With the college football season in full swing, the race to the College Football Playoff (CFP) is heating up—and it’s anyone’s game. But here’s where it gets controversial: as we head into Week 7, early projections are already sparking debates about who deserves a spot in the coveted playoff bracket. Let’s dive into the predictions, the surprises, and the matchups that could define this season—and don’t miss the bold questions we’re posing at the end that are sure to ignite discussion.
The CFP landscape is far from set in stone, but certain teams are beginning to separate themselves from the pack as the leaves—and the stakes—change across the nation. While the Power 4 conference champions and the top Group of 5 team still secure automatic bids, the selection committee now has more flexibility than ever, prioritizing overall rankings over conference titles. This shift has opened the door for unexpected contenders to make their case.
And this is the part most people miss: the CFP rankings, not conference championships, are the ultimate decider for the top seeds. After Week 6, projections from College Football HQ on SI gave us a glimpse into what the playoff picture might look like. The higher-ranked teams would host first-round matchups, while the top four seeds earn a bye. Let’s break down the potential New Year’s Six bowl matchups based on these early rankings.
No. 12 USF vs. No. 5 Texas A&M
USF edges out other Group of 5 contenders, thanks to a challenging non-conference schedule that’s turning heads. Meanwhile, Texas A&M is making waves in the SEC but faces tough tests ahead against Florida, LSU, and Missouri. Can they keep their momentum? Or will the Aggies stumble under pressure?
No. 11 Tennessee vs. No. 6 Alabama
While this SEC showdown might not make the final bracket, it’s a matchup fans would love to see. These two teams clash on October 18, and the loser could find themselves on the outside looking in come postseason. But here’s the question: is the SEC overrepresented in these projections, or does the conference truly deserve multiple spots?
No. 10 Georgia vs. No. 7 Oklahoma
Another potential SEC clash, though these teams won’t meet in the regular season. Both Georgia and Oklahoma have question marks, particularly surrounding the health of key players like John Mateer. Georgia’s October 18 matchup against Ole Miss could be a make-or-break moment. But is either team truly playoff material this year?
No. 9 Texas Tech vs. No. 8 Indiana
This matchup features two of the season’s most surprising contenders. Texas Tech leveraged NIL money to rebuild their program, while Indiana has dominated the transfer portal under head coach Curt Cignetti. Both teams are thriving in the new era of college football, but can they sustain their success against powerhouse opponents?
Miami’s Orange Bowl Advantage
As the projected No. 1 seed, Miami would host a potential Orange Bowl matchup. But don’t sleep on Texas Tech or Indiana—either could give the Hurricanes a tougher fight than expected. Miami looks unstoppable right now, but history is littered with favorites who faltered under pressure. Will the Hurricanes avoid a late-season collapse?
Big Ten Battle: Oregon vs. Ohio State
The debate rages on: who’s the true class of the Big Ten? Oregon and Ohio State are on a collision course for the conference championship, and both teams have legitimate national title aspirations. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate make them a threat in every game, but Oregon’s Dante Moore is playing like a Heisman contender. Which team will emerge on top?
SEC Championship Preview?
Alabama and Ole Miss could meet in the SEC Championship if both maintain their current form. The Crimson Tide, rebounding from an early-season loss to Florida State, look like a completely different team. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’s quarterback carousel has somehow become a strength. But is the SEC’s dominance here a sign of strength—or a lack of parity in other conferences?
National Title Prediction
With the national championship set for Hard Rock Stadium, we’re cautiously picking Oregon to win it all in a mild upset. But with weeks of football left, anything can happen. Will the Ducks prove us right, or will another team rise to the occasion?
Now, we want to hear from you: Are these projections spot on, or are we missing the mark? Which teams do you think are being overlooked? And is the CFP selection process fair, or does it favor certain conferences too heavily? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
