First Set of CFP Rankings Could Signal Committee’s New Priorities

The first College Football Playoff rankings of the season will be revealed Tuesday night, as Year 2 of the playoff’s 12-team era kicks off with big changes.

For the remainder of the season, the CFP selection committee will roll out its rankings each Tuesday through Dec. 2, before announcing the final rankings on Dec. 7, which will determine this year’s 12-team playoff field. 

New this year is the CFP’s move to straight seeding. 

While the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams at the end of the season will still qualify for the CFP, all 12 teams will be seeded on their final rankings, regardless of whether they won their conference.

Last year, the four highest-ranked conference champions automatically earned the top seeds and first-round byes. Mountain West champion Boise State and Big 12 champion Arizona State received the Nos. 3 and 4 seeds, despite ending the season ranked Nos. 9 and 12, respectively.

Prize Money

There is $116 million in performance-based CFP revenue distribution up for grabs.

Conferences will receive $4 million for each team that ultimately makes the CFP, and each team that advances to the quarterfinals. That payout will be $6 million for each team that advances to the CFP semifinal and each team that advances to the national championship game. There is no extra monetary prize for winning the CFP.

Payout Per Round

• Qualifying for the CFP: $4 million (12 teams)
• Advancing to the quarterfinals: $4 million (8 teams)
• Advancing to the Semifinals: $6 million (4 teams)
• Advancing to the National Championship Game: $6 million (2 teams)
• Additional expenses covered: Each team receives $3 million

In the case of Notre Dame, which is independent, the school would once again get to keep all its allotted revenue distribution, should it make the CFP again. Last year, the Fighting Irish made $20 million en route to their national championship game appearance. 

Thought Leadership

Tuesday’s rankings reveal will also give insight into how this year’s selection committee plans to shape the 2025 bracket, after controversy consumed the makeup of last year’s debut 12-team field.

SMU was the final team in the CFP, despite losing to Clemson in the ACC championship game. That pushed Alabama out, despite a 9-3 record for the Crimson Tide, which finished No. 11 in the final rankings.