College football playoff predictions indicate a potential Round 1 matchup between Ohio State and Georgia, a clash that fans eagerly anticipate.
This season has taught spectators a significant lesson: unexpected turnarounds are becoming the norm.
For instance, Indiana achieved an impressive 11 wins this year, a remarkable feat considering they only secured nine victories over the past three seasons. Arizona State rebounded with 10 wins after a disappointing 3-9 record last year, while Colorado improved to 9-3 from a previous 4-8 season.
One thing remains clear: any team can be defeated, with the notable exception of Oregon. The Ducks stand alone as the only team in the nation with a chance to join the ranks of the sixth team in College Football Playoff (CFP) history to finish undefeated, marking a significant achievement for the program.
Additionally, the integration of new conference members has not hindered their success in reaching conference title games. SMU, Oregon, and Texas have all made their respective championship games in their inaugural year, each with a viable path to the national title. This trend reflects not parity but a new volatility in college football.
This season marks the inception of the 12-team CFP format, a change that will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of college football.
Here are the updated CFP projections:
1. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 12-0
2. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 11-1
3. SMU
Conference: ACC
Record: 11-1
4. Arizona State
Conference: Big 12
Record: 10-2
5. Notre Dame
Conference: Independent
Record: 11-1
6. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 11-1
7. Indiana
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 11-1
8. Georgia
Conference: SEC
Record: 10-2
9. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 10-2
10. Tennessee
Conference: SEC
Record: 10-2
11. Alabama
Conference: SEC
Record: 9-3
12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 11-1
QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS
1. Oregon: Bye (would then play the winner of 8. Georgia vs. 9. Ohio State)
2. Texas: Bye (would then play the winner of 7. Indiana vs. 10. Tennessee)
3. SMU: Bye (would then play the winner of 6. Penn State vs. 11. Alabama)
4. Arizona State: Bye (would then play the winner of 5. Notre Dame vs. 12. Boise State)
FIRST-ROUND MATCHUPS
5. Notre Dame vs. 12. Boise State
Ashton Jeanty and the Broncos will travel to South Bend for the first-ever home playoff game in FBS history. Jeanty is having a standout season, pursuing Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. In 2024, he has accumulated 312 carries for 2,288 yards. For context, Sanders recorded 344 carries for 2,628 yards in 1988, winning the Heisman Trophy. Derrick Henry also had a notable season in 2015, carrying the ball 395 times for 2,219 yards, also earning the Heisman.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has carried the ball 312 times for 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns this season. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
6. Penn State vs. 11. Alabama
The last time Alabama faced a Big Ten opponent, they dominated Wisconsin with a score of 42-10. While this Penn State team presents a stronger challenge, Alabama has triumphed over a top-five team this season. In contrast, the Nittany Lions have only achieved that feat once in their last 13 attempts. They will have another opportunity to improve that record against undefeated Oregon this weekend.
7. Indiana vs. 10. Tennessee
Indiana is enjoying its best season in history, boasting 11 wins, with nine of those victories coming by double digits. The Volunteers will arrive in Bloomington with the SEC’s leading rusher, Dylan Sampson, who has amassed 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.
Indiana has 11 wins this season, marking the most in program history for a single season. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
8. Georgia vs. 9. Ohio State
This matchup is a rematch of the 2022 Peach Bowl, where a missed field goal allowed Georgia to secure a spot in the national title game, ultimately winning their second consecutive championship.
Georgia’s formidable front seven could present challenges similar to those faced by Ohio State against Michigan. However, the Buckeyes are recognized for their talent, particularly with freshman standout Jeremiah Smith aiming to lead them to their first national title since 2014.
Ryan Day is the first Ohio State coach to lose four consecutive games to Michigan since John Cooper from 1988-91. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
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