Undefeated Ohio State and Indiana Clinch Top College Football Playoff Seeds and Byes

The top seeds for the College Football Playoff are set. Ohio State and Indiana have officially locked in the top two spots. Both teams finished the regular season with perfect 11-0 records. This secures them a priceless first-round bye in the new 12-team format.

The final rankings were revealed on Sunday, December 7. The Buckeyes at #1 and the Hoosiers at #2 will now rest while others battle in the opening round. According to ESPN, this marks a historic achievement for Indiana, a program now positioned as a true national contender.

How the New 12-Team Format Rewards Regular Season Dominance

The expanded playoff changes the calculus for every team. Only the top four seeds receive a first-round bye. This makes securing a spot in that elite group the ultimate regular-season goal. Ohio State and Indiana accomplished exactly that through flawless campaigns.

The benefit of a bye is immense. It provides two extra weeks for player recovery and strategic preparation. Teams that play in the first round face a much more grueling path to the championship. The committee’s decision solidifies the Buckeyes and Hoosiers as the teams to beat.

Texas A&M and Georgia round out the top four, earning the other byes. The first-round matchups will feature seeds five through twelve. Those games are scheduled for December 19-20 at campus sites.

Playoff Path and Championship Expectations for the Top Seeds

Ohio State enters the postseason as the clear favorite. Betting markets, tracked by major sportsbooks, list the Buckeyes with the shortest odds to win the national title. Their combination of elite talent and playoff experience is unmatched.

Indiana’s story is one of remarkable transformation. Their +500 championship odds reflect both respect and the surprising nature of their run. The Hoosiers will look to use their rest period to prepare for any potential opponent.

The quarterfinals are set for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The semifinals follow on January 8-9. The national championship game is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The College Football Playoff bracket is now official, with Ohio State and Indiana waiting patiently as the hunted. Their perfect seasons have earned them the playoff’s most valuable commodity: time.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new College Football Playoff format?

The playoff expanded to 12 teams for the 2025 season. The top four conference champions get byes. Seeds 5 through 12 play in the first round at the higher seed’s home stadium.

How does a first-round bye work?

The top four seeds automatically advance to the quarterfinal round. They do not play on December 19-20. This gives them extra rest and preparation time over their first opponents.

When do the playoff games start?

The first round begins Friday, December 19. The quarterfinals are on December 31 and January 1. The national championship is on January 19, 2026.

Can Indiana really win the national title?

Yes. Their undefeated record and #2 seed prove they are a legitimate threat. Betting odds list them as a serious contender behind only Ohio State.

Where will the championship game be played?

The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.