2025-26 College Football Playoff Bracket: Predictions & Info

College football fans are already looking ahead to the 2025-26 season and the expanded College Football Playoff. With the field expanding to 12 teams, the playoff picture promises to be more exciting and unpredictable than ever before. In this article, we'll break down early predictions for the 2025-26 playoff bracket, discuss key dates and rule changes, and analyze the top contenders vying for a national championship.

Early Predictions for the 2025-26 Playoff Bracket

Predicting the College Football Playoff bracket this far out is an inexact science, but we can identify teams that are likely to be in contention based on their recent performance, returning talent, and recruiting success. Here's an early look at potential playoff teams:

Projected Conference Champions

• SEC: Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have been the dominant force in college football, and they're expected to remain a top contender.
• Big Ten: Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State consistently recruits at a high level and has the talent to compete for a national title.
• ACC: Clemson Tigers. Clemson has the pedigree and coaching to return to the top of the ACC.
• Big 12: Utah Utes. Utah has become a consistent winner under Kyle Whittingham and could be a dark horse playoff contender.
• Notre Dame: Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame's status as an independent program gives them a unique path to the playoff.

At-Large Bids

• Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama is always in the mix under Nick Saban, and they'll be a threat to make the playoff.
• Michigan Wolverines: Michigan has established itself as a Big Ten power and should be in contention for a playoff spot.
• LSU Tigers: LSU is building a strong program under Brian Kelly and could make a playoff push.
• Texas Longhorns: Texas is investing heavily in football and has the potential to be a playoff team.

Potential Sleepers

• Oregon Ducks: Oregon has a high-powered offense and could surprise some teams.
• USC Trojans: USC is looking to return to national prominence under Lincoln Riley.
• Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State is a consistent Big Ten contender and could make a playoff run.

Key Dates and Rule Changes for the 2025-26 Season

The 2025-26 college football season will feature some significant changes, including the expanded playoff format and potential rule adjustments. Here are some key dates and rule changes to keep in mind:

Expanded Playoff Format

The most significant change is the expansion of the College Football Playoff from four to 12 teams. The 12-team playoff format will include:

• The six highest-ranked conference champions
• The six highest-ranked at-large teams

Playoff Schedule

• First Round: The first round games will be played at the higher-ranked team's home stadium.
• Quarterfinals: The quarterfinals will be played at traditional New Year's Six bowl games.
• Semifinals: The semifinals will be played at rotating bowl sites.
• National Championship: The national championship game will be played at a neutral site.

Potential Rule Changes

College football is constantly evolving, and there could be additional rule changes implemented before the 2025-26 season. Some potential changes include adjustments to the targeting rule, overtime procedures, and clock management.

Top Contenders for the National Championship

Several teams have the potential to compete for the national championship in 2025-26. Here's a closer look at some of the top contenders:

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia has established itself as the team to beat in college football. The Bulldogs have a dominant defense, a strong running game, and a quarterback in Carson Beck who is expected to be one of the nation's best. Georgia's consistency and talent make them a perennial national title contender.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State consistently recruits at a high level, and they have a talented roster that includes star quarterback Will Howard and several highly-rated wide receivers. The Buckeyes' offense has the potential to be explosive, and their defense is improving under coordinator Jim Knowles. Ohio State is a strong contender to win the Big Ten and make a playoff run.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama is always in the mix under Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide have a talented quarterback in Jalen Milroe, and their running game is expected to be strong. Alabama's defense is also typically among the nation's best. Despite some recent changes in the coaching staff, Alabama's tradition and talent make them a threat to win the national championship.

Clemson Tigers

Clemson is looking to return to the top of the ACC after a couple of down years. The Tigers have a talented quarterback in Cade Klubnik, and their defense is expected to be among the nation's best. If Clemson can improve their consistency on offense, they could make a playoff run.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan has established itself as a Big Ten power under coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines have a strong running game and a physical defense. Michigan's success in recent years suggests they'll remain a formidable opponent. — Pitbull Yorkie Mix: Everything You Need To Know

FAQs About the 2025-26 College Football Playoff

When will the 2025-26 College Football Playoff bracket be announced?

The College Football Playoff bracket will be announced on Selection Sunday, which typically falls on the first Sunday in December.

How does the 12-team playoff format work?

The 12-team playoff format includes the six highest-ranked conference champions and the six highest-ranked at-large teams. The top four conference champions will receive a bye to the quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams will play in the first round.

Where will the first-round playoff games be played?

The first-round playoff games will be played at the higher-ranked team's home stadium. — $30/Hour Is How Much Per Year? Salary Conversion

When will the quarterfinals be played?

The quarterfinals will be played at traditional New Year's Six bowl games.

Where will the national championship game be played?

The national championship game will be played at a neutral site, which will be determined in advance.

Conclusion

The 2025-26 college football season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with the expanded 12-team playoff format creating new opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship. While it's impossible to predict the exact playoff bracket this far out, several teams have positioned themselves as early contenders. Be sure to check back for more updates and analysis as the season approaches. Who do you think will make the playoff? Share your predictions in the comments below! — Suffolk Downs: A Revitalized Hub In East Boston