12 Teams Predicted to Enter CFP Bracket Before Championship Weekend
The 2025 college football regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket. As championship weekend approaches, predictions are being made regarding which teams will claim their spots in the 12-team playoff format.
Teams Predicted to Enter the CFP Bracket
The following teams are projected to make the cut for the College Football Playoff, categorized into locks, bubble teams, and those that may miss the cut:
Locks for the CFP
- Ohio State (12-0)
- Georgia (1-loss SEC champion)
- Indiana (12-0)
- Texas Tech (1-loss Big 12 champion)
- Oregon (1 loss)
- Texas A&M (1 loss)
- Oklahoma (2 losses)
- Notre Dame (2 losses)
Ohio State and Indiana are set to meet in the Big Ten Championship Game, with the winner likely earning the top seed. Both teams are expected to secure first-round byes, regardless of the outcome.
Bubble Teams – Made the Cut
- Virginia (2 losses, expected to defeat Duke in ACC Championship)
- Miami (10-2, head-to-head victory over Notre Dame)
- North Texas (G5 champion, predicted to upset Tulane)
Virginia is anticipated to clinch a spot by winning against Duke, while Miami hopes to secure a playoff invite despite recent ranking controversies with Notre Dame.
Bubble Teams – Missed the Cut
- Alabama (3 losses, unlikely to make playoff after loss to Georgia)
- BYU (1 loss, must win against Texas Tech)
- Utah, Vanderbilt, Texas, and USC (all likely to miss the playoffs)
- James Madison (11-1, needs specific outcomes to qualify)
Alabama’s playoff hopes hinge on a win over Georgia, which seems unlikely. Similarly, BYU must defeat Texas Tech to stay in contention, while Utah and others appear to be on the outside looking in.
Conclusion
This weekend’s conference championships will play a crucial role in determining the final 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. As teams vie for their positions, the predictions highlight a mix of certainty and uncertainty, especially for those on the bubble.
Stay tuned to El-Balad for updates and analyses as the championship weekend unfolds.
