Atlanta is buzzing as the College Football Playoff bracket has officially been announced, setting the stage for an exciting postseason ahead. The 12-team playoff system was released on Sunday, December 8, with the first round kicking off on December 20 and 21. This year, Oregon claims the top seed, earning a bye into the quarterfinals along with Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State.
The playoff structure is based on the committee’s final top 25 rankings, and while some teams may have a high ranking, the top four conference champions are guaranteed the top seeds and byes regardless of their overall rank. This year, Boise State is treated well despite coming in at No. 9, as their strong showing in the Mountain West Conference earns them a slot in the quarterfinals. Similarly, Arizona State, though ranked No. 12, has secured the fourth seed due to its status as a conference champion, placing it ahead of the ACC champion Clemson who sits at No. 16.
Quarterfinal games will not take place on campus grounds but will instead be held at prestigious bowls like the Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Sugar Bowl on December 31 and January 1. The winners of these quarterfinals will then advance to the semifinals at either the Orange Bowl or Cotton Bowl on January 9 and 10.
If predictions hold true, the top seeds will face off as the bracket unfolds leading up to the national championship on January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly anticipate which teams will emerge victorious in this year’s playoff tournament.
