Cowherd Unveils Projected 12-Team College Football Playoff Rankings

With the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 12 teams in 2024, ESPN's Colin Cowherd has revealed his projected rankings for the upcoming season. The format includes automatic bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large bids.

Cowherd identifies Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama as the five teams that stand above the rest in the upcoming season. Oregon, under new coach Dan Lanning, is pegged as the top team in the Big Ten, while Georgia, the defending national champion, remains a powerhouse in the SEC. Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama are perennial contenders with proven success.

Cowherd Unveils Projected 12-Team College Football Playoff Rankings

Florida State, Penn State, LSU, and Notre Dame are among the teams expected to make a strong push for a CFP berth. Florida State, under Mike Norvell, has shown significant improvement and will benefit from a weak ACC conference. Penn State, led by Sean Clifford, has a favorable schedule that could lead to an at-large bid. LSU, with Brian Kelly at the helm, has the potential to improve defensively and make a run in the SEC. Notre Dame, despite not being considered a top-tier team, holds a strong schedule that could boost their chances of making the playoffs.

Ole Miss, under Lane Kiffin, is a dark horse candidate for a CFP berth. With an explosive offense led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Rebels have the potential to surprise this season. Utah, a newcomer to the Big 12, is projected to win the conference and secure a spot in the playoffs. Liberty, representing Conference USA, is a potential Cinderella candidate due to the requirement for a 'Group of 5' Conference champion to be included.

Even with the expansion to 12 teams, tough decisions remain for the selection committee. Cowherd believes Tennessee could replace LSU in the rankings, leaving a strong SEC team on the outside looking in. Utah and Liberty, as representatives from weaker conferences, could also squeeze out other deserving teams.

The expanded CFP format has injected new excitement into college football, promising more parity and opportunities for teams to compete for the national championship. Cowherd's projections provide an intriguing snapshot of the upcoming season and highlight the competitive landscape that awaits in 2024.