Pat Forde: College Football Playoff Projected Bracket After Week 9
The CFP selection committee will reveal its first bracket of the 2026 season on Tuesday.
Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney celebrates with tight end Gavin Mueller after scoring a touchdown against North Carolina. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Each week, The Dash selects and seeds the 12 teams who belong in the College Football Playoff as if today were Selection Sunday. This week takes on extra gravity, with the first CFP selection committee rankings rolling out Tuesday.
No. 12 UTSA at No. 5 Kentucky
No. 11 Ohio State at No. 6 Indiana
No. 10 Texas at No. 7 BYU
No. 9 Wake Forest at No. 8 Notre Dame
Fiesta Bowl: No. 4 Utah vs. winner of No. 12 UTSA at No. 5 Kentucky
Rose Bowl: No. 3 UCLA vs. winner of No. 11 Ohio State at No. 6 Indiana
Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. winner of No. 10 Texas at No. 7 BYU
Peach Bowl: No. 1 Miami vs. winner of No. 9 Wake Forest at No. 8 Notre Dame
PODCAST: Listen to Sports Illustrated’s college sports podcast, Others Receiving Votes, hosted by Pat Forde, on Apple and. Watch the show on SI’s college YouTube channel or on SI TV.