The College Football Playoff picture has solidified after a dramatic rivalry weekend. Ohio State would be the top seed if selections were made today. The Big Ten and SEC dominate the projected field, securing multiple at-large bids. The final rankings will be announced this Sunday.

According to the latest projections from Sports Illustrated, the 12-team field is set. This new format expands access, giving more programs a chance at the national title. Conference championship games this weekend will finalize the official bracket.
Projected Playoff Field and First-Round Matchups
The projected seeding places Ohio State first, followed by Indiana and Georgia. Texas Tech rounds out the top four, earning first-round byes. Oregon, Mississippi, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma complete the top eight.
Power conferences fill ten of the twelve spots. The ACC champion Virginia and Tulane from the Group of Five secure the final at-large bids. This reflects the expanded playoff’s goal of broader inclusion.
First-round games would feature exciting matchups. No. 12 Tulane would travel to face No. 5 Oregon. No. 11 Virginia would play at No. 6 Mississippi in a tough SEC test.
Other games include Alabama at Texas A&M and Notre Dame at Oklahoma. These contests would provide immediate high-stakes drama in the new format.
Championship Implications and Selection Sunday Outlook
The playoff expansion fundamentally changes the end of the season. More teams remain in contention deeper into November. This maintains fan interest and elevates the importance of every conference game.
For the teams on the bubble, this weekend is critical. Miami, Vanderbilt, BYU, and Texas need favorable results. They hope for chaos in conference title games to sneak into the field.
The official selection committee will unveil its final rankings on December 8. Their decisions will confirm the seeding and matchups. All eyes are now on the conference championship games.
The new College Football Playoff format is poised for a thrilling debut. The projected field sets the stage for a historic postseason. The official bracket will be confirmed on Selection Sunday.
Info at your fingertips
Q1: Who is the number one seed in the playoff projection?
Ohio State is projected as the top overall seed. The Buckeyes completed an undefeated regular season. They will play for the Big Ten championship next.
Q2: How many teams from the Big Ten and SEC are in the field?
The projections include multiple teams from both powerhouse conferences. The Big Ten has Ohio State and Indiana. The SEC has Georgia, Mississippi, Texas A&M, and Alabama.
Q3: Which Group of Five team made the projected playoff?
Tulane is the projected representative from the Group of Five. They would be the No. 12 seed. Their first game would be a road trip to Oregon.
Q4: When are the official College Football Playoff rankings released?
The final selection committee rankings come out on Sunday, December 8. This is known as Selection Sunday. The bracket will be set for the first 12-team playoff.
Q5: Which teams are on the playoff bubble?
Miami, Vanderbilt, BYU, and Texas are listed on the bubble. Their playoff hopes depend on other results. They need wins and help during championship weekend.
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