Illinois running back Aidan Laughery (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) AP

Texas, Penn State, Ohio State and Clemson would be the top four seeds in the College Football Playoff based on The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll with Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon and Alabama hosting first-round games.

The first poll-based bracket includes four teams from the Southeastern Conference, three from the Big Ten, two from Atlantic Coast Conference, one from the Big 12, one from the Mountain West and one independent. Based on the preseason Top 25 rankings, the CFP would open like this:

— No. 9 seed LSU at No. 8 seed Alabama. Winner vs. No

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