Indianapolis, Ind. — The unveiling of the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket is set for Sunday after a thrilling championship weekend that saw unexpected outcomes shake up the landscape of college football. Among the surprises, Indiana, Texas Tech, and Duke claimed conference titles, joining perennial powerhouse Georgia as champions, sparking speculation about their places in the playoff lineup.

Late Saturday night, projections indicated that Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech are likely to secure first-round byes in the playoff. Teams such as Oregon, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and Tulane appear to be set to join the field as well. The competition for the final at-large bids is tight, with Notre Dame and Alabama looking strong compared to Miami, while James Madison seems poised to grab the final automatic bid over Duke.

In a stunning ACC title game, unranked Duke pulled off an upset against No. 17 Virginia, winning 27-20 in overtime. With the victory, Duke became a conference champion, but questions arose about whether they would earn a playoff spot over James Madison, the Sun Belt champions. James Madison, finishing the season at 12-1, is perceived as a stronger candidate due to their ranking prior to the championship games and an impressive season.

The ACC may face a tough road as both Duke and Miami could potentially be left out of the playoff picture. With Miami’s pathway complicated by two of the teams ahead of them dropping games on Saturday, the committee’s decision will be crucial in determining the conference’s fate. Missing out entirely would mark a significant setback, particularly as the ACC attempts to bolster its reputation amid discussions of future conference realignments.

In the Big Ten, Indiana topped Ohio State in a dramatic clash, winning 13-10 and securing the conference title for the first time since 1967. This victory propelled the Hoosiers to an unbeaten record of 13-0 and potentially the No. 1 seed in the playoff. Indiana’s coach Curt Cignetti has transformed the program, enhancing its profile in a sport where parity has become increasingly pronounced.

Conversely, Ohio State’s performance raises concerns heading into the postseason. After a stellar regular season, the Buckeyes struggled in the red zone, failing to capitalize on critical scoring opportunities. Despite the loss, they remain a formidable playoff contender, seemingly poised for a deep run.

Georgia also made headlines by dominating Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, ending the contest with a score of 28-8. The Bulldogs showcased a powerful defensive display, holding Alabama scoreless until the fourth quarter. Georgia’s defense has been particularly impressive, allowing an average of just 10 points over their last four matches, further solidifying their standing as a strong playoff candidate.

Texas Tech, meanwhile, captured the Big 12 title decisively against BYU, winning 34-7 and securing a playoff spot. With a well-rounded team that boasts a strong defense and an explosive offense, the Red Raiders have high expectations for the playoff, aiming to advance beyond the first round.

As playoff selection approaches, the debate surrounding Alabama’s eligibility intensifies. Historically, the playoff committee has valued quality wins, and while Alabama’s resume remains impressive, their recent performance raises questions about their chance of earning an at-large bid.

The playoff picture remains complex and fluid as the weekend’s results continue to influence potential seeding and selections, with all eyes set on Sunday’s bracket unveiling. The implications of these championship results will have long-standing effects on conference reputations and playoff dynamics as college football heads into an exciting postseason.