College Football Playoff Teams 2026
Every team in the 2026 College Football Playoff picture: the projected or confirmed 12-team field and the rest of the CFP Top 25, with conference, record and seed, each linked to its own page.
Teams in the CFP Rankings
The team list follows the CFP rankings, which start in early November.
Every school in the CFP rankings gets its own page with record, seed and playoff path once the rankings are entered; the CFP rankings page shows the projected field and the bracket where each team lands.
College Football playoff teams FAQ
How many teams make the College Football Playoff?
Twelve: the champions of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC, the highest-ranked team from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Sun Belt, and the seven highest-ranked remaining teams.
Can Notre Dame make the playoff?
Yes. As an independent it cannot win a conference title, but it qualifies automatically if it finishes in the top 12 of the final rankings.
Who gets a first-round bye?
The four highest-ranked teams in the final CFP rankings, whether or not they won their conference (straight seeding, used since 2025).
Which conferences get automatic bids?
The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC champions, plus the highest-ranked team from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Sun Belt.
When is Selection Day?
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026, when the committee releases the final rankings, the 12-team field and the bracket.