With the regular season concluded, the race for the College Football Playoff is tightening. Most spots in the 12-team field seem set, but there’s still debate over seeding and automatic bids as we approach the conference championship weekend.

🚀 On cruise control

Teams effectively clinched a spot regardless of championship outcomes:

• Ohio State (12-0, 9-0): Ended their losing streak to Michigan and is heading to the Big Ten Championship Game.
• Indiana (12-0, 9-0): Made its first trip to the Big Ten Championship after an undefeated regular season.
• Georgia (11-1, 7-1): Returns to the SEC Championship Game for a potential first-round bye.
• Texas A&M (11-1, 7-1): Likely safe for a first-round playoff game despite SEC tiebreakers.

🟢 In the driver’s seat

Teams can secure a bid with a conference championship victory:

• Alabama (10-2, 7-1): Need to be careful, as the committee’s decisions may vary.
• Notre Dame (10-2): On a hot streak with 10 consecutive wins but remains at risk depending on other conference outcomes.
• Virginia (10-2, 7-1): A win against Duke in the title game could secure an automatic bid.

🟡 Bumper-to-bumper

Teams alive but their path is crowded:

• Miami (10-2, 6-2): Requires committee adjustments to rank higher after beating Notre Dame.

🔴 Sitting on the shoulder

Technically in the race but need outside help:

• Vanderbilt (10-2, 6-2): Needs a strong performance this week.
• Texas (9-3, 6-2): A strong finish needed to remain in playoff contention.

⛔ Out of the race

Teams that are effectively out of contention:

• ACC: Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech.
• Big 12: Arizona, Kansas.
• Big Ten: Iowa, Michigan.
• SEC: Florida, Kentucky.