Final 2025 CFB Playoff Bracket Predictions After Conference Championship Weekend
INDIANAPOLIS — The results are in the books. Now, the fate of the 2025 College Football Playoff rests in the hands of the selection committee.
And there is drama to come on Selection Day.
After a couple of blowouts and upsets in Saturday's action, the second-ever edition of the 12-team bracket is almost ready. We know, confidently, nine of the programs with a chance to win the national title.
However, three programs—Alabama, Notre Dame and Miami, possibly along with BYU—still have a shot to snag one of the final two Playoff slots. Duke and James Madison are fighting for an automatic bid, as well.
The bracket will be revealed on Sunday, Dec. 7, at noon ET.
Our selections are based on what we believe the committee will decide, not what we think the group should do.
Key Results in Championship Week
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Big Ten: Indiana 13, Ohio State 10
Red-zone issues crushed the Buckeyes in their aim for a perfect 13-0 year. Instead, that unblemished records went to Indiana in a tremendous upset for Curt Cignetti and the fast-ascending program. Indiana will be the No. 1 seed.
Big 12: Texas Tech 34, BYU 7
SEC: Georgia 28, Alabama 7
Texas Tech made a terrific, final statement in the Big 12 Championship Game, running away from an overmatched BYU team. The defense posted four takeaways and absolutely locked down BYU after its opening touchdown. Georgia followed suit and dominated Alabama from start to finish in an SEC Championship rout.
Sun Belt: James Madison 31, Troy 14
ACC: Duke 27, Virginia 20 (OT)
As expected, James Madison rolled to a comfortable win against Troy. The result meant the ACC desperately needed Virginia to avoid an upset loss to Duke in order to ensure the conference would have a CFP representative. But the Hoos could not make it happen despite a late comeback, and Duke won an ACC crown at 8-5.
CFP Top 25 Projection
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Reminder: This ranking is based on what I believe the College Football Playoff selection committee will do, not what I think they should do.
1. Indiana
2. Ohio State
3. Georgia
4. Texas Tech
5. Oregon
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas A&M
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. Miami
12. BYU
13. Texas
14. Vanderbilt
15. Utah
16. USC
17. Tulane
18. Virginia
19. Arizona
20. Michigan
21. Houston
22. Georgia Tech
23. James Madison
24. Iowa
25. North Texas
Bracket Outlook
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Automatic Bids
The projected five highest-ranked conference champions.
At-Large Bids
The projected seven highest-ranked non-champions.
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Selection Day Storylines
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There are topics to monitor up high in the rankings, sure.
Will the Big Ten runner-up still receive a first-round bye? Given that Ohio State finished the regular season unbeaten, that would be the proper outcome.
But, unsurprisingly, the main story revolves around No. 9 and No. 10.
The committee—for no legitimate reason—had Alabama jump Notre Dame in the recent CFP Top 25. Will the Crimson Tide, following a loss, dip back behind ND—and conveniently keep ND's barrier in front of Miami intact?
One simple question: How much is the committee going to penalize teams for making their conference championship game?
That answer is going to affect seeding for Alabama and BYU.
Additionally, will the No. 11 and No. 12 spots both be headed to Group of Five programs? Tulane is safely in the field, but Duke's upset of Virginia in the ACC Championship Game has given James Madison an incredible shot to crash the Playoff party—and possibly see the ACC without a CFP team in 2025.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
