12 Teams, 1 Trophy: The Road to the CFP Title
The College Football Playoff has entered a new era, expanding to 12 teams and shaking up the postseason as we know it. The changes are big, and the reactions are even bigger — from excitement to outright frustration.
For starters, the No. 1 seed doesn’t seem to have the easiest path of the four conference champions to get a bye. ESPN personality Pat McAfee noted many times on his show that the fourth seed is actually the most desirable spot to claim with the way the bracket is currently set up.
The 2024 College Football Playoff is headlined by the top four seeds: Oregon at No. 1, Georgia at No. 2, Boise State at No. 3, and Arizona State at No. 4. These teams earned first-round byes and will be watching closely as the opening round unfolds. Among the matchups, No. 5 Texas hosts No. 12 Clemson, and No. 6 Penn State takes on No. 11 SMU in exciting on-campus games.
Meanwhile, No. 7 Notre Dame faces No. 10 Indiana, and No. 8 Tennessee battles No. 9 Ohio State. This diverse bracket is packed with compelling storylines, with every team bringing something unique to the table.
CFP Final Seeding
Oregon (13-0)*
Georgia (11-2)*
Boise State (12-1)*
Arizona State (11-2)*
Texas (11-2)
Penn State (11-2)
Notre Dame (11-1)
Ohio State (10-2)
Tennessee (10-2)
Indiana (11-1)
SMU (11-2)
Clemson (10-3)**
* received first-round bye
** received automatic qualifier as fifth-highest ranked conference champion
There’s been plenty of buzz about which teams made the cut and which didn’t. Alabama, a perennial playoff contender adjusting to life without Nick Saban, and Miami found themselves on the outside looking in.
Still, the changes aren’t all bad. Having 12 teams means more games and that's what every football fan really wants. Plus, the excitement surrounding on-campus first-round games has been electric. Fans are already embracing the energy of meaningful playoff games happening at home stadiums, and it’s a fresh twist that adds to the excitement.
While it’s clear this new format has its flaws, it’s also opened the door for a wider variety of teams to make their mark on the biggest stage in college football. Love it or hate it, the 2024 college football postseason is already one we won’t forget. Let’s set the stage for the bracket, highlighting the top seeds and the compelling first-round matchups that will define this first-of-its-kind playoff.
#1 Seed: Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks’ 2024 campaign has been nothing short of magical. From their perfect 13-0 record to claiming the No. 1 seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), the Ducks have ridden a wave of energy and camaraderie all year. Head Coach Dan Lanning has cultivated a team atmosphere full of belief and determination, turning the program into a powerhouse with a down-to-earth vibe that resonates with fans and players alike.
The Ducks' Season in Focus
The addition of quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a transfer from Oklahoma, made waves in Eugene. Gabriel quickly became the face of the offense, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns while seamlessly fitting into the Ducks' high-powered system. Alongside him, wide receiver Tez Johnson stepped into the spotlight, delivering game-changing performances and becoming a fan favorite with big play after big play.
The Ducks continued to stack up wins throughout the season and now stand alone at the top, a perfect 13-0. They're a team that plays with a clear sense of purpose. Every win added to their momentum, and their ability to execute under pressure turned them into a team that opponents respected and fans rallied behind.
An Unstoppable Vibe: Unity and Momentum
Beyond the stats, the Ducks’ 2024 season has been about unity. One defining moment came during their matchup against Wisconsin when Head Coach Dan Lanning prepared his team for the electric "Jump Around" tradition by playing the song during practices. When the moment came at Camp Randall Stadium, the Ducks embraced it fully, jumping along with the Wisconsin fans.
That energy carried into a gritty fourth-quarter performance, sealing a comeback victory. Stories like these, along with thrilling wins over rivals like Washington and Utah and a triumphant Big Ten Championship victory against Penn State, have cemented Oregon's reputation as a team fueled by camaraderie and resilience. The players and coaches have created an infectious energy that has galvanized the community and defined their journey to the top.
The Road Ahead
With their No. 1 seed, Oregon earns a first-round bye and awaits the winner of Ohio State vs. Tennessee in the quarterfinals. While matchups with teams like Georgia loom, the Ducks’ resilience and team chemistry make them a formidable contender. National title aspirations haven’t felt this realistic since their last championship bid in 2010.
Fox's College Football Analyst, Joel Klatt, critiqued the CFP’s expanded format, pointing out that Oregon’s road to the title is tougher than it should be for a top seed. "The reward for going 13-0 and having the best regular season in all of college football — which, is supposed to be the most valuable regular season in all of sports — the reward for that is having to play the three highest-odds teams to win the National Championship." [Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia]
Still, the Ducks have risen above challenges all year, proving they belong at the top. Dan Lanning doesn't seem to see it the same way Klatt does:
“What an opportunity for us. I’m excited about getting the opportunity to compete in the Rose Bowl. I think that regardless the end-all goal, you’re going to get to play some unbelievable teams in that process. I’m excited that we get to go play against great competition. That’s what playoff moments are about.”
#2 Seed: Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs earned the No. 2 seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff with a 12-1 record, punctuated by a dramatic overtime win in the SEC Championship against Texas, 22-19. While this season hasn’t been without its challenges, the Bulldogs have shown why they're still one of the nation’s elite programs.
A Season of Determination
Georgia’s season was defined by grit and resilience. Quarterback Carson Beck played a pivotal role, leading the offense with just under 3,500 passing yards and 28 touchdowns before suffering an elbow injury in the SEC title game. When backup Gunner Stockton stepped in, he delivered under immense pressure, showing the depth and readiness this team has cultivated all year.
Head Coach Kirby Smart has solidified his place as one of college football’s premier leaders. Known for his adaptability, Smart can handle anything thrown at him in the midst of taking on top-tier opponents. His relentless focus on preparation and discipline has been the foundation of Georgia’s sustained success.
The Road Ahead
As the No. 2 seed, Georgia has a first-round bye and will face the winner of Notre Dame vs. Indiana. Their depth and playoff experience make them a dangerous opponent for any team in the bracket. However, if Beck isn’t fully healthy, Gunner Stockton is a big unknown and would be stepping into an incredibly high-pressure situation.
Georgia’s defense remains one of the most reliable in the nation, and they can carry much of the burden for a single game if they need to. While reclaiming the national title won’t be easy, this year’s Bulldogs have shown they have the tools and the talent to make another championship run.
#3 Seed: Boise State Broncos
With Ashton Jeanty leading the charge, the Boise State Broncos have crafted one of the most remarkable seasons in their program’s history. Jeanty’s campaign has been nothing short of historic. As a Heisman finalist, he racked up just shy of 2,500 rushing yards and scored 20 total touchdowns, carrying the offense with his explosive runs and knack for making defenders miss.
He currently has the fourth most rushing yards ever in a single season, and he has, at the very least, one game left. In a different year, with less stiff competition for the award, Jeanty likely would've been a no-doubt Heisman winner.
Thanks to Jeanty’s consistent dominance, the Broncos exceeded all expectations in 2024. Boise State’s offense found its rhythm largely because of his ability to set the tone. After an early three-point loss to the now-undefeated Oregon Ducks, this team knew they would be able to hang with anyone.
The Road Ahead
Boise State’s No. 3 seed grants them a bye to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face the winner of Penn State vs. SMU. To make a deep run, the Broncos will need to lean on Jeanty’s explosiveness and maintain their offensive balance. The CFP presents a unique challenge for Boise State as they prepare to compete against top-tier programs.
The Broncos’ combination of a high-powered offense and a scrappy, opportunistic defense makes them a dangerous team in this year’s playoff. They’ve embraced the role of the underdog, but their aspirations go far beyond that. With their eyes on their first national championship, Boise State is ready to prove they can compete with anyone.
#4 Seed: Arizona State Sun Devils
The Arizona State Sun Devils have reemerged as a force in college football, finishing the season 11-2 and claiming the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff. Capturing the Big 12 Championship in emphatic fashion, the Sun Devils have built their success on a mix of young talent and dynamic playmaking; all by truly buying into their head coach's vision
A Season of Growth
Under the leadership of second-year Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State was picked to finish last in many media Big 12 polls. Their 45-19 statement win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship showcased a team firing on all cylinders, with consistent performances throughout the season that solidified their place in the College Football Playoffs.
The Sun Devils' offense revolved around running back Cameron Skattebo, who rushed for over 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also contributing as a reliable receiving option. Really establishing himself as one of the top backs in the nation this season, he let everyone know that he's THE top back in the nation following his performance in the Big 12 Championship game where he rushed for 170 yards and had three total touchdowns.
"I’ve always been the underdog, and nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country, and I’m going to stand on that. And if people want to disrespect that, I’m going to keep going, and I’m going to keep proving people wrong, and whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem. I’m going to give it everything I got for them. And no matter winning the Heisman or losing the Heisman, I should still be in that situation."
Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt stepped up in a huge way for this team, throwing for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns against just five interceptions, showing poise well beyond his years. The backfield duo has been the driving force behind Arizona State’s incredible season, providing the spark this team needed to earn a first-round bye.
The Road Ahead
As the No. 4 seed, the Sun Devils will take on the winner of Texas vs. Clemson in the quarterfinals. While their offensive firepower and emerging defense make them a dangerous opponent, their youth and inexperience bring a layer of unpredictability. Facing seasoned programs like Georgia or Oregon could test just how far this young core has come.
What makes Arizona State stand out is their belief in each other and in their second-year head coach, Kenny Dillingham. This is a team fueled by a shared purpose, not just trying to prove they belong, but determined to show they can thrive on the biggest stage in college football.