Final CFP Rankings Breakdown
The CFP Selection Committee finalized the Top 25 on December 7, broadcast live on ESPN. Indiana leads at No. 1 (13-0), followed by Ohio State (12-1), Georgia (12-1), and Texas Tech (12-1). These top four teams receive byes straight to the quarterfinals, a key advantage in the no-re-seeding format.
Seeds 5-8 host first-round games: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison, No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Tulane, No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami, and No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama. Notable risers include Miami (10-2) to No. 10 and Tulane holding at No. 11, reflecting committee evaluations of strength of schedule and head-to-head results.
Lower rankings feature teams like Notre Dame (10-2) at No. 11 in some lists, BYU (11-2), and dark horses such as James Madison (12-1). These positions underscore the parity in college football this season, with multiple 11-1 and 12-1 teams vying for spots.
Today's First-Round Matchups
Action begins at noon ET with Texas A&M vs. Miami, listed as Texas A&M -3.5 favorites. Miami's potent offense faces a stout Aggies defense, potentially deciding an Orange Bowl quarterfinal berth. Later, Oklahoma hosts Alabama in a SEC showdown rematch vibe, with Oklahoma slight -1.5 favorites.
Ole Miss (-17.5) welcomes Tulane in another lopsided spread, testing the Green Wave's Group of Five Cinderella run. Oregon (-20.5) hosts James Madison, where the Ducks' high-powered attack meets the Dukes' disciplined squad. Winners advance to face top seeds in classic bowls.
These games impact not just brackets but legacies, with players eyeing NFL drafts and coaches securing jobs. Live stats and coverage available via CFP sites, heightening global fan engagement on this pivotal Saturday.
Playoff Path and Impacts
Quarterfinals in the Capital One Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and more lead to semifinals and the January 19 championship. No re-seeding means early wins preserve favorable paths; Indiana awaits a quarterfinal foe from the 4-5 and 1-8 sides.
The expanded format boosts inclusivity, giving at-large bids and conference champions equal shots. Impacts ripple through recruiting, NIL deals, and conference realignments, with Big Ten and SEC powers dominating top seeds.
Fans anticipate upsets, given spreads like Oregon -20.5, but history shows playoff magic. Stay tuned as CFB's premier event unfolds, crowning the 2025 national champion.