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

The third College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed on Tuesday evening following Week 12, and there’s bound to be a shake-up within the teams selected following the intense action we witnessed this past weekend.

A 12-team format will take place for the first time in the sport’s history in 2024, replacing the four-team model, but many of the points of contention have remained. More teams in the CFP have certainly added intrigue this late in the season, but there’s still an old-school way of looking at the rankings, with the BCS formula still being used on social media.

With that in mind, the BCS’s latest Top 25 was revealed on Monday, giving us some insight at how these teams would rank and slot into the College Football Playoff if it was still used today. Here’s the way the BCS-style formula would have the rankings look after Week 12.

1. Oregon Ducks

Oregon continued their dominance in Week 12, defeating Wisconsin on Saturday evening, in a game that was closer than many expected. Still, they’re the No. 1 team in almost every ranking possible, and that includes the BCS Top 25.

As their championship hopes continue to grow, Oregon will have a slight reprieve in Week 13. The Ducks will enjoy a well-timed week off, while their biggest competitors face some stiff competition.

2. Texas Longhorns

Texas is the No. 3 team overall, behind Oregon and Ohio State, but the Longhorns are the top-ranked team in the SEC, and that’s good enough to be the No. 2-seed overall in these rankings. While they haven’t blown anyone away this season, Steve Sarkisian’s bunch has gotten the job done.

While the SEC as a whole has been tough, Texas’ road has been one of the easier paths for a team in the conference in 2024. It’ll remain that way in Week 13, as they’ll welcome Kentucky to Austin at 3:30 p.m. ET.

3. Miami Hurricanes

Miami jumped up a spot in this week’s BCS rankings without even playing a game. The Hurricanes enjoyed a bye week, but by virtue of being the third-ranked projected conference champion after BYU’s loss to Kansas, they’re up to No. 3.

Miami will be back in action this weekend against Wake Forest. That one will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, and the Hurricanes will be major favorites over the 4-7 Demon Deacons.

4. BYU Cougars

BYU’s undefeated season is over, but their shot at the College Football Playoff remains strong. In the latest BCS rankings, the Cougars fell to No. 13 overall, one spot ahead of Boise State, with fellow Big 12 squad Colorado behind them at No. 17. That would be good enough for a home game via the updated CFP format.

After their first loss, BYU will have a shot to bounce-back in Week 13, at least. A tough Arizona State team will be their opponent on the road, but it could be necessary to boost their resume with a win.

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

Ohio State remained the second-ranked team in the BCS Top 25 after Week 12. The Buckeyes defeated Northwestern inside Wrigley Field, doing nothing to sway the computer from believing they’re one of the top teams in the nation.

They’re currently lined-up to face Boise State in a potential College Football Playoff showdown. The Broncos survived a spirited effort from San Jose State in Week 12, defeating the Spartans by 21.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions vs. 11. Ole Miss Rebels

Penn State was never really threatened on Saturday against Purdue. The Nittany Lions dismantled the Boilermakers throughout the evening, as Tyler Warren continued his Heisman campaign in West Lafayette.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss entered the BCS’ version of the College Football Playoff rankings, the beneficiaries of Georgia’s win over Tennessee. Lane Kiffin’s team is dangerous, and this would be a wild offensive matchup if it came to fruition in Happy Valley.

7. Indiana Hoosiers vs. 10. Alabama Crimson Tide

Indiana enjoyed a nice week off after beating Michigan in Week 11. They’ve been a point of contention for many college football fans, due to their high ranking in the College Football Playoff, but their record speaks for itself, and the BCS rankings believes that to be true.

Regardless, Alabama followed up their huge win against LSU with a little bit of a cupcake, as they welcomed Mercer to Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide predictably won big, refocusing themselves before the stretch run in the SEC.

8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. 9. Georgia Bulldogs

Notre Dame is ranked sixth in the BCS rankings, but that’s only good enough to be No. 8 if they were the standard for the College Football Playoff seeds. The Fighting Irish never really struggled in Week 12, defeating Virginia by 21.

Welcome back, Georgia. The Bulldogs elevated their game and won by two touchdowns against Tennessee, and they’re back in the College Football Playoff conversation. Their demise was celebrated for a week after falling to Ole Miss, but Kirby Smart’s bunch didn’t succumb to the noise, per usual.

Full BCS Top 25 following Week 12

Outside of the College Football Playoff teams, there are still multiple programs ranked inside the BCS top 25 with a realistic shot of getting into the field. This set of rankings will certainly be compared to the CFP’s once released on Tuesday night. Check it out below.

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