As the countdown to the 2026 college football season begins, the focus shifts from offseason speculation to potential matchups that could shape the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape. With only a short time left before the season kicks off, the anticipation builds around which teams will secure their spots in the 12-team playoff format.

Several high-stakes early-season games, including Texas vs. Ohio State, Ole Miss vs. LSU, and Oklahoma vs. Michigan, are poised to influence the playoff picture significantly.

The projected College Football Playoff field includes:

• Notre Dame
• Georgia (SEC champion)
• Ohio State (Big Ten champion)
• Miami (ACC champion)
• Texas
• Texas Tech (Big 12 champion)
• Indiana
• Ole Miss
• Oregon
• Texas A&M
• LSU
• Boise State (Top G6 team)

First-round byes are expected for Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia, and Miami.

First Round Matchups:

• No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas: Winner: Texas
• No. 11 LSU at No. 6 Texas Tech: Winner: LSU
• No. 10 Texas A&M at No. 7 Indiana: Winner: Indiana
• Oregon at Ole Miss: Winner: Ole Miss

Quarterfinals:

• No. 8 Ole Miss vs. No. 1 Notre Dame: Winner: Ole Miss
• No. 7 Indiana vs. No. 2 Georgia: Winner: Georgia
• No. 11 LSU vs. No. 3 Ohio State: Winner: Ohio State
• No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Miami: Winner: Texas

Semifinals:

• No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ole Miss: Winner: Texas
• No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Georgia: Winner: Ohio State

As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will eagerly debate these projections and the potential surprises that await, reminiscent of last season’s unexpected outcomes.