college football playoff bracket each year

3 min read 22-11-2024

college football playoff bracket each year

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has revolutionized the way we experience the final stretch of the college football season. Since its inception in 2014, the four-team playoff has generated excitement, controversy, and endless debate. This article provides a year-by-year look at the CFP bracket, highlighting the key moments and controversies that shaped each season.

2014: The Inaugural Season

The Participants: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Oregon, No. 3 Florida State, No. 4 Ohio State.
The Story: This first year set the stage for future debates. Ohio State's improbable run, culminating in a win over Alabama, sparked discussions about the selection committee's methodology. The championship game saw Oregon fall to Alabama in a high-scoring affair.
Key Takeaway: The inaugural season proved the playoff system's potential for excitement, while also highlighting the inherent subjectivity in selecting the four teams.

2015: Controversy and Close Calls

The Participants: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Michigan State.
The Story: Alabama's dominance was only momentarily interrupted by an early season loss, but they still made the playoff and eventually lost to Clemson in a thrilling national championship game. Oklahoma's inclusion, despite a loss, fueled discussions about the value of conference championships.
Key Takeaway: The selection process continued to face scrutiny, emphasizing the need for clear and consistent criteria.

2016: The Rise of Clemson

The Participants: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Washington.
The Story: Clemson's revenge against Alabama in the championship game cemented their place as a national power. The season also showcased the growing competitiveness of the playoff race.
Key Takeaway: Clemson’s victory demonstrated that the playoff wasn't just about the established powerhouses.

2017: A Tight Race and a Dominant Champion

The Participants: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Oklahoma.
The Story: This year featured several close games throughout the season that affected playoff positioning. Alabama's close call in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson showed how unforgiving the playoff could be. Clemson eventually claimed victory against Alabama in the national championship game.
Key Takeaway: The high stakes of the playoff games themselves were apparent.

2018: The Underdog's Journey

The Participants: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Michigan.
The Story: Clemson's continued dominance was challenged by Alabama, but they ultimately secured another championship victory. Notre Dame's appearance marked a return to prominence for the program.
Key Takeaway: This solidified Clemson's dynasty-level status.

2019: A New Champion Emerges

The Participants: No. 1 LSU, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Clemson, No. 4 Oklahoma.
The Story: LSU's Joe Burrow led a historic offensive charge, culminating in a dominant victory in the championship game. This year showcased the unpredictability of the playoff, even for historically successful teams.
Key Takeaway: The playoff continued to provide unexpected results and new champions.

2020: A COVID-Affected Season

The Participants: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Notre Dame.
The Story: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the season, resulting in schedule changes and cancellations. Alabama ultimately won the national championship.
Key Takeaway: The pandemic's effects were felt across all aspects of the game, highlighting its resilience.

2021: Georgia's Near Miss

The Participants: No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Cincinnati, No. 4 Michigan.
The Story: Georgia's incredible season ended with a loss to Alabama in the national championship game. Cincinnati's appearance marked the first time a Group of Five team made the playoff.
Key Takeaway: The continued competitiveness of college football meant that even historically dominant teams were not guaranteed victory.

2022: A Championship Upset

The Participants: No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 TCU, No. 4 Ohio State.
The Story: Georgia secured their second consecutive championship, defeating TCU in the title game. The season showed several compelling underdog stories and thrilling matchups.
Key Takeaway: The playoff delivered unexpected results and close games throughout the process.

The Future of the CFP

The College Football Playoff continues to evolve, with discussions about expanding the field to potentially 12 teams. Regardless of the format, the annual selection process will undoubtedly remain a source of debate and excitement, continuing to shape the narrative of college football each season. Future years promise to deliver more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.