Using BCS formula to predict first College Football Playoff Top 25, 12-team CFP bracket

In just under 24 hours, the College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed. A 12-team format will take place for the first time in the sport’s history, replacing the four-team model. More teams in the CFP have certainly added intrigue this late in the season.

There is still an old-school way of looking at the rankings, with the BCS formula still being used on social media. The BCS’s top 25 was revealed on Monday, giving us a look at how these teams would rank and slot into the CFP if still used today.

The first College Football Playoff Top 25 is set to be revealed Tuesday exclusively on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET. In the meantime, here’s where the BCS-style formula would have the rankings after Week 9.

1. Oregon Ducks

No matter which poll you look at, there is not much debate on who the No. 1 team is and the BCS agrees. Oregon is currently at the top and continues to roll through the season with an undefeated record.

Even if there is a loss down the road, breathing room is likely there for the Ducks. Getting a win on Oct. 12 will carry the resume a long way come selection Sunday.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

Following Saturday, there are no more undefeated teams in the SEC, everyone has at least one loss. Georgia was the highest-ranked team in the polls either way and after escaping Jacksonville with a win, remained as the projected auto bid for the SEC.

The schedule certainly does not slow down, with a road trip to Ole Miss next up, followed by a massive showdown against Tennessee in Athens. Both of those teams are competing for CFP spots and could maybe be enough to move Georgia to the No. 1 overall seed.

3. Miami Hurricanes

Cam Ward keeps finding ways to win games for Miami, no matter the circumstances. Duke gave them a run before the Hurricanes pulled away late in the fourth quarter and kept their dream season alive.

At this point, the ACC automatic bid spot is looking to be a two-team battle. Based on this set of BCS rankings, Miami would be the only conference member to get into the 12-team field.

4. BYU Cougars

Like the ACC, the top of the Big 12 race became a little clearer due to Iowa State losing. BYU enjoyed the results while watching from home and maintaining their 8-0 record before the final stretch.

Next up is a bitter rivalry against Utah, the first time as conference foes since 2010. For the time being, everyone in the Big 12 is looking up at BYU.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes vs. 12. Boise State Broncos

Ohio State is the No. 2 ranked team in the BCS standings but since Oregon is one spot ahead of them, they fall into the at-large pool. Getting to host a game at Ohio Stadium is not too bad of a tradeoff, though.

As for Boise State, they continue to control the Group of Five race. Just two other non-power conference teams appear in the BCS top 25.

6. Texas Longhorns vs. 11. Alabama Crimson Tide

If this were to happen, Alabama and Texas would be facing off for the third consecutive season. A home-and-home series concluded in Tuscaloosa last season as both road teams got a win. You have to imagine the Austin faithful would want some revenge for the 2022 matchup.

Both teams are going to fight for a spot in the SEC Championship game, hoping to get a spot in the top four and a bye. Winning out is likely required and the Crimson Tide also needs some help.

7. Penn State Nittany Lions vs. 10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Tons of history are in the Penn State and Notre Dame programs but there has not been a game between them since 2007. The series of 19 games is currently tied up at 9-9-1 and this would be the ultimate tiebreaker.

Notre Dame is not eligible to get a top-four spot since they cannot win a conference. Penn State is mathematically alive for the Big Ten title but after the Ohio State loss, is probably fighting for an at-large spot.

8. Indiana Hoosiers vs. 9. Tennessee Volunteers

This matchup would excite a bunch of people if played in March. Late December would not be expected but Indiana and Tennessee have been two of the best teams in the country this season.

Big Ten vs. SEC matchups will always get extra attention in the College Football Playoff as the two battle for supremacy. If the season ended today on the BCS rankings, Bloomington would get to host the matchup.

Full BCS Top 25 following Week 10

Outside of the College Football Playoff teams, there are still a few ranked inside the BCS top 25 with a realistic shot of getting into the field. These set or rankings will certainly be compared to the CFP’s once released on Tuesday night. You can check out the full top 25 here.

1. Oregon Ducks
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Georgia Bulldogs
4. Miami Hurricanes
5. Texas Longhorns
6. Penn State Nittany Lions
7. Indiana Hoosiers
8. Tennessee Volunteers
9. BYU Cougars
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
11. Alabama Crimson Tide
12. SMU Mustangs
13. Boise State Broncos
14. LSU Tigers
15. Ole Miss Rebels
16. Texas A&M Aggies
17. Iowa State Cyclones
18. Clemson Tigers
19. Army Black Knights
20. Washington State Cougars
21. Kansas State Wildcats
22. Pittsburgh Panthers
23. Louisville Cardinals
24. South Carolina Gamecocks
25. Colorado Buffaloes