NCAA Playoff Bracket Finalized: Ohio State vs Indiana Battle for Top Seed in Historic 12-Team Format

The NCAA playoff bracket is officially set. The 12-team field was unveiled Sunday following a thrilling championship weekend. The new format’s top four seeds earn a critical first-round bye. Ohio State secured the No. 1 overall seed after winning the Big Ten.

This marks the second year of the expanded playoff system. The bracket promises unprecedented drama. It culminates with the national championship in New Orleans on January 19.

Buckeyes Claim Top Spot After Big Ten Championship Victory

Ohio State locked up the No. 1 seed with a decisive win over Indiana. The final score was 27-9 in the Big Ten Championship Game. The victory capped a perfect 13-0 season for the Buckeyes. According to ESPN’s playoff projections, they were the favorite all along.

The win gives Ohio State a clear path through the bracket. They will avoid the first-round games entirely. This rest advantage is a major reward for their dominant season.

Complete 12-Team Field and First-Round Matchups Set

The full bracket pairs teams 5 through 12 in on-campus games. These first-round contests begin December 19. No. 5 Texas Tech will host No. 12 SMU. No. 6 Oregon faces No. 11 Tulane in Eugene.

Other key matchups include No. 7 Ole Miss versus No. 10 Alabama. No. 8 Oklahoma will host No. 9 Notre Dame. The winners advance to face the top four seeds in the quarterfinals.

The quarterfinal and semifinal games are scheduled for late December and early January. The new format guarantees more teams a shot at the title. It also increases the importance of every regular-season game.

Indiana, Texas A&M, and Georgia Round Out the Top Four

Despite their loss, Indiana held onto the No. 2 seed. Their strong 12-1 record impressed the selection committee. Texas A&M, also with one loss, earned the No. 3 seed. Georgia secured the final first-round bye as the No. 4 seed.

These teams will watch the first round from home. They will face the winners of the opening games. The bracket is designed to protect the highest-ranked teams for as long as possible.

The committee’s decisions were based on strength of schedule and overall performance. Conference championships played a significant role. This process followed the established protocol reported by the Associated Press.

The new NCAA playoff bracket is now official, setting the stage for a historic postseason. The 12-team format begins with intense on-campus clashes next week. Ohio State enters as the team to beat in this new era of college football.

Info at your fingertips

How does the new 12-team playoff format work?

The format grants the top four seeds a first-round bye. Seeds 5 through 12 play on-campus games in the first round. The winners then advance to face the top seeds in the quarterfinals.

When do the first-round playoff games start?

The first-round games are scheduled for December 19. They will be played at the home stadium of the higher-seeded team. The quarterfinals begin on December 26.

Which team was the biggest surprise in the bracket?

SMU making the field as the No. 12 seed is a notable surprise. Their inclusion highlights the expanded access of the new format. It rewards a strong season from a Group of Five conference.

Where is the 2026 national championship game?

The national title game will be played in New Orleans. It is scheduled for January 19, 2026. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome will host the championship.

Why did Indiana stay at No. 2 after losing?

The committee valued Indiana’s strong overall resume. Their only loss came to the top-ranked team in the championship game. Their body of work was deemed superior to other one-loss teams.