The 2024-25 college football season marks a transformative year for the sport, as it introduces a 12-team playoff format for the first time. This new structure allows for increased opportunities for teams and fan engagement in the postseason.
Understanding the Bracket
The bracket is determined based on the selection committee’s rankings throughout the season, with the latest top 25 revealed on November 26. This snapshot does not predict the final playoff bracket but reflects the committee’s current standings.
Current Standings of the Top 12 Teams
The top teams are vying for prime positions in the playoffs:
- Oregon — No. 1 seed, highest-ranked conference champion from the Big Ten
- Ohio State — No. 5 seed, at-large pick from Big Ten
- Texas — No. 2 seed, second-highest-ranked conference champion from SEC
- Penn State — No. 6 seed, at-large pick from Big Ten
- Notre Dame — No. 7 seed, at-large pick as an independent
- Miami (Fla.) — No. 3 seed, third-highest-ranked conference champion from ACC
- Georgia — No. 8 seed, at-large pick from SEC
- Tennessee — No. 9 seed, at-large pick from SEC
- SMU — No. 10 seed, second team from ACC
- Indiana — No. 11 seed, fourth team from Big Ten
- Boise State — No. 4 seed, fourth-highest-ranked conference champion from Mountain West
- Arizona State — No. 12 seed, fifth-highest-ranked conference champion from Big 12
This bracket structure, including seeded teams and matchups, signifies a dramatic shift in how college football’s postseason will unfold, presenting fans with exciting games to anticipate in late December and into January.
Matchups in the First Round
The first-round games will take place on December 20 and 21 at hosted campus sites. The following matchups are scheduled:
- (12 seed) Arizona State at (5) Ohio State
- (11) Indiana at (6) Penn State
- (10) SMU at (7) Notre Dame
- (9) Tennessee at (8) Georgia
Winners will progress to play the top seeds in the quarterfinals.
What’s Next?
The next set of rankings from the selection committee will be unveiled on December 3. The excitement increases as teams continue to battle for playoff positions and the coveted chance to compete for the national championship.
