College Football Playoff Predictions: ESPN projects 12-team field after Week 1

The highly anticipated first week of the college football season lived up to the hype. A weekend filled with numerous big-time matchups that finally gave the college football landscape their first taste of what the season will look like on the field.

Week 1 also potentially provided a look at what the new 12-team College Football Playoff could look like. With the nation’s top playoff contenders and sleeper teams showing early why they belong in the first expanded version of the postseason for a shot at the national title.

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There is plenty of football left to be played ahead of conference championship weekend and the first round of the CFP, but that didn’t stop ESPN from giving their projection of what the College Football Playoff field will look like following Week 1. Which can be seen below along with their eights teams out of the playoff and Group of Five power rankings.

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First-Round Byes

No. 1 Seed — Georgia

The Bulldogs further solidified their claim as the top-ranked team in the nation following a dominant performance in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Defeating Clemson in a 34-3 win to kick off their 2024 season in an emphatic way.

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Georgia is regarded by most as the favorite to win this year’s national championship and the SEC. But their schedule does get a lot more challenging later in the season with a new-look conference, making them arguably more fascinating to watch than ever before this year compared to recent history.

No. 2 Seed — Ohio State

Following a slow start against Akron, Ohio State put their foot on the gas in the second half to defeat the Zips 52-6. Scoring five second-half touchdowns ahead of two more games where they have the potential to see similar results.

The Buckeyes entered the season with one of the most impressive rosters in college football after star players returned and joined the team through the transfer portal. But true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith could be the difference in a Big Ten title after catching six passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in his college debut.

No. 3 Seed — Miami

The ACC looked like a three-horse race entering the college football season between Florida State, Clemson, and Miami. But with the Seminoles dropping two conference games and the Tigers not reaching the end zone versus Georgia, the Hurricanes are now looking like the early favorites following an impressive 41-17 win on the road against Florida.

Transfer quarterback Cam Ward excelled in his Miami debut with 385 yards and three touchdowns in The Swamp. Complimented with a strong defensive performance that has The U maybe looking like they’re officially back.

No. 4 Seed — Utah

Despite Utah being one of four newcomers to the Big 12 Conference, many have the Utes penciled in as the winner of the league in year one. With quarterback Cameron Rising returning from injury surrounded by a physical, experienced team.

Utah took care of business as expected with a 49-0 win over Southern Utah. But they face a bigger test this weekend in their Big 12 debut when they host Baylor in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

First-Round Matchups (on campus)

No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas (winner plays Utah)

ESPN has Boise State representing the Group of Five as the lone team to make the College Football Playoff outside of the Power Four. A team fresh off of a shootout 56-45 shootout win at Georgia Southern with an opportunity to make a statement against No. 7 ranked Oregon this weekend.

In this scenario, the Longhorns will be hosting the Broncos as the No. 5 seed in their first season in the SEC. Missing out on the CFP automatic bid to Georgia, but representing the best non-conference champion in the Power Four.

No. 9 Ole Miss at No. 8 Penn State (winner plays Georgia)

A rematch of last season’s Peach Bowl would make for an electric College Football Playoff game. This time with Penn State hosting the Rebels with hopes of getting redemption on their 38-25 loss to Ole Miss last December.

No team in the country scored more points than Ole Miss this weekend following their 76-0 win over Furman. With Penn State securing themselves an impressive 34-12 road win versus West Virginia with a new-look offense and a dominant showing from their defense.

No. 11 Oregon at No. 6 Notre Dame (winner plays Miami)

When it comes to road wins, Notre Dame’s 23-13 victory at Kyle Field against Texas A&M may be as impressive as it gets. Jumping over their most challenging hurdle of the season with a relatively easy schedule moving forward this season that could set them up nicely for a home playoff game.

Oregon on the other hand did not look as impressive in their 2024 season debut. Dropping from the No. 3 ranked team to No. 7 following their narrow 24-14 win over FCS Idaho. Taking the last spot Power Five ESPN’s projection for the 12-team College Football Playoff.

No. 10 Alabama at No. 7 USC (winner plays Ohio State)

Rounding out ESPN’s field is a matchup between two of the biggest brand names in college football. A scenario where USC would travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa to face Alabama in a potential marquee college football matchup.

USC started off the season with a bang in a down-to-the-wire, signature win against LSU on Sunday night. With Alabama doing Alabama things in Kalen DeBoer‘s Crimson Tide head coaching debut with a 63-0 win against Western Kentucky.

First Four Out

Missouri Tigers
Tennessee Volunteers
Michigan Wolverines
Oklahoma Sooners

Next Four Out

Kansas State Wildcats
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Kansas Jayhawks
LSU Tigers

Group of Five Power Rankings

1. Boise State Broncos
2. Tulane Green Wave
3. Memphis Tigers
4. Appalachian State Mountaineers
5. James Madison Dukes