College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Predictions After Conference Championships
The stage is set for the College Football Playoff rankings after a thrilling conference championship weekend. Newcomers Oregon and Arizona State made statements by winning their respective conferences, while Georgia and Clemson reasserted their dominance.
Clemson Steals a Bid
Clemson’s 34-31 win over SMU in the ACC championship was a nail-biter, with the Tigers blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. A 56-yard field goal sealed the win for Clemson, securing their spot in the playoffs. However, the close result leaves room for debate about the last at-large team between SMU and Alabama.
Georgia Survives Texas
Georgia’s 22-19 win over Texas in the SEC Championship was another overtime thriller. The Bulldogs lost quarterback Carson Beck to injury but managed to outlast the Longhorns. Texas will still secure a spot in the playoffs as one of the highest-ranked at-large teams.
Arizona State Dominates Iowa State
Arizona State’s 45-19 win over Iowa State in the Big 12 title game was a statement victory. The Sun Devils, picked to finish last in the league, won the conference title behind running back Cam Skattebo’s four touchdowns and over 200 yards.
Oregon Clinches No. 1 Seed
Oregon’s 45-37 win over Penn State in the Big Ten title game secured the Ducks’ undefeated season and the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff. Both teams will be in the 12-team field, with Oregon earning a first-round bye.
Boise State’s Dream Season Continues
Boise State’s 21-7 win over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game extended their winning streak to 11 games. The Broncos might have locked up a top-four seed in the playoff behind Ashton Jeanty’s sixth 200-yard game of the year.
Projected Rankings
Here are the projected College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings:
Oregon (13-0) – No change
Georgia (11-2) – Up 3 spots
Texas (11-2) – Down 1 spot
Penn State (11-2) – Down 1 spot
Notre Dame (11-1) – Down 1 spot
Ohio State (10-2) – No change
Tennessee (10-2) – No change
Boise State (12-1) – Up 2 spots
Indiana (11-1) – No change
Arizona State (11-2) – Up 5 spots
Clemson (10-3) – Up 6 spots
SMU (11-2) – Down 4 spots
Alabama (9-3) – Down 2 spots
Miami (10-2) – Down 2 spots
Ole Miss (9-3) – Down 2 spots
The College Football Playoff committee will release the official rankings on Sunday, determining the top four seeds and the at-large teams that will compete in the 12-team playoff field.
