As the college football season progresses, anticipation builds among fans eager to see if their teams can secure a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). This year, the excitement is amplified with the introduction of a 12-team playoff format, paving the way for new schools and fanbases to engage in the selection process. The latest projections reveal the current standings and potential matchups, stirring discussions and debates among college football enthusiasts.
The initial rankings for the 2024 College Football Playoff have been unveiled, showcasing Oregon, Georgia, Miami, and BYU as the top four seeds, each earning a projected first-round bye. These rankings are pivotal as they set the stage for the playoff picture, but it’s important to remember that circumstances can change dramatically as the season unfolds. Teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Indiana are also in the mix, having received projected playoff bids, but the competition remains fierce.
With several weeks still left in the regular season, the landscape of college football can shift quickly. Teams that are currently lower in the rankings, such as the undefeated Army or the often-overlooked Ole Miss, have the potential to make a significant impact and climb into the top 12. The dynamic nature of college football ensures that surprises are always around the corner.
Here’s a look at the first official CFP rankings for 2024, including the projected first-round byes:
- Oregon (9-0)*
- Ohio State (7-1)
- Georgia (7-1)*
- Miami (9-0)*
- Texas (7-1)
- Penn State (7-1)
- Tennessee (7-1)
- Indiana (9-0)
- BYU (8-0)*
- Notre Dame (7-1)
- Alabama (6-2)
- Boise State (7-1)
- SMU (8-1)
- Texas A&M (7-2)
- LSU (6-2)
- Ole Miss (7-2)
- Iowa State (7-1)
- Pitt (7-1)
- Kansas State (7-2)
- Colorado (6-2)
- Washington State (7-1)
- Louisville (6-3)
- Clemson (6-2)
- Missouri (6-2)
- Army (8-0)
In the projected CFP bracket, the first-round matchups are set as follows:
- No. 12 Boise State vs. No. 5 Ohio State
- No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 6 Texas
- No. 10 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Penn State
- No. 9 Indiana at No. 8 Tennessee
The quarterfinal matchups will feature:
- No. 4 BYU vs. (No. 12 Boise State vs. No. 5 Ohio State)
- No. 3 Miami vs. (No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 6 Texas)
- No. 2 Georgia vs. (No. 10 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Penn State)
- No. 1 Oregon vs. (No. 9 Indiana vs. No. 8 Tennessee)
The 2024 CFP schedule is also set, providing a roadmap for fans to mark their calendars:
- First Round:
- Game 1: Friday, December 20 at 8 p.m. | ABC, ESPN
- Game 2: Saturday, December 21 at 12 p.m. | TNT Sports
- Game 3: Saturday, December 21 at 4 p.m. | TNT Sports
- Game 4: Saturday, December 21 at 8 p.m. | ABC, ESPN
- Playoff Quarterfinals Round:
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Tuesday, December 31 at 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
- Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl: Wednesday, January 1 at 1 p.m. | ESPN
- Rose Bowl: Wednesday, January 1 at 5 p.m. | ESPN
- Allstate Sugar Bowl: Wednesday, January 1 at 8:45 p.m.
As the season progresses, fans will be closely following their teams’ performances, hoping for a chance to compete for the national championship. With the expanded playoff format, the stakes are higher than ever, and every game could be crucial in determining which teams advance to the postseason.
The excitement surrounding the College Football Playoff is palpable, and fans are ready to rally behind their teams as they strive for glory on the national stage. The journey to the playoffs is filled with anticipation, and the implications of each week’s games will be felt across the landscape of college football.
