College Football Playoff Predictions: Who’s In and Who’s Out in the Final CFP Bracket
As the dust settles on an electrifying conference championship weekend, the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee has some serious decisions to make. With the first-ever 12-team playoff format in play, the stakes are higher than ever. While Oregon and Georgia seem to have first-round byes locked up, the battle for the remaining top seeds is heating up, with Arizona State, Clemson, and Boise State vying for attention.
Let’s break down the likely contenders, the matchups, and why this playoff bracket promises to be an instant classic.
The Top Seeds
It’s hard to argue against Oregon sitting pretty at the top. The Ducks cruised to a perfect 13-0 season, dominating the Big Ten like a well-oiled machine. Joining them with a first-round bye is Georgia, fresh off yet another SEC title. Sure, Georgia’s two losses sting, but their pedigree and strength of schedule keep them firmly in the top two.
The third seed is where things get interesting. Arizona State’s rise under Kenny Dillingham is nothing short of remarkable. After turning last year’s 3-9 squad into Big 12 champs, the Sun Devils have earned their spot with an 11-2 record and a late-season surge that averaged over 37 points per game.
Meanwhile, Clemson holds onto the fourth bye. Their 10-3 record and ACC title—bolstered by their win over SMU—don’t scream dominance, but Dabo Swinney’s consistency over the years makes them a safe bet for the committee.
The Contenders and Storylines
Let’s not overlook Boise State. Ashton Jeanty’s jaw-dropping season has carried the Broncos to a 12-1 record, with their only loss coming on a final play against the top-ranked Ducks. If there’s a Cinderella story brewing, Boise State is wearing the glass cleats.
Notre Dame, Penn State, Indiana, and Texas round out the next group of teams, each with its own compelling narrative. Notre Dame’s stifling defense is one of the best in the country, while Penn State’s thunder-and-lightning backfield combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen makes them a tough out. Indiana and Texas, on the other hand, bring flashy offenses and powerhouse lineups that will test anyone who faces them.
Quarterfinal Matchups: A Glimpse Ahead
The top four seeds get some much-needed rest, but their potential opponents are set to duke it out in thrilling first-round matchups:
5. Notre Dame vs. 12. Alabama
This is a clash of two titans. Notre Dame’s defense has been a brick wall, allowing just 13.6 points per game, but they’ll face a massive test in Alabama’s dual-threat quarterback, Jalen Milroe. With over 2,600 passing yards, 719 rushing yards, and a combined 35 touchdowns, Milroe is a one-man wrecking crew. Can the Fighting Irish withstand the Tide’s offensive onslaught?
6. Penn State vs. 11. Boise State
This game might come down to the ground game. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is on the brink of history, just shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. Penn State, however, boasts not one but two elite running backs in Singleton and Allen. It’s a battle of strength vs. strength, and it promises fireworks.
7. Indiana vs. 10. Tennessee
Two CFP newcomers with lightning-fast offenses and ferocious pass rushers—this matchup has “instant classic” written all over it. Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke has been surgical this season, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s high-octane attack could make this one of the most explosive games of the postseason.
8. Texas vs. 9. Ohio State
The marquee matchup of the first round pits two of the sport’s most talented rosters against each other. Ohio State and Texas both bring elite rushing attacks, with Quintrevion Wisner and Quinshon Judkins leading the charge. It’s the type of game that feels like it should decide a national champion, but instead, it’s merely the first hurdle on the road to glory.
What’s at Stake
This year’s expanded CFP format has upped the ante for every program involved. The top seeds aim to justify their byes, while first-round teams fight tooth and nail to prove they belong in the title conversation. For programs like Boise State and Indiana, it’s a chance to upset the traditional powerhouses. For stalwarts like Alabama and Ohio State, it’s an opportunity to remind the world why they’re perennial contenders.
At the heart of it all lies the promise of drama. The beauty of the playoff format is its unpredictability—favorites can falter, and underdogs can rise. Every game is a battle, every play a potential turning point.
As we gear up for the first round, one thing is certain: the 2024 College Football Playoff is about to deliver some of the most unforgettable moments in the sport’s history. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for chaos—this is college football at its finest.