College Football Championship Matchups Recap

This past weekend featured a series of dramatic college football conference championship games that shook up the playoff landscape. In the Big Ten, Indiana upset Ohio State 13-10 to claim the conference title, likely securing a top seed and automatic spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Georgia dominated Alabama 28-7 in the SEC Championship, earning their second consecutive SEC crown and strengthening their case for a high seed or first-round bye. Duke edged Virginia 27-20 in overtime to win the ACC championship, though their playoff chances remain uncertain due to overall résumé considerations. Among Group-of-Five programs, James Madison won the Sun Belt, Tulane took the AAC and Western Michigan captured the MAC title, adding more options for CFP selection depending on how the committee values conference champions. The weekend saw top-ranked programs fall and surprise champions emerge, highlighting the importance of conference titles under the expanded 12-team playoff format. These results significantly reshaped rankings, playoff scenarios and fan speculation heading into the postseason.