The College Football Playoff (CFP) has officially announced its expansion to a 12-team format, marking a significant shift in the college football landscape. The new format, which will begin in the 2024 season, 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 committee.
The first set of projections for the 12-team playoff has been released, and it features a mix of familiar powerhouses and rising programs. Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State are among the top teams featured in the initial projections.
Oregon, led by quarterback Bo Nix, is projected to win the Pac-12 championship and secure a spot in the playoff. The Ducks have a strong offense and a stout defense, making them a formidable opponent in the postseason.
Georgia, the defending national champions, are projected to win the SEC East and earn a spot in the playoff. The Bulldogs have a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, led by head coach Kirby Smart.
Boise State, a perennial powerhouse in the Mountain West Conference, is projected to win the conference championship and earn a spot in the playoff. The Broncos have a strong offense and a stingy defense, making them a dark horse candidate in the postseason.
Arizona State, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, is projected to win the Pac-12 South and earn a spot in the playoff. The Sun Devils have a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, led by head coach Herm Edwards.
The new 12-team format is expected to bring significant changes to the college football landscape. The expanded playoff will provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship, and it will also create more revenue for the participating schools.
The CFP committee will release new projections each week, and the final rankings will be announced on Selection Sunday. The playoff semifinals will be played on New Year’s Eve, and the national championship game will be played on January 8, 2025.
The expanded playoff has been met with widespread approval from college football fans and coaches. The new format is expected to create more excitement and unpredictability in the postseason, and it will also provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship.
In addition to the top teams featured in the initial projections, several other teams are expected to contend for a spot in the playoff. These teams include Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and USC, among others.
The expanded playoff is also expected to have a significant impact on the college football recruiting landscape. With more teams competing for a national championship, recruiting will become even more competitive, and top prospects will have more opportunities to play for a championship.
The CFP committee will continue to release new projections each week, and the final rankings will be announced on Selection Sunday. College football fans can expect a thrilling postseason, with several teams competing for a spot in the playoff.
The expanded playoff is a significant development in the world of college football, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the sport. With more teams competing for a national championship, the postseason will become even more exciting and unpredictable.