The College Football Playoff is poised to grow to a 12‑team field, marking the first year that five Power Four conference champions will earn automatic bids while the highest‑rated Group of Six team also receives a spot, regardless of conference results.
Early‑season upsets set the tone
Memphis earned the 12th seed by edging UNLV 27‑21 in a tightly contested game, a result that underscores how early‑season outcomes can already reshape the bracket.
Meanwhile, BYU’s participation in the Dublin showcase adds a layer of intrigue, as the Cougars look to translate that exposure into a favorable committee ranking.
Projected first‑round matchups
The opening round is slated to feature Oregon taking on Memphis, Indiana facing Texas Tech, Texas battling Alabama, and BYU squaring off against Oklahoma, each game promising a fresh narrative.
Quarterfinal landscape
Quarterfinal action will move to iconic venues, with the Fiesta Bowl hosting a clash between No. 4 Miami and the Cotton Bowl champion, the Rose Bowl pitting No. 3 Georgia against the winner of the No. 6/11 matchup, and the Peach Bowl set to showcase No. 2 Notre Dame against the victor of the No. 7/10 game.
Should the bracket hold, Ohio State is projected to meet the champion of the No. 5/12 contest in the final, adding another layer of anticipation to the tournament.