The 2024 college football season has been nothing short of exhilarating, culminating in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). This expansion has intensified the competition, with top programs vying for a coveted spot in the postseason. Here’s an in-depth look at the final CFP rankings and the teams that made the cut.
Final CFP Rankings and Playoff Teams
The CFP Selection Committee released its final rankings on December 8, 2024. The top four seeds, earning first-round byes, are:
- Oregon Ducks (13-0): The Ducks secured the No. 1 spot after an undefeated season, including a decisive 45-37 victory over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game. fbschedules.com
- Georgia Bulldogs (11-2): Despite two losses, Georgia’s strong performance, highlighted by an overtime win against Texas in the SEC Championship, earned them the No. 2 seed. onefootdown.com
- Boise State Broncos (12-1): The Broncos’ impressive season and conference championship secured their position among the top four.
- Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2): A strong finish and conference title propelled Arizona State into the final bye position.
The remaining playoff spots are filled by:
- Texas Longhorns (11-2): A solid season with notable victories, though they fell short in the SEC Championship.
- Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2): Despite a loss in the Big Ten Championship, their overall performance kept them in contention.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1): Their consistent play throughout the season earned them a home game in the first playoff round. onefootdown.com
- Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2): A strong season with key wins secured their playoff berth.
- Tennessee Volunteers (10-2): Consistent performances throughout the season kept them in the top ten.
- Indiana Hoosiers (11-1): An impressive record earned them a spot, setting up a matchup against Notre Dame. onefootdown.com
- SMU Mustangs (11-2): Despite a loss in the ACC Championship, their season performance edged out teams like Alabama for the final playoff spots. nypost.com
- Clemson Tigers (10-3): Rounding out the playoff field with a strong finish to their season.
Notable Exclusions
The expanded playoff format aimed to reduce controversy, but debates continue, especially with traditional powerhouses like Alabama missing the cut. The Crimson Tide’s three-loss season wasn’t enough to impress the selection committee, sparking discussions about the criteria and selection process.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural 12-team playoff promises thrilling matchups and a showcase of college football’s elite talent. Fans eagerly anticipate whether top seeds like Oregon can maintain their dominance or if lower-seeded teams will rise to the occasion and deliver upsets.
As the postseason unfolds, the expanded format is set to provide more excitement and opportunities, reshaping the landscape of college football playoffs for years to come.
