College Football Playoff Is Here – Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What It Means for the Future
The new 12-team College Football Ranking has arrived, and it’s shaking things up in a big way! Here’s everything you need to know about the Playoff format, who’s in, who’s out, and what it all means for college football.
Why the Change?
For years, college football’s champion was decided by polls and rankings that often left fans arguing over who deserved the title. First came the BCS, then the four-team CFP, but it still left deserving teams out in the cold. With the 12-team playoff, more teams have a chance, and more fan bases get a reason to stay hyped through December.
Who Gets In?
The top five seeds automatically go to the highest-ranked conference champions, covering the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and the top Group of 5 champion (usually from the MAC, AAC, or similar). The remaining seven spots go to the highest-ranked teams that didn’t win their conference. So, the field is deeper, and there’s room for a surprise or two.
How Does It Work?
The top four conference champs get first-round byes, while seeds 5-8 will host seeds 9-12 for the first round on Dec. 20-21. This is college football’s answer to an old-school campus game-day vibe. Winners then head to quarterfinals at the New Year’s Six bowl games, with semifinals at the Cotton and Orange bowls, and finally, the title game on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
The First Rankings
Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, and Miami top the first rankings, but it’s stirring up some drama. Ohio State slipped in at No. 2 over Georgia, while BYU, undefeated but ranked No. 9, is getting a lot of side-eye from fans wondering why they’re behind Indiana. Meanwhile, the SEC loaded up the top 12, with Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama all in the mix, and SMU sits just outside at No. 13 despite a strong season.
Group of Five Watch
Boise State holds the highest spot for the Group of Five at No. 12, aiming to make a splash if things go their way. Army, undefeated and ranked No. 25, hopes to prove they belong with a late-season push.
Looking Ahead
The rankings are just the start. First-round games are set for December, with the quarterfinals and semifinals rolling through January. The SEC and Big Ten look strong with four teams each in the top 12, while the ACC and Big 12 cling on with Miami and BYU. It’s set to be a wild, unpredictable playoff season—just how college football fans like it!
College Football Playoff Rankings, Nov. 5
1. Oregon (9-0) | Projected No. 1 seed
2. Ohio State (7-1) | Projected No. 5 seed
3. Georgia (7-1) | Projected No. 2 seed
4. Miami (FL) (9-0) | Projected No. 3 seed
5. Texas (7-1) | Projected No. 6 seed
6. Penn State (7-1) | Projected No. 7 seed
7. Tennessee (7-1) | Projected No. 8 seed
8. Indiana (9-0) | Projected No. 9 seed
9. BYU (8-0) | Projected No. 4 seed
10. Notre Dame (7-1) | Projected No. 10 seed
11. Alabama (6-2) | Projected No. 11 seed
12. Boise State (7-1) | Projected No. 12 seed
13. SMU (8-1)
14. Texas A&M (7-2)
15. LSU (6-2)
16. Ole Miss (7-2)
17. Iowa State (7-1)
18. Pittsburgh (7-1)
19. Kansas State (7-2)
20. Colorado (6-2)
21. Washington State (7-1)
22. Louisville (6-3)
23. Clemson (6-2)
24. Missouri (6-2)
25. Army West Point (8-0)
