History is being made.
The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket was revealed on Sunday, marking a transformative moment in the race for the national championship. The new format underscores that a team’s legacy alone no longer ensures postseason participation.
One of the most hotly debated decisions was the selection of SMU as the #12 seed over three-loss Alabama. SMU’s inclusion followed their narrow loss in the ACC Championship game, decided by a dramatic 56-yard field goal from Nolan Hauser. The Mustangs’ strong overall season performance ultimately earned them a playoff spot, while Alabama, burdened by three losses—including two to unranked teams—was left out.
The top four seeds, all conference champions, were rewarded with first-round byes. The Oregon Ducks claimed the #1 seed after an electrifying Big Ten Championship victory over Penn State. The Georgia Bulldogs took the #2 seed following their SEC Championship win over Texas. Boise State secured the #3 seed, and Arizona State completed the top four as the Pac-12 champions.
The opening round promises exciting matchups, with several teams looking to rebound from tough losses during championship weekend. This expanded format offers fresh opportunities for competition and signals a new era in college football.
