The New Format & What “First Bracket” Means
The CFP has expanded to a 12-team field this season. (AP News) The key features:
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There are five automatic qualifier spots: the five highest-ranked conference champions will automatically get into the playoff. (AP News)
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The top four seeds (based on the final selections) receive first-round byes. (SB Nation)
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The “first bracket” we’re talking about now is the initial ranking of teams (Top 25) by the CFP selection committee, which sets the field and seeds to come. (Black Shoe Diaries)
In other words: tonight’s “first bracket” is more about rankings and setting the stage than actual bracket match-ups being played tonight.
Where Things Stand
On November 4, 2025 the CFP selection committee released its first Top 25 ranking of the season. (AP News) Here are some of the top pieces of that:
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Ohio State Buckeyes lead the pack at No. 1. (AP News)
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Indiana Hoosiers come in at No. 2, undefeated at this point. (SB Nation)
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Texas A&M Aggies are No. 3; Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 4. (Black Shoe Diaries)
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Some other names in the field: No. 5 is Georgia Bulldogs, No. 6 is Mississippi Rebels and No. 7 is BYU Cougars. (AP News)
Because of this ranking, we can already see trajectories: these teams are in strong position for the playoff. But remember: the final bracket will be set in December, once the regular season and conference championship games are complete.
Why This Matters
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Seeding & byes matter: Being in the top four not only gives a skip of the first round but also a more favorable bracket path.
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Conference champions get rewarded: The rule guaranteeing the top five conference champs helps ensure representation beyond just the highest-ranked teams.
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Every game counts: With early rankings out, teams who were undefeated or with very strong resumes are getting recognized. If they slip or lose late, their positions can shift.
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Emerging storylines: Smaller conferences or “outside power five” teams have a path via the automatic qualifier rule. That adds drama.
What to Watch & Possible Landmines
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Will any of the top teams slip up late in the season, losing their bye or risking their seed?
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How will the strength of schedule factor in? The committee has reportedly placed greater emphasis on strong wins / avoiding losses to weaker teams. (Reuters)
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Which conference champions from the “next tier” will make the field? One early example: the possibility of a team like Memphis Tigers or Virginia Cavaliers making the bracket through the champion-qualifier route. (SB Nation)
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Teams currently ranked high but that could slip: The rankings show how tight it is; for instance, a one or two-loss team may still be in but with far more risk.
What’s Next
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Expect weekly ranking releases from the committee—each update will shift the picture. (Black Shoe Diaries)
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The final bracket, with exact seeds and match-ups, will be revealed in early December. The playoff games will start December 19-20 (for the first round) under the new format. (AP News)
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For fans: keep an eye on the conference championship weekend, since that often determines automatic qualifier status and can shuffle the seeds.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s “first bracket” release is a crucial milestone—it doesn’t lock everything in, but it gives a strong preview of who’s in good shape and who needs to raise the level. Teams like Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama are sitting in elite positions right now, but the season isn’t done, and many challengers are poised.
If you like, I can pull up projected first-round matchups based on current rankings and simulate possible bracket paths for some key teams. Would you like me to do that?
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