• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 16, 2025

CFP’s 12-Team Debut: How NIL, Realignment Shape the Bracket

There is $116 million up for grabs to distribute to conferences, based on the teams that qualify for the CFP and advance to subsequent rounds.

Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

The shifting landscape of college sports has its fingerprints all over the first College Football Playoff rankings of the expanded, 12-team era.

Conference realignment and the growth of NIL (name, image, and likeness) were huge factors in shaping the historic reveal and the debut projected Playoff bracket that was released on the same night as the presidential election.

While it’s not surprising to see Oregon, Ohio State, and Georgia as the top three ranked programs, Miami is ranked No. 4 as aggressive NIL spending has no doubt helped the Hurricanes to their 9–0 start. Should they win the ACC, they’ll be in line to nab one of the four first-round byes.

BYU’s move to the Big 12 in 2023 has already paid off, as the Cougars are currently projected to also get a first-round bye as one of the four highest-ranked conference champions, despite being ranked No. 9 overall.

Musical Chairs

There is $116 million up for grabs to distribute to conferences, based on the teams that qualify for the CFP and advance to subsequent rounds. And while the CFP’s top two leaders said the selection committee doesn’t factor in which conferences teams play in, the initial projected bracket shows plenty of disparity:

  • Big Ten (4): Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana
  • SEC (4): Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama
  • ACC (1): Miami
  • Big 12 (1): BYU
  • Mountain West (1): Boise State
  • Independents (1): Notre Dame

The Big Ten and SEC are already set to receive a larger share of CFP revenue than other conferences under the new agreement that will take effect in 2026. It appears they will likely be cashing in earlier, too.

Another FSU Situation?

Last year, in the final season of the four-team CFP, Florida State became the first undefeated Power 5 conference champion to be left out of the Playoff, leading to legal questions from the state’s lawmakers

The Seminoles had lost starting quarterback Jordan Travis to a broken leg on Nov. 18, which factored into Florida State’s CFP absence. Moving forward, injuries to key players will likely still play a part in who makes the Playoff.

“If there is a loss due to injury, the committee is going to look at the team’s performance without that player,” CFP executive director Rich Clark said Tuesday night. “Just like they did last year, they’re going to see how a team performs with the loss of a key player, and they’re going to evaluate them on that merit. And if they know that player is not coming back, they know that that’s the team moving forward that they’re going to rank for the future.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.

SEC Coaches Sound Off on NIL, Revenue-Sharing: ‘Upside Down’

John Calipari doesn’t want to become “transactional.”

Texas-Oklahoma Gets 8.7M Viewers, Most-Watched CFB Game of Week 7

The Red River Rivalry was the most-watched game of the weekend.

Bears Hit Another Speed Bump for New $5B Stadium in Suburbs

A new state bill would impose several conditions on the NFL team.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Cody Campbell

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”
October 13, 2025

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) takes the ball on a kickoff return in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
October 14, 2025

USC, Michigan Officials Oppose Big Ten’s Private Capital Proposal 

Officials from both schools met virtually on Tuesday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Patrick Kraft
October 13, 2025

Penn State Says Adidas Had No Role in James Franklin Firing or..

Franklin is owed tens of millions of dollars.
October 13, 2025

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.
October 12, 2025

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive
October 11, 2025

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.