CFP bracket: What College Football Playoff would look like if season ended today

The first picture of what the College Football Playoff bracket could look like has been unveiled. The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings of the 2026 season on Tuesday, Nov. 3, giving every possible contender a clear snapshot of where they stand in the chase for

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What is the story about?

The first picture of what the College Football Playoff bracket could look like has been unveiled.

The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings of the 2026 season on Tuesday, Nov. 3, giving every possible contender a clear snapshot of where they stand in the chase for a national championship opportunity. For those that would be in at this point, it's an exciting moment to show what is possible if business is handled.

Of course, it's extremely unlikely the current projected field holds with a month of football still to be played, with top-ranked teams playing against each

other and upsets bound to happen. But for now, we know what the 12-team bracket would look like if the season ended today, and all squads included are hoping they can go through a mistake-free November to remain in that spot come selection Sunday on Dec. 6.

College Football Playoff projected bracket

Here is who would be in the playoff if the season ended today, along with the current seed:

Miami
Georgia
Utah
Indiana
Alabama
Kentucky
Texas
UCLA
BYU
Ole Miss
Notre Dame
Boise State (Group of Six representative)

Here is what the matchups would be for the first round and quarterfinals.

THE FIRST CFP BRACKET PROJECTION OF THE SEASON‼️

If the CFP started today, would your team be playing in it? 🏈 pic.twitter.com/Lw6RaA8O22

— ESPN (@espn) November 4, 2026