Introduction

The 2024-25 College Football Playoff (CFP) is set to make history as the first season to feature a 12-team playoff format. This long-awaited expansion introduces new layers of excitement, unpredictability, and opportunity for teams that may not have previously had a chance to compete for the national championship. The larger bracket will allow for more compelling matchups, added revenue, and increased fan engagement.

The expanded College Football Playoff also comes with controversies, as the inclusion of teams like Alabama over SMU has sparked fierce debates among analysts and fans. With the top four teams receiving byes, the remaining eight teams will face off in high-stakes first-round battles.

As we head into the most significant change in college football’s postseason in decades, here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2024-25 College Football Playoff schedule, matchups, controversies, and expectations for this groundbreaking season.

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The 2024-25 College Football Playoff Bracket

The 12-team format introduces a new structure to college football’s postseason. Here’s how it works:

Top Four Seeds: The top four conference champions receive first-round byes and automatically advance to the quarterfinals.
First Round (Seeds 5-12): The remaining eight teams play four games at the higher-seeded team’s home stadium.
Quarterfinals: Winners of the first round advance to face the top four seeds in neutral-site bowl games.
Semifinals: The winners of the quarterfinals face off in two high-stakes games.
National Championship: The final two teams battle for the national title on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 2024-25 College Football Playoff Schedule

First Round: December 20-21, 2024 (campus sites)
Quarterfinals: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (Fiesta, Peach, Rose, Sugar Bowls)
Semifinals: January 9-10, 2025 (Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl)
National Championship: January 20, 2025 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA)

The 2024-25 CFP Rankings and Teams

The Associated Press Top 25 rankings were released on December 8, 2024. Here are the key contenders and their paths to the national title.

Top 12 Teams for the College Football Playoff Bracket

Oregon (13-0) — Pac-12 Champion, earns a first-round bye.
Georgia (12-1) — SEC Champion, earns a first-round bye.
Notre Dame (11-1) — Independent, but earns a high seed due to its record and strength of schedule.
Texas (11-1) — Big 12 Champion, earns a first-round bye.
Penn State (11-1) — Big Ten at-large, hosts a first-round game.
Ohio State (10-2) — Big Ten at-large, hosts a first-round game.
Tennessee (10-2) — SEC at-large, hosts a first-round game.
Boise State (11-1) — Group of Five Champion, earns a first-round bye.
Indiana (11-1) — Big Ten at-large, will travel for a first-round matchup.
Arizona State (10-2) — Pac-12 at-large, will travel for a first-round matchup.
Alabama (9-3) — Controversially selected as an at-large over SMU.
SMU (11-2) — Another Group of Five team, controversially seeded lower than Alabama.

Key Matchups to Watch

With the expanded format, first-round matchups are being played at the home stadiums of the higher-seeded teams. Here are some of the most intriguing first-round showdowns.

#5 Penn State vs. #12 SMU

This game is expected to be one of the most exciting of the first round. SMU, with an 11-2 record, was controversially ranked lower than Alabama (9-3). The Mustangs will be looking to prove the committee wrong by taking down one of the Big Ten’s powerhouse teams. Penn State, however, has a stout defense and a home-field advantage that could prove to be the difference.

#6 Ohio State vs. #11 Alabama

This is arguably the most high-profile first-round game. Ohio State and Alabama are two of the most storied programs in college football, and both have playoff experience. Alabama’s 9-3 record raised eyebrows, but their strength of schedule helped them secure a spot. Ohio State, with its explosive offense, will aim to capitalize on home-field advantage, but can they handle Alabama’s physicality?

#7 Tennessee vs. #10 Arizona State

Tennessee’s high-octane offense will face off against Arizona State’s balanced attack. The Volunteers are known for their fast-paced style, while the Sun Devils’ defense will aim to slow them down. This game has “shootout” potential written all over it.

#8 Boise State vs. #9 Indiana

This is one of the most unpredictable matchups of the first round. Boise State, one of the most successful Group of Five programs, has the advantage of a home game. Indiana, however, is coming off an impressive season in the Big Ten and will look to prove that it belongs among the nation’s elite.

Controversies and Debates

The biggest debate surrounding the 2024-25 CFP revolves around the inclusion of Alabama (9-3) over SMU (11-2). Critics argue that SMU had a stronger record and deserved a higher ranking, while Alabama’s inclusion reflects “name brand bias.” Supporters of Alabama point to their strength of schedule and past College Football Playoff pedigree as justification for their selection.

Another controversy involves the structure of the 12-team format. While the top four teams receive byes, critics have questioned whether certain conference champions from weaker leagues (like Group of Five teams) deserve automatic qualification. As the College Football Playoff unfolds, expect these debates to continue, especially if a controversial team like Alabama or SMU makes an unexpected run.

Implications of the Expanded Format

The shift from a four-team to a 12-team College Football Playoff has been praised for its inclusivity, but it also comes with added complexity.

Financial Impact
The expanded College Football Playoff will generate significantly more revenue due to the increased number of games and television contracts. Networks like ESPN have already committed large sums to broadcast the expanded playoff, and ticket sales for on-campus first-round games are expected to be strong.

Player Fatigue and Injuries
An additional two games in the schedule raises concerns about player workload. Critics argue that more games increase the risk of injury, especially for players with NFL aspirations.

Fan Excitement and Storylines
The new format creates opportunities for underdog stories, which could make college football’s postseason more exciting than ever. Teams like SMU and Boise State now have a chance to prove they belong on the same field as Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia.

What to Watch For

Upset Potential: Can SMU pull off a “Cinderella” run and make it past Penn State?
The Heavyweights: Alabama vs. Ohio State is a dream matchup. The winner of this game will be a serious threat to the top-seeded teams.
Star Power: Look for standout performances from Heisman hopefuls like Oregon’s quarterback and Georgia’s elite defensive players.

Predictions for the 2024-25 College Football Playoff

Champion Pick: Georgia
Georgia has been a consistent powerhouse and is fueled by one of the strongest defenses in the country. The SEC champions have the experience and the depth to win it all.

Dark Horse: Boise State
The Broncos have a knack for pulling off big upsets. If they can win their first-round game, they could be a dangerous underdog in the quarterfinals.

Most Likely to Disappoint: Alabama
Alabama may have made it into the College Football Playoffs, but their 9-3 record is the worst of any playoff team. They will have to prove they belong, starting with a difficult road game against Ohio State.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 College Football Playoff marks a new era in college football, bringing excitement, controversy, and high-stakes matchups. The 12-team format opens the door for more teams to compete for the national title, allowing for thrilling underdog runs and classic heavyweight showdowns.

As the first games kick off on December 20-21, fans will be watching closely as traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia face off against Group of Five hopefuls like SMU and Boise State. Will an underdog shock the world, or will the powerhouses reassert their dominance?

Only time will tell. But one thing is certain — the expanded College Football Playoff is here, and it’s already delivering drama. The path to Atlanta is paved with excitement, and college football will never be the same again.

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