The latest college football rankings suggest a significant shake-up in this year's playoff picture, with some unexpected teams potentially making the cut and traditional powerhouses left on the sidelines. The shift to a 12-team format was anticipated to solidify Alabama's perennial presence, but in a surprising turn of events, the Crimson Tide are currently projected to miss the inaugural expanded playoff.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer reacts during a game against Oklahoma. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
The projected bracket comprises five automatic bids and seven at-large selections. Notably, Oregon, Texas, Miami, Boise State, and Arizona State are projected to secure automatic bids based on their conference standings and rankings.
Arizona State fans celebrate a victory. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The at-large bids are projected to go to Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Georgia, Tennessee, SMU, and Indiana. This leaves Clemson and Alabama as the first two teams outside the playoff picture. Alabama's recent loss to Oklahoma and Ole Miss's defeat by Florida significantly impacted their rankings, dropping them to 13th and 14th, respectively.
Oklahoma fans storm the field after defeating Alabama. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Indiana managed to hold onto its projected spot despite a significant loss to Ohio State, while Colorado's loss to Kansas jeopardized their playoff hopes, making their path to the postseason much more challenging.
If Alabama fails to make the playoffs, it will be their first absence since 2022. The Crimson Tide have an impressive playoff record, having participated in eight out of ten playoffs. Their absence in 2019 saw them finish 13th in the national rankings.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe under pressure from Oklahoma's defense. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Clemson's upcoming game against South Carolina presents a potential opportunity to improve their standing, but even a victory might not be sufficient to secure a playoff spot given the favorable matchups for the currently projected teams.
