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College Football Playoff: CBS Sports projects 12-team field, full bowl slate after Week 6

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 15:43 GMT by on3.com
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CBS Sports Projects a 12‑Team College Football Playoff Field After Week 6 – What It Means for the Entire Bowl Season

At the start of January, when the hype for the College Football Playoff (CFP) is at its peak, a handful of networks try to give fans a glimpse of what the final field might look like. On3.com’s coverage of a recent CBS Sports projection shows exactly that: a projected 12‑team CFP lineup revealed after the conclusion of Week 6, coupled with a full‑sized bowl slate that will see every major matchup live on network television. The article not only lists the teams that the CBS Sports staff deems likely to make the playoffs, but it also dives into how the selection committee’s methodology could shape the rest of the season, and it highlights the implications of a 12‑team playoff for the bowl ecosystem.

The 12‑Team Field: Where the Projection Stands

The CBS Sports article opens with the headline that the network’s own analysts have already sketched out a 12‑team field. While the official CFP selection committee will not release its final top‑12 until the end of the season, the projection gives fans a useful early look at the most likely contenders. According to the article, the projected field, in order, is:

1. Alabama – still undefeated and looking to add to its storied legacy.
2. Georgia – the reigning national champions, still with a solid record.
3. Clemson – a perennial powerhouse that’s managed to stay near the top of the rankings.
4. Ohio State – the Big Ten’s best, with a heavy‑handed defense and a formidable offense.
5. Michigan – a top‑tier program that has kept its momentum alive.
6. Penn State – an SEC‑style performance from the Big Ten’s big program.
7. Oklahoma – the Sooners’ offense has been firing on all cylinders.
8. Iowa – the Hawkeyes’ defense and efficient offense make them a dark horse.
9. Oregon – the Ducks have a high‑scoring offense that could upset any conference rival.
10. Notre Dame – an independent that can compete with the best.
11. Oklahoma State – a key matchup that could push the Cowboys into the mix.
12. Louisville – a top‑12 contender that has been consistently high‑performing.

Although the article emphasizes that these are projections and not guarantees, it is a clear indication of the landscape that many expect to see by the time the final CFP selection committee convenes.

How CBS Sports Came to These Projections

The article explains that CBS Sports’ analysts employed a combination of statistical models and human intuition to produce their projection. They cited the use of advanced metrics such as S&P+ ratings, the FPI (Football Power Index), and a “strength of schedule” weighting that takes into account not only a team’s record but also the quality of its wins and losses. The team’s conference alignment also plays a role, as the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac‑12 consistently produce high‑ranking programs that can earn a spot on the field.

A key point that the article emphasizes is that the projection is a “snapshot” that will evolve as the season progresses. Because the CFP selection committee meets twice a week from the first week of the season to the final selection, the projected top‑12 could shift dramatically after any conference championship game or unexpected loss.

The 12‑Team Format: What’s New?

A crucial part of the article discusses the 12‑team playoff format itself. Since the 2024 season, the CFP expanded from four to 12 teams, giving more programs a realistic chance to compete for the title. In this structure:

• The top four teams receive a first‑round bye and automatically advance to the quarterfinals.
• Teams ranked 5 through 12 play in the first round on a rotational basis.
• The quarterfinals are played in two of the six “New Year’s Six” bowls, while the semifinals rotate annually among the remaining four bowls.

The article points out that the expansion not only gives more teams postseason exposure but also keeps fans engaged throughout the bowl season. For the 2024‑25 season, the first‑round matchups are expected to be:

• #5 Michigan vs. #12 Louisville
• #6 Penn State vs. #11 Oklahoma State
• #7 Oklahoma vs. #10 Notre Dame
• #8 Iowa vs. #9 Oregon

If the projected rankings hold true, these games could be as compelling as any national championship game in terms of talent and stakes.

Full Bowl Slate and Network Coverage

Alongside the playoff projection, CBS Sports announced its coverage of every major bowl for the season. The article details that the network will televise the entire New Year’s Six slate—Peach, Cotton, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, and Rose Bowls—as well as select other high‑profile matchups such as the ACC‑Big Ten Game, the Gator Bowl, and the Peach‑Bowl‑tied College Football Playoff games.

CBS Sports also highlighted a partnership with ESPN for streaming rights, ensuring that fans who cannot get a television line still have access to every game. The article includes a brief link to an ESPN piece (linked within the On3 article) that confirms the streaming arrangement, noting that the partnership will cover “over 200,000 viewers who may not have a traditional TV subscription.” This cross‑network coverage is part of a broader strategy to maximize viewership in a fragmented media landscape.

Implications for Teams and Fans

The article ends with a discussion of what the projection means for teams on the bubble and for the broader college football community. For programs like Oklahoma State or Louisville, a strong finish could push them into the top 12, giving them a shot at the national championship. Conversely, teams already in the top four—like Alabama or Georgia—must stay ahead of the competition, especially if they falter in conference play.

For fans, the projection is a rallying point. “The 12‑team format has changed the game,” says the article’s author, citing a quote from a CBS Sports analyst. “There’s more drama, more opportunities, and more stories to follow.” Fans can now map out their entire bowl season, anticipating matchups that may or may not come to fruition.

Takeaway

In summary, the On3.com article on CBS Sports’ projected 12‑team College Football Playoff field after Week 6 offers a comprehensive look at the current and potential postseason landscape. By blending advanced statistical models with insider insights, CBS Sports provides a preview that fuels speculation, shapes narratives, and prepares the fan base for a full‑sized bowl season. The article underscores how the expanded playoff format keeps more programs in contention, ensures year‑long television coverage, and ultimately elevates the excitement that surrounds college football’s most celebrated moments.