2025 College Football Playoff Bracket Projections: ESPN's Updated 12-Team Format Revealed
After a surprising Week 1 in college football, ESPN has updated its 2025 College Football Playoff bracket projections. The new 12-team format eliminates automatic first-round byes for conference champions, with the top four teams receiving opening byes. The first round will feature on-site home games for teams ranked 5-8, leading to quarterfinals and semifinals at designated bowl sites.
In the projected bracket, Tulane is expected to face Oregon or Miami as the No. 12 seed. Arizona State or Utah could play Miami or Oregon as the No. 11 seed. Clemson or Florida State might match up against Texas or Florida State as the No. 10 seed. Utah or Notre Dame could face Florida State or Texas as the No. 9 seed.
The quarterfinal matchups could include Texas vs. Penn State or Miami vs. Georgia. Oregon might play LSU or Penn State in the quarterfinals. Florida State could face Ohio State or Notre Dame in the quarterfinals. The semifinals could feature Georgia vs. Penn State or Penn State vs. LSU.
The projected national championship game could see Ohio State facing Penn State or LSU. The bowl season will also feature various matchups leading up to the College Football Playoff, showcasing a wide range of teams in different bowl games.