College Football Playoff Predictions: ESPN projects 12-team bracket ahead of first CFP Top 25 reveal

ESPN projected the 12-team College Football Playoff field after Week 10 and there were some changes from last weekend in terms of playoff predictions. It’s ahead of the first reveal of the rankings Tuesday night.

But as always, these playoff projections will certainly change week to week. The Power Four conferences are certainly making it difficult to determine who’s going to go where!

The four highest-ranked conference champions will receive byes, and the first-round games will all take place at campus sites to begin the playoff. From there, the winners will advance to respective bowl games leading to the national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

1. Oregon

The Ducks are the top team in the playoff projections with their undefeated record and noteworthy win over Ohio State. Oregon is currently the projected Big Ten champion.

At this rate, it’ll be hard for Oregon to not be the top seed, so long as they win out and win the Big Ten. That could include a second win over Ohio State or an undefeated Indiana.

2. Georgia

Georgia is the projected SEC champion and will be the No. 2 seed. As of now, they won’t pass Oregon due to a loss to Alabama earlier this season.

But with a win over Texas and Texas A&M losing its first SEC game, Georgia has the inside track to the SEC Championship Game. A third national title in four years is well within reach.

3. Miami

Miami is still undefeated but has played a weaker schedule compared to a team like Georgia. Now the seedings could change in the end, but the Hurricanes are the projected No. 3 team going into tonight’s playoff rankings.

Miami has Heisman candidate Cam Ward running the show at QB so they’ll likely go as far as he’ll take them. The ‘Canes are the big favorite in the ACC with a few weeks left in the season.

4. BYU

BYU is rolling right now at 8-0 and was ranked No. 9 in the latest AP Poll. They’ll get the final bye in the playoff seedings based on projections.

The Cougars are the front runner in the Big 12 and some teams lost a step last weekend. So at this rate, it’s a TBD who will play BYU for the conference title and likely the final bye in the playoffs.

12. Alabama (NR) at 5. Ohio State (+1)

Alabama is back in the projections following a dominant win over Missouri in a bye week. The Crimson Tide have to avoid a third loss though, in all likelihood, to make the playoff.

Ohio State moved up a spot and gets the top seed outside of the top four byes. The Buckeyes beat Penn State last weekend and the winner of this game gets BYU in the quarterfinals.

9. Boise State (+1) at 8. Tennessee (+4)

Boise State moved up a spot compared to last week and is this close to a home playoff game. They’re led by Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty, who’s clearly this year’s best running back.

Tennessee is up four spots by comparison which is interesting considering a loss to Arkansas. But they just beat Kentucky and are in the SEC title race.

11. Indiana (-2) at 6. Texas (+1)

Indiana dropped two spots despite another dominating win, per Heather Dinich’s projections. The Hoosiers could very well play for a Big Ten title and actually jump into the top four.

Texas moved back up but the Longhorns still have a loss. Still, Texas has a chance to win the SEC and could go into the top four as well.

10. Notre Dame (NR) at 7. Penn State (-2)

Notre Dame is back in the top 12 of the playoff projections this week. Ahead of tonight’s ranking reveal, perhaps the Fighting Irish will be in and certainly control their destiny if so.

Penn State dropped two spots after losing to Ohio State. They can’t afford any more slipups or they could be out entirely.

First Four Out

SMU
Texas A&M
LSU
Ole Miss

Next Four Out

Iowa State
Colorado
Clemson
Washington State

Group of Five Power Rankings

1. Boise State
2. Army
3. Tulane
4. UNLV
5. Louisiana