This college football postseason will look different with an expanded playoff format and a schedule that stretches until late January. These changes come as the latest conference realignment reduces the Power Five to effectively four major conferences, adding more complexity to the bowl lineup.

Despite these new challenges, we will continue to make our postseason predictions. The process may involve some trial and error as we get used to the changes. Expect a significant presence of SEC and Big Ten teams in our forecasts, with this year’s early predictions featuring four from the SEC, three from the Big Ten, two from the ACC, one independent team, one Group of Five winner, and one representative from the Big 12.

Oklahoma represents an intriguing case in how to evaluate teams beyond just looking at their win-loss records. The Sooners are set to face five opponents ranked in the top 15 of the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, with three of these games on the road and one at a neutral venue. Achieving a 9-3 record against this tough competition could be more impressive than a 10-2 record without a similar level of opponents. Regarding the absence of Florida State and North Carolina as additional ACC contenders, this decision was made even before the Seminoles’ setback in Ireland, making their absence seem increasingly likely now.

So, without further delay, here’s the initial projection for this season’s bowl matchups, which is bound to evolve as the season progresses.

Note: Traditional Pac-12 teams competing in other conferences will adhere to the existing bowl agreements through the 2025 season.