Ohio State Poised for Top Seed as College Football Playoff Rankings Reveal Looms

The final College Football Playoff rankings are set for release. The announcement will define the inaugural 12-team postseason bracket. All eyes are on the top four seeds, which secure a crucial first-round bye.

Ohio State enters as the heavy favorite for the number one spot. Their undefeated 12-0 record gives them a strong claim. The new format makes tonight’s selection show more consequential than ever.

Breaking Down the New 12-Team Playoff Format

The expanded College Football Playoff changes the entire dynamic. The top four ranked teams will not play in the first round. They advance directly to the quarterfinals on December 27-28.

Teams seeded 5 through 12 will host first-round games on campus. These games are scheduled for December 19-20. The winners will face the top four seeds in the next round.

Automatic bids go to the five highest-ranked conference champions. The next seven highest-ranked teams fill out the remaining spots. According to Associated Press analysis, this rewards both championship success and strong seasonal performance.

Ohio State’s Path and the Stakes for the Big Ten

Ohio State’s perfect season positions them ideally. Earning the number one seed provides home-field advantage throughout. It also offers extra rest and preparation time, a significant competitive edge.

The Big Ten Championship game this weekend still holds immense weight. A loss could potentially shuffle the top seeds. However, their body of work makes a dramatic fall unlikely, experts suggest.

Teams like Georgia and Washington are also in contention for top-four positions. Their conference championship outcomes will finalize the bracket. Tonight’s penultimate rankings offer the clearest preview yet.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What time are the College Football Playoff rankings released?

The final selection show airs Sunday, December 8 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. It will be broadcast on ESPN and streaming platforms. This reveal sets the official 12-team bracket.

How are the College Football Playoff teams selected?

The selection committee ranks the top 25 teams each week. The five highest-ranked conference champions get automatic bids. Seven at-large bids go to the next highest-ranked teams.

Where are the playoff games played?

The first round is played at the campus of the higher seed. The quarterfinals and semifinals are played at major bowl sites. The national championship is at a predetermined neutral site.

What does a first-round bye mean for a team?

A bye means the team skips the first-round games entirely. They advance directly to the quarterfinals two weeks later. This provides valuable extra rest and recovery time.

Can a team with two losses make the playoff?

Yes, the 12-team format makes it more possible. A two-loss conference champion would have a strong case. An at-large bid is also feasible for a highly-ranked two-loss team.