The College Football Playoff (CFP) has undergone a significant transformation, expanding from its original four-team format to a 12-team playoff. The new format, which will debut in the 2026 season, promises to bring more excitement and unpredictability to the college football postseason. With the first projections out, we take a closer look at the teams that are currently leading the pack.
The new 12-team format will feature the five conference champions from the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC), as well as seven at-large teams selected by the CFP Selection Committee. The top four conference champions will receive a first-round bye, while the remaining teams will compete in the first round on campus sites.
Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State are among the top teams projected to make the 12-team playoff. Oregon, led by head coach Dan Lanning, is looking to build on its successful 2022 season, which saw the Ducks win the Pac-12 championship. Georgia, under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart, is seeking to return to the playoff after a disappointing 2022 season.
Boise State, led by head coach Andy Avalos, is looking to make its first playoff appearance in school history. The Broncos have been a dominant force in the Mountain West Conference, winning multiple championships in recent years. Arizona State, under the leadership of head coach Herm Edwards, is seeking to return to the playoff for the first time since 1996.
The expanded playoff format is expected to bring more teams into the mix, creating more opportunities for schools from outside the Power Five conferences to compete for a national championship. The new format also promises to increase revenue and exposure for college football, which has seen significant growth in popularity in recent years.
While the first projections are out, there is still much to be determined. The college football season is long and unpredictable, and teams can quickly rise or fall in the rankings. However, one thing is certain – the expanded playoff format is set to bring more excitement and unpredictability to the sport.
The CFP Selection Committee will release its rankings on a weekly basis, starting in late October. The committee will consider a variety of factors, including win-loss record, strength of schedule, and conference championships, when selecting the 12 teams that will compete in the playoff.
In addition to the teams mentioned above, other schools that are expected to contend for a playoff spot include Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Michigan. These teams have a rich history of success in college football and are always a threat to make a deep run in the postseason.
The expanded playoff format is a significant change for college football, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming years. One thing is certain – the sport is poised for continued growth and success, and the new format is expected to bring more excitement and unpredictability to the postseason.
As the college football season gets underway, fans will be eagerly anticipating the first rankings and the start of the playoff competition. With more teams in the mix, the possibilities are endless, and the sport is poised for a thrilling postseason.
