College football playoff predictions indicate that SMU and Ole Miss are in, while Georgia and Miami are out. This season, Indiana, BYU, and Army have all started strong with 9-0 records, and the Hoosiers have made headlines by being the first to secure their 10th win. This remarkable turnaround is impressive, especially considering their previous three-year record of 9-27.
For the first time since the inception of the College Football Playoff, the SEC finds itself in a unique situation with no undefeated teams. Tennessee and Texas A&M currently lead the SEC standings, yet neither has claimed a conference title during the CFP era. Adding to the drama, Vanderbilt pulled off a stunning upset against then-No. 1 Alabama, while Alabama had previously taken down then-No. 2 Georgia. In a surprising twist, Georgia faced defeat against Ole Miss, marking the Bulldogs’ first loss to a team other than Alabama since November 2020.
In another shocking turn of events, Georgia Tech defeated Miami (Fla.), a team that began the season 9-0. This victory marks only the second time since the AP poll was established in 1936 that Georgia Tech has triumphed over a 9-0 Miami team.
With these developments, it is time to present the updated College Football Playoff projections:
1. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 10-0
2. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 8-1
3. BYU
Conference: Big 12
Record: 9-0
4. SMU
Conference: ACC
Record: 8-1
5. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 8-1
6. Indiana
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 10-0
7. Tennessee
Conference: SEC
Record: 8-1
8. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 8-1
9. Notre Dame
Conference: Independent
Record: 8-1
10. Alabama
Conference: SEC
Record: 7-2
11. Ole Miss
Conference: SEC
Record: 8-2
12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 8-1
1. Oregon: Bye (would then play the winner of 8. Penn State vs. 9. Notre Dame)
2. Texas: Bye (would then play the winner of 7. Tennessee vs. 10. Alabama)
3. BYU: Bye (would then play the winner of 6. Indiana vs. 11. Ole Miss)
4. SMU: Bye (would then play the winner of 5. Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State)
8. Penn State vs. 9. Notre Dame
This matchup showcases two of the strongest rushing offenses and defenses in college football. Coaches James Franklin of Penn State and Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame have both led their teams to successful seasons in recent years. The winner of this game could be on the path to a national title, a significant achievement for either coach.
7. Tennessee vs. 10. Alabama
6. Indiana vs. 11. Ole Miss
Ole Miss proved its strength by defeating Georgia, a significant accomplishment. Indiana now faces a critical challenge as they prepare to visit Ohio State, the consensus No. 2 team in the nation. If Indiana can secure a victory on the road, it would solidify their status as a contender for the national title. This matchup could be pivotal, possibly leading to a later round in the playoffs.
5. Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State
