Week 14 College Football Playoff Predictions: Top Teams Revealed

We’re closing in on the most exciting part of the college football season. The College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket reveal is just around the corner, and honestly, the buzz is everywhere.

With Rivalry Week now behind us, a few teams have locked in their spots. Others are still fighting for a shot at the top four. Let’s dive into the latest chatter and predictions about which teams might make it, based on what we’ve seen lately and what’s coming up in the championship games.

Rivalry Week Shakeups and Surprises

Rivalry Week was a wild ride. There were some predictable wins, but also a couple of upsets that really shook things up in the playoff race.

One of the biggest surprises? Texas A&M, who were undefeated, lost to Texas 27-17. That result has a domino effect on the SEC title game picture. Suddenly, Georgia is back in the mix for a rematch with Alabama.

Big Winners: Ohio State, Texas Tech, and Georgia

Ohio State kept up their dominant run, beating Michigan 27-9. Now they’ve punched their ticket to the Big Ten championship game against Indiana.

This win gives Ohio State a strong case for a top seed. Texas Tech and BYU both picked up key victories, which means we’ll see them face off again in the Big 12 title game.

Georgia, thanks to Texas A&M’s stumble, gets another shot at Alabama in the SEC championship. That one’s shaping up to be a real nail-biter.

Expert Predictions for the College Football Playoff

ESPN’s experts have weighed in with their top 12 CFP picks. There’s a bit of consensus, but also some interesting differences in how they see things shaking out.

Top Contenders

Ohio State and Indiana are leading the pack in almost every ranking. Their strong seasons have put them in the spotlight.

• Ohio State: Every expert has them at number one. That win over Michigan just cemented their status as the team to beat.
• Indiana: They’re almost always ranked second. Indiana has been steady all season and now faces Ohio State for the Big Ten title.

Key Contenders and Dark Horses

After Ohio State and Indiana, there are a handful of teams making their case for a playoff spot.

• Georgia: Most experts put Georgia at third. Their shot at Alabama in the SEC title game could be their ticket in.
• Texas Tech: They’ve finished strong and are ranked third or fourth in several lists. The Big 12 title game against BYU could make or break their chances.
• Oregon: Oregon keeps hanging around the top five. Their Pac-12 run hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Teams on the Bubble

Some teams are right on the edge of making the playoff. Their fate depends on what happens in the championship games and how the committee sees things.

• Ole Miss: Usually ranked somewhere between fifth and seventh. They’ll need a big win in their championship game to really make a statement.
• Texas A&M: Even with the recent loss, they’re still hanging around the top eight for most experts. Their playoff hopes might depend on a little chaos elsewhere.
• BYU: Ranked anywhere from seventh to eleventh. That rematch with Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game is huge for them.

Longshots and At-Large Bids

There are a couple of teams hoping for a miracle—or maybe just some timely upsets.

• Oklahoma: Usually sitting between eighth and tenth. They’ll need to finish strong and hope things fall their way.
• Notre Dame: They’re in the top ten, but it’s a tough road. They’ll need a strong pitch and maybe a little luck.
• Virginia: Most experts have them at eleventh. Their chances aren’t great, but hey, stranger things have happened.

We’re down to the wire—just one week left before the CFP bracket drops. The pressure’s on for teams hovering near the cutoff, and those hoping to lock in their places.

Championship games are about to shake up the rankings in a big way. If you’re a fan, buckle up for some chaos and drama as the season wraps up.

Want to dive deeper? Check out ESPN’s College Football Playoff picks and predictions for Week 14 for a full breakdown from the experts.