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It all came down to this — or, rather, these.
Following the completion of four conference championship games on Friday, Dec. 5 (most notably the American and Sun Belt championships) the College Football Playoff selection committee had precious few data points remaining to inform the final top 25 and 12-team bracket.
The MAC and Power Four championships gave them a lot to mull over.
The bracket was already partially set with the completion of the American championship on Dec. 5, with No. 20 Tulane defeating No. 24 North Texas 34-21. The Green Wave are set up for no worse than the No. 12 seed.
James Madison also handled its business with a 31-14 win vs. Troy in the Sun Belt title game, and Bob Chesney and Co. got the help it needed as Duke upset No. 17 Virginia, giving JMU a path to potentially sneak in as the fifth highest-ranked conference champion.
Curiously, the Big Ten championship — which featured the top two teams in the country in No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana — had the least impact on the final CFP bracket. That didn't take away from a historic Hoosiers upset, however, as they downed the defending national champs 13-10.
In the SEC, No. 9 Alabama was demolished by No. 3 Georgia 28-7, while in the Big 12, No. 11 BYU was similarly beaten down by No. 4 Texas Tech.
Through it all, USA TODAY Sports provided score updates and bracket projections. Check them out:
College Football Playoff conference championships live scoreboard
Here's a look at scores and results from top-25 teams in action during conference championship weekend, according to the latest CFP rankings:
Games listed in order of CFP rankings. All times Eastern.
- 1. Ohio State: lost 13-10 to No. 2 Indiana (Big Ten)
- 2. Indiana: beat No. 1 Ohio State 13-10 (Big Ten)
- 3. Georgia: beat No. 9 Alabama 28-7 (SEC)
- 4. Texas Tech: beat No. 11 BYU 34-7 (Big 12)
- 9. Alabama: lost 28-7 to No. 3 Georgia (SEC)
- 11. BYU: lost 34-7 to No. 4 Texas Tech (Big 12)
- 17. Virginia: lost 27-20 (OT) to Duke (ACC)
- 20. Tulane: beat No. 24 North Texas 34-21 (American)
- 24. North Texas: lost 34-21 to No. 20 Tulane (American)
- 25. James Madison: beat Troy 31-14 (Sun Belt)
CFP bracket projections
Here's a projection of the final 12-team bracket after conference championship weekend:
Teams that are bolded have been moved up or down projected CFP bracket rankings
- Indiana (13-0) *
- Georgia (12-1) *
- Ohio State (12-1)
- Texas Tech (12-1) *
- Oregon (11-1)
- Mississippi (11-1)
- Texas A&M (11-1)
- Oklahoma (10-2)
- Notre Dame (10-2)
- Miami (10-2)
- Tulane (11-2) *
- James Madison (12-1) *
* Indicates one of five highest-ranked conference champions
DUKE INTERCEPTS VIRGINIA, WINS GAME: One play later, Duke intercepts a Virginia pass to end the game. The Blue Devils are your 2025 ACC champions!
DUKE SCORES FIRST IN OT: Darian Mensah finds Jeremiah Hasley on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line to go up 27-20 in the first overtime period. Virginia was also hit with a roughing the passer penalty, moving the Cavaliers 15 yards back on their ensuing offensive possession.
VIRGINIA TIES GAME, SENDS IT TO OT: The Cavaliers refused to give up without a fight, and now we're heading to overtime. Incredible grit by Virginia just to get it there.
VIRGINIA INCHING CLOSER TO GAME-TYING TOUCHDOWN: Virginia, which has largely been out-played in the ACC championship, is inching closer to a potential game-tying touchdown. The Cavaliers aren't going away without a fight.
INDIANA UPSETS NO. 1 OHIO STATE: How's that for the Hoosiers? Curt Cignetti, Fernando Mendoza and Co. upset the top-ranked Buckeyes to earn the Big Ten championship and earn the top seed of the College Football Playoff.
DUKE TAKES TWO-POSSESSION LEAD VS. VIRGINIA: In the ACC, Duke is close to creating CFP chaos. The Blue Devils get a 23-yard Todd Pelino field goal to push their lead over Virginia to 20-10, with 5:02 left in the fourth quarter.
INDIANA HAS FIRST DOWN AT 2-MINUTE TIMEOUT: What a play-call by Curt Cignetti, and what execution from Fernando Mendoza. Facing third-and-6 at its own 24-yard line, Mendoza throws a dot to Charlie Becker for 33 yards, bringing the Hoosiers to Ohio State's 43-yard line at the 2-minute timeout. The Buckeyes have just one more timeout to stop a first down; if they can't, then you're looking at Indiana winning the Big Ten.
OHIO STATE MISSES FIELD GOAL: Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding misses a 27-yard field goal wide left that would have tied the game 13-13. Instead of tying the game, Indiana will instead take over at its own 9-yard line with a chance to run the game out. The Buckeyes still have three timeouts and the 2-minute timeout to work with, but the door is closing.
HOOSIERS FORCE TURNOVER ON DOWNS: Ohio State opts to go for it on fourth-and-short from the Hoosiers' 5-yard line instead of taking the sure field goal. Julian Sayin is initially ruled to reach the line to gain but, after review, officials determined his knee was down short of the line to gain. Indiana takes over deep in its own territory still leading 13-10!
INDIANA TAKES LEAD VS. OHIO STATE: The top two teams in the country are battling it out in Indianapolis. Fernando Mendoza scores his first touchdown of the game with a 17-yard touchdown to Elijah Sarratt midway through the third quarter. Hoosiers lead 12-10.
INDIANA HANGING TOUGH WITH OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes lead 10-6 at halftime over Indiana, with the Hoosiers giving them a tough game. Both Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza have thrown interceptions, with the difference between them being a single touchdown — which Sayin threw to Carnell Tate.
NATE SHEPPARD RETAKES LEAD FOR DUKE: Virginia seems to be in for a dogfight with Duke. The Blue Devils retake a lead, 14-7, with a Nate Sheppard 16-yard touchdown run. For those curious, here's a recap of what might happen if Duke wins the ACC championship:
OHIO STATE TAKES LEAD VS. INDIANA: The Hoosiers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but an interception deep in their own territory gives Ohio State a short field to score a touchdown. Julian Sayin finds Carnell Tate wide open in the end zone to give Ohio State a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter.
DUKE TAKES EARLY LEAD VS. VIRGINIA: Chaos isn't here yet, but Duke is making it interesting early, taking a 7-0 lead over Virginia 10 minutes into the first quarter of the ACC Championship game.
BIG TEN, ACC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES KICKING OFF: The Big Ten and ACC championship games are kicking off at the same time. In the Big Ten, No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana are vying for the top overall seed. In the ACC, No. 17 Virginia is seeking to earn its way into the CFP, while unranked Duke is hoping to slip in amid the chaos.
DID ALABAMA SQUANDER CHANCE AT CFP?: The CFP selection committee has a choice to make: Value Alabama's entire body of work or place the Crimson Tide's dismal championship game loss under the microscope. The committee's internal processes remain a mystery, but it's hard to make an argument for the Alabama team that fell 28-7 to Georgia on Dec. 6.
ALABAMA TURNS IT OVER ON DOWNS: Alabama attempts to make it respectable, but fails to convert on fourth down for a second straight drive, this time in Georgia's red zone. Georgia has the ball and should be able to run out the remainder of the clock en route to a 28-7 victory in the SEC championship.
GEORGIA LAYS IT ON: Three plays after Alabama goes for it on fourth-and-2 from its own 12-yard line, Gunner Stockton connects with Zachariah Branch on the screen play for a 13-yard catch-and-run. The Bulldogs are back up to a 21-point lead halfway through the fourth quarter.
ALABAMA AVOIDS SHUTOUT: The Crimson Tide are finally on the board after Ty Simpson connects with Germie Bernard for a 23-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. That at least keeps Alabama from being shut out, but Alabama has yet more work to do to come back.
GEORGIA ENTERING BLOWOUT TERRITORY: The Bulldogs are having their way with Alabama in the SEC title game. The Bulldogs force a three-and-out to start the half then follow that up with an easy touchdown to go up 21-0. It's less a question now of whether Georgia wins, but by how much — and whether that margin will be enough for the CFP committee to keep Alabama in its top 12.
GEORGIA LEADS 14-0 AT HALFTIME: Heroics may be needed for Alabama to come back in this one. The Crimson Tide are down 14-0 and have failed to score in their first four drives for the first time all season. The defense has done its part to slow the bleeding but Ty Simpson and Co. need to start scoring points if they want any hope of getting back in this one.
GEORGIA LENGTHENS LEAD OVER ALABAMA: Alabama's in danger of getting run out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium at this rate. Following an interception by Ty Simpson, Georgia takes the ball down the field and scores again to go up 14-0. The Crimson Tide might not be out of the CFP with a close loss, but that might change if they're blown out.
BULLDOGS STRIKE FIRST IN SEC CHAMPIONSHIP: And just like that, the Bulldogs open with an easy, walk-in touchdown after the special teams unit clips an Alabama punt.
GEORGIA OPENS SEC CHAMPIONSHIP ON OFFENSE: Alabama wins the toss and defers to the second half. It'll be Gunner Stockton and the Georgia offense up first in Atlanta.
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP 30 MINUTES FROM KICKOFF: No. 3 Georgia and No. 9 Alabama are 30 minutes away from rematching in the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs are a virtual lock to make the CFP regardless of the outcome, but Alabama will hope to win — or, failing that, play competitively — vs. Georgia in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Would the CFP selection committee drop Alabama from the bracket if they lose? Notre Dame and Miami are watching the game, hoping the Bulldogs will force the issue.
TEXAS TECH WINS BIG 12 CHAMPION, SECURES CFP BID: An absolutely dominant effort by Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game. The Red Raiders demolished BYU 34-7, securing a CFP bid and, likely, a first-round bye. The Red Raiders will enter the playoff as Big 12 champions with a 12-1 record.
TEXAS TECH ADDS ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN: Morton connects with Coy Eakin for a 28-yard touchdown, their second of the day. It's 31-7 Tech with just half a quarter to play.
TEXAS TECH DEFENSE DOMINATING BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: Texas Tech's defense has been utterly dominant in the second half of this game. They've held the BYU offense to, in order, a missed 46-yard field goal attempt; an interception; punt; interception; and turnover on downs.
MORE TURNOVERS LEAD TO MORE POINTS: Another Bear Bachmeier turnover (this one a fumble) leads to another field goal for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are clamping down on BYU.
TEXAS TECH TURNS TURNOVER INTO POINTS: Texas Tech is starting to put the squeeze on BYU. Following the Red Raiders' failed fourth-down attempt, Texas Tech linebacker Ben Roberts intercepts Bear Bachmeier and returns it 9 yards to the Cougar 11-yard line. One play later, running back Cameron Dickey takes it all the way for the score. One 2-point conversion later and the Red Raiders' lead has swelled to 21-7.
TEXAS TECH FAILS TO CONVERT FOURTH DOWN: Now it's Texas Tech's turn to roll the dice. Facing fourth-and-2 from the BYU 14-yard line, Joey McGuire opts to go for it in hopes of extending the lead with a touchdown. Red Raiders fans might grumble at a no-call on a potential defensive pass interference the end zone, but Morton's pass falls harmlessly to the turf. A field goal would have made it a two-possession game for Tech.
THIRD QUARTER BEGINS IN BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: Here's the start of the third quarter in the Big 12 title game, with BYU starting on offense. The Cougars desperately need a score, or at least to show they can move the ball, after failing to cross midfield after their opening drive.
BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP TRENDS: According to the ABC broadcast of the Big 12 championship game, the team leading at halftime has won the last five conference title games. Texas Tech leads 13-7 with two quarters left to claim the Big 12 championship — and a playoff bid.
TEXAS TECH EXTENDS LEAD OVER BYU: With points seemingly coming at a premium, Texas Tech managed to extend its lead to 13-7 with 21 seconds left to play in the half off a 40-yard field goal from Stone Harrington.
SPECIAL TEAMS MISCUES IN BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: Couple interesting special teams plays in the Big 12 championship game, as BYU opts to try a trick play on a punt attempt. It's poorly executed and gives Texas Tech the ball at its own 42-yard line. No harm no foul, however, as Texas Tech's 48-yard field goal sails wide left.
TEXAS TECH REGAINS LEAD VS. BYU: Texas Tech responds in a big way with a field goal and touchdown on consecutive drives after allowing BYU to take a 7-0 lead. The touchdown — a 33-yard connection between Behren Morten and Coy Eakin — gives the Red Raiders a 10-7 lead with 10:42 left in the first half.
BYU LEADS AFTER ONE QUARTER: Texas Tech's drive inside the BYU red zone stalls on third-and-goal, bring up a 22-yard field goal to start the second quarter.
BYU TAKES FIRST LEAD OVER TEXAS TECH THIS SEASON: Trouble brewing in the Big 12 championship? BYU caps a 14-play, 90-yard drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from running back LJ Martin to go up 7-0. It's the Cougars' first lead over Texas Tech this season, and the Red Raiders' first touchdown given up on an opening drive all year.
TEXAS TECH, BYU KICK OFF IN BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: One of the more impactful games during conference championship weekend just kicked off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. If BYU beats Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship, they Cougars will "steal" a bid in the final 12-team CFP bracket. Follow along for updates here.
CFP rankings after Week 14
Here's a look at the CFP top 25 after Week 14:
- Ohio State
- Indiana
- Georgia
- Texas Tech
- Oregon
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Notre Dame
- BYU
- Miami
- Texas
- Vanderbilt
- Utah
- Southern California
- Virginia
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Tulane
- Houston
- Georgia Tech
- Iowa
- North Texas
- James Madison
CFP Week 14 bracket
Here is what the CFP bracket would look like if the season concluded after Week 14:
- Ohio State *
- Indiana
- Georgia *
- Texas Tech *
- Oregon
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Notre Dame
- Virginia *
- Tulane *
* indicates one of five highest-ranked conference champions
First-round byes:
- No. 1 Ohio State
- No. 2 Indiana
- No. 3 Georgia
- No. 4 Texas Tech
First-round games:
- No. 12 Tulane at No. 5 Oregon
- No. 11 Virginia at No. 6 Ole Miss
- No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 Texas A&M
- No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma
CFP schedule 2025-26
CFP first round
- Friday, Dec. 19
- Game 1: 8 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Dec. 20
- Game 2: Noon ET
- Game 3: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Game 4: 7:30 p.m. ET
CFP quarterfinals
- Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Cotton Bowl: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, Jan. 1
- Orange Bowl: Noon ET
- Rose Bowl: 4 p.m. ET
- Sugar Bowl: 8 p.m. ET
CFP semifinals
- Thursday, Jan. 8
- Fiesta Bowl: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Friday, Jan. 9
- Peach Bowl: 7:30 p.m. ET
CFP championship game
- Monday, Jan. 19
- CFP championship: 7:30 p.m. ET
When is next CFP rankings reveal?
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 7
- Time: Noon ET
The final CFP rankings reveal will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7 at noon ET. The top 25 released by the selection committee — and the corresponding bracket — will be the final one of the season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CFP predictions: College Football Playoff bracket projections for 12-team field
Reporting by Zac Al-Khateeb, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY
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