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Why Ohio State football is a CFP bracket lock, and who they may face
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- Why Ohio State football is a CFP bracket lock, and who they may face
Ohio State has held the No. 1 spot for all of the College Football Playoff rankings this season, and the Buckeyes are expected to stay there if they defeat No. 2 Indiana in the Big Ten title game on Dec. 6.
Led by Heisman contenders Julian Sayin and Jeremih Smith , Ohio State is eyeing its second consecutive national championship after winning the 2025 title as the No. 8 seed.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Julian Sayin (10) during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State is 12-0, coming off a win at Michigan to break Ryan Day's four-game losing streak against the rival.
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College Football Playoff bracket predictions
Here's who we predict will join the Buckeyes in the 12-team CFP.
12. Virginia
The Cavaliers need a win in the ACC championship to secure a spot, as the latest College Football Playoff rankings had them at No. 17. But with Tulane and James Madison, who are also in the running for the final automatic conference title bid, ranking lower than Virginia, a win over Duke will be enough to make the playoffs.
11. BYU
BYU can be a lock for the playoffs with a win over Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game, but even if the Cougars fail to defeat the Red Raiders , they can still sneak in with an 11-2 record and a close loss in the championship.
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10. Notre Dame
Despite opening the season with losses to Miami and Texas A&M, Notre Dame has been in the top 12 for each edition of the College Football Playoff rankings this season. With the Fighting Irish having no other games on their schedule, their spot is likely a lock.
9. Alabama
The Crimson Tide will be going into the College Football Playoff with more losses (three) than any other playoff team if they fail to defeat Georgia in the SEC title game. But having wins against Georgia and Vanderbilt in the regular season is enough of a resume boost for Alabama to find a playoff spot.
8. Oklahoma
Oklahoma recorded losses against two top-15 teams this regular season, though the Sooners have managed to stay in the college football playoff by recording two top-20 wins, which will likely earn them a spot in the middle of the pack.
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7. Ole Miss
While the Rebels are without Lane Kiffin or a spot in the SEC title game, their performance throughout the regular season earned them a playoff spot after going 11-1 and picking up a top-10 win over Oklahoma.
6. Texas A&M
The Aggies were heading toward the SEC title game when a loss to Texas to close the regular season dropped them to fourth in the conference. However, the playoff committee still kept Texas A&M in the top eight following the loss, which is where the Aggies will likely remain for the postseason.
5. Oregon
A loss to Indiana kept Oregon out of the Big Ten Championship, but the committee still seems to favor the Ducks, ranking them higher each week. While the Ducks will likely have the play in the first round, they'll be doing so on their home field.
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4. Texas Tech
Texas Tech would already be a lock for the top four with an undefeated record, but the Red Raiders fell to Arizona State on Oct. 18, meaning they'll need to win the Big 12 title to secure a first-round bye.
3. Indiana
Indiana has gone undefeated in the regular season, with its biggest victory coming on the road against Oregon, which was formerly ranked No. 3. While the Hoosiers could pick up their first loss in the Big Ten championship, if the game is well contested there is a high chance they still earn a playoff bye.
2. Georgia
The Bulldogs could jump to the No. 2 spot if they avenge their only loss of the season and defeat Alabama in the SEC title game. On Sept. 27, Georgia fell 24-21 to Alabama on its home field.
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1. Ohio State
The playoff committee has given Ohio State the top spot in each week of the rankings this season. Unless the Buckeyes are defeated in the Big Ten title game, they should be walking into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed.
When does College Football Playoff bracket come out?
The final CFP rankings will be released on Dec. 7. You can watch or stream the College Football Playoff selection show on ESPN.
What time is the College Football Playoff selection show?
The CFP rankings selection show is scheduled to begin at noon ET on Dec. 7.
College Football Playoff bracket 2025-26 dates
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First round: Dec. 19 and 20
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Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 2
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Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
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National championship: Jan. 19
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football is a CFP bracket lock, so here's who may join them
