College football's landscape saw a significant shift with the emergence of two powerhouse conferences potentially dominating the playoff scene. The Big Ten emerged as a major winner, leading the initial 12-team playoff field with four teams making the cut. Oregon, ranked No. 1 with a perfect 13-0 record, showcased the strength of the Big Ten after joining from the Pac-12.
The SEC, a perennial powerhouse, faced a setback with notable exclusion of Alabama, a traditional football giant. The ACC also made its mark, with SMU securing a spot over Alabama, adding to the surprises of the selection process.
