Image courtesy: X(Pitts Football)
Week 14 of the college football season is in full swing, and the outcomes of this weekend’s games are expected to significantly influence the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. With 20 of the top 25 teams in action, the stakes are high as the season nears its conference championship weekend.
This week’s CFP rankings mark a pivotal moment in the race for the national championship, especially as the fifth of six rankings will be revealed soon. Here’s what you need to know about the timing, format, and impact of the CFP rankings.
When Do College Football Playoff Rankings Come Out?
The fifth CFP rankings, a crucial update ahead of the final Selection Show, will be released on Tuesday, December 3, following Week 14 games. This is the penultimate release before the Selection Show determines the playoff teams.
Key Details:
- Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
- Time: 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
- Stream Online: Fubo (free trial available)
The final CFP rankings will be unveiled on Sunday, December 8, during the Selection Show between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET, setting the stage for the 2024-2025 College Football Playoff.
Shifts in the Competitive Landscape
The fourth CFP rankings have already introduced significant changes, with traditional powerhouses Alabama and Ole Miss falling out of the top 12 after unexpected losses to unranked opponents. This shake-up has created opportunities for rising programs like Arizona State and SMU to secure playoff positions.
Meanwhile, the top four teams—Oregon, Texas, Miami, and Boise State—remain steadfast. However, with three of these top seeds playing critical games on Saturday, the standings could see further turbulence.
What’s at Stake in the 2024 CFP Format?
The 2024 college football season introduces a 12-team playoff format, an expansion from the previous four-team structure. Here’s how it works:
- Automatic Bids: The top five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP selection committee will earn automatic bids.
- At-Large Bids: The next seven highest-ranked at-large teams will complete the 12-team bracket.
- Seeding:
- The four highest-ranked conference champions will receive first-round byes.
- The fifth conference champion and at-large teams will be seeded based on rankings.
- Non-conference champions in the top four will begin seeding at No. 5.
This new format ensures more inclusivity and higher stakes, with conference championships playing a critical role in the selection process.
How to Watch the CFP Rankings Show
Fans can tune in to see the rankings and their implications live on ESPN or via streaming platforms. For those without cable, Fubo offers a free trial to stream the show.
Upcoming Rankings Show Schedule:
- Tuesday, December 3, 2024: 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. ET
- Sunday, December 8, 2024: Noon-4 p.m. ET (Selection Show)
Why Do CFP Rankings Matter?
The CFP rankings are more than a list; they shape the postseason narrative, determining which teams will compete for the national title and which will participate in high-stakes bowl games.
Key Points:
- Top 4 Teams: These teams advance to the CFP semifinals.
- Bubble Teams: Programs ranked just outside the top four have opportunities to secure bids through late-season performances and conference championships.
- Conference Champions: Their rankings determine playoff seeding and first-round byes.
In the expanded 2024 format, the rankings carry even greater weight, influencing which teams earn automatic bids and how the bracket is structured.
Looking Ahead
As Week 14 unfolds, the CFP rankings will continue to be a barometer of playoff contention. With critical games and conference championships on the horizon, expect shifts that could redefine the postseason picture.
The countdown to December 3 and the Selection Show on December 8 promises high-stakes drama, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability that make college football unique.
