As many college football fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming championship season, the current College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket is starting to take shape in Atlanta. As of December 3, new rankings have been released, which provide a snapshot of how the playoff could look today, though changes are expected before the final rankings come out on December 8.
This year marks a significant change, with the introduction of a new 12-team playoff format for the 2024-25 season. The playoff selection committee will rank the top 25 teams, setting the stage for how the bracket will be finalized. The latest rankings show the four highest-ranked conference champions automatically earning the top seeds, which also grant them a crucial bye week.
Currently, Boise State is making headlines. With a record that only includes a loss to the top-ranked Oregon, the Broncos stand as the fourth-highest-ranked conference champion and will receive a bye into the quarterfinals, despite being ranked No. 10 overall. This means they will wait for the results of the first round before their next challenge.
Arizona State, on the other hand, at No. 15, has secured its place in the playoff, thanks to being the last automatic qualifier from the conferences. This gives them an edge over teams like No. 12 Miami, No. 13 Ole Miss, and No. 14 South Carolina. Notably, the remaining eight teams in the bracket will compete in a first round played on December 20 or 21 at campus sites.
Come January, the four quarterfinal games will switch to major bowl venues including the Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Sugar Bowl. This lineup adds excitement for fans as teams vie for their chance to advance to the semifinals at either the Orange Bowl or the Cotton Bowl on January 9 and 10.
The ultimate goal for these teams will culminate in the national championship game, scheduled for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the best of the best will compete for the title. As the teams prepare for their possible playoff runs, college football’s landscape is poised for an exhilarating finale.
