ESPN Projects 12-Team CFP Field, Picks Ohio State-Notre Dame Title Game
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 22
ESPN Projects 12-Team CFP Field, Picks Ohio State-Notre Dame Title Game
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 22
Summary
ESPN’s first 2026-27 postseason projection has Ohio State facing Notre Dame in the Jan. 25 national championship in Las Vegas, with both Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach putting the Buckeyes in the final.
12 playoff spots are forecast with notable disagreement in the opening round, including Boise State at either No. 5 Georgia or No. 5 Texas, and Texas Tech appearing as either a host or road team.
Ohio State is the only team both analysts advance to the semifinals and title game, while Notre Dame also reaches both brackets’ final despite different quarterfinal and semifinal paths.
Dec. 12 opens bowl season with the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, and ESPN’s full projection maps dozens of matchups through Jan. 2 before the playoff concludes Jan. 25.