This year, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has implemented a new 12-team format, which fans are enthusiastic about.
In past seasons, the CFP featured only four teams, but this year, it will be expanded to twelve. This change was made to help college football obtain more money from large brands, and give more teams a chance to win the national championship.
A key advantage of the expanded playoff format is that it ensures teams with outstanding regular seasons have a fair shot at competing for the national title. This change follows last year’s controversy, where undefeated Florida State was excluded from the four-team playoff—a scenario that likely would have been avoided in a 12-team format.
This year’s playoff features the champions of five major conferences: the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Big 10, the Big 12, and the Mountain West Conference.
The CFP ranks teams from 1 to 12, with the top four seeds earning byes to the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams compete in first-round games. This structure gives the top four teams a significant advantage, as they benefit from extra rest for both players and staff.
The first-round games are hosted on the campus of the lower seeds, which are the Texas Longhorns, Penn State Nittany Lions, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This year’s top four seeds are the Big 10 champion Oregon Ducks, the SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs, the Mountain West champion Boise State Broncos, and the Big 12 champion Arizona State Sun Devils.
The Quarterfinal and Semifinal games will be held at traditional New Year’s Six bowl locations. Arizona State will compete at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Oregon will take the field at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Boise State will play at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
Lastly, Georgia will face its opponent at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, which hosts the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.
The first-round matchups feature the 5-seed, 11-2 Texas Longhorns hosting the ACC Champion, 12-seed, 10-3 Clemson Tigers; the 6-seed, 11-2 Penn State Nittany Lions hosting the 11-seed, 11-2 SMU (Southern Methodist University) Mustangs; the 7-seed, 11-1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish hosting the 10-seed, 11-1 Indiana Hoosiers; and the 8-seed, 10-2 Ohio State Buckeyes hosting the 9-seed, 10-2 Tennessee Volunteers.
First-Round Predictions
Texas will edge out Clemson 27–21, powered by its star-studded offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers. This victory will set up a quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, featuring standout running back Cam Skattebo.
Penn State is expected to dominate SMU 34–10, thanks to their impenetrable defense. This win will lead them to face Boise State, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty.
Notre Dame will win the battle for the Hoosier State, defeating Indiana 21–10 behind their outstanding defense and quarterback Riley Leonard. They will advance to a quarterfinal matchup with Georgia.
Tennessee, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running back Dylan Sampson (the SEC leader in points scored), will upset Ohio State 24–21 and secure a spot to face Oregon.
Quarterfinal Predictions
Oregon will defeat Tennessee 27–17, with Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading a powerful offense that proves too much for Tennessee to handle.
Penn State will beat Boise State 34–17, ending Boise State’s surprising run as the Nittany Lions’ dominant defense takes control.
Texas will overpower Arizona State 35–17, as the Longhorns’ offensive firepower overwhelms the Sun Devils.
Georgia will narrowly edge Notre Dame 24–21, relying on their slight advantage in talent and experience to secure the win.
Semifinal Predictions
Oregon will outlast Texas in a thrilling 34–31 victory, their dominant defense stepping up in crucial moments to punch their ticket to the National Championship.
Georgia’s offense, led by running back Trevor Etienne, will overpower Penn State’s stout defense in a close 27–24 win, sending the Bulldogs to the National Championship game.
National Championship Prediction
In a tightly contested game, Oregon will emerge victorious over Georgia, 27–24, claiming their first National Championship in program history. The game, held on January 20 in Atlanta,
will mark a historic achievement for the Ducks.
