Oregon Tops First CFP Rankings of 2024 Season

The College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the 2024 season have officially been released, with Oregon taking the No. 1 spot. This marks the first time the CFP has unveiled a 12-team playoff format, replacing the previous four-team system that had been in place since 2014.

The expanded playoff will culminate in the national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20. Under the new system, the field will consist of the five conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams, offering a broader path to the postseason.

The top four conference champions will be seeded No. 1 through No. 4 in the final rankings and will receive a bye for the first round. Teams ranked in the top four but not winning their respective conference championships will be seeded No. 5. If a team is ranked below No. 12 but still earns a conference championship, it will occupy the No. 12 seed, or be placed according to its ranking if higher.

In the latest rankings, Ohio State claimed the No. 2 position, surpassing Georgia. The Buckeyes are still in contention for the Big Ten championship with only one loss—a narrow one-point defeat to Oregon earlier in the season. Georgia, currently ranked No. 3, is also vying for an SEC title, having suffered just one loss to Alabama in a closely contested game.

BYU, maintaining an undefeated record in the Big 12, is ranked lower than Miami, which sits in the No. 5 spot. According to CFP committee chair Warde Manuel, Miami's offensive strength justifies the ranking gap. Meanwhile, Indiana, with a perfect 9-0 record, holds the No. 8 spot. Manuel acknowledged the Hoosiers' strong performance but pointed out that their schedule played a role in their placement.

Boise State, currently at No. 12, leads the Mountain West Conference with a 7-1 record. Their only loss came at the hands of Oregon in a tight three-point game in September. The Broncos remain in a strong position to claim a playoff spot as the Group of Five representative.

Below is the rest of the top 25:

In a potential playoff bracket, Oregon, Georgia, Miami, and BYU would all secure byes in the first round as conference champions. Boise State, maintaining its No. 12 ranking, would still be in line to participate in the postseason.

Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas, and Penn State are projected to host first-round matchups at either their campuses or a designated neutral site. The quarterfinals and semifinals will take place at predetermined locations.

The next CFP rankings release is scheduled for November 12, as the race for the 2024 College Football Playoff heats up.