The most chaotic College Football Playoff selection process in the history of the event — given it is the first year of the 12-team bracket — concluded Sunday. Despite the intense competition and various twists and turns, there was little debate as to which program would earn the No. 1 seed. Oregon (13-0), fresh off a win in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday night, ultimately finished the 2024 season undefeated and captured the top spot in the playoff, making its return to the postseason field for the first time in a decade.

Georgia's Journey to the No. 2 Seed

Fresh off a win in the SEC Championship Game, Georgia (11-2) earned the No. 2 seed. The Bulldogs had their moments of struggle with road losses at Alabama and Ole Miss, but they picked up ranked wins over Clemson, Texas, Tennessee, and the Longhorns again in the SEC title game. Their consistent performance and ability to rise above challenges have solidified their place in the playoff.

Boise State's Historic Bid

College football's original postseason Cinderella, Boise State (12-1), made its first CFP bid. Their one loss this season came to Oregon, 37-34, back in Week 2. This marks a significant milestone for the Broncos, who have put their program on the map with notable victories like winning the 2006 Fiesta Bowl over Oklahoma. Their inclusion in the playoff is a testament to their consistent excellence.

Arizona State's First Playoff Appearance

Thirty-four-year-old coach Kenny Dillingham's squad at Arizona State (11-2) went 11-1 when starting quarterback Sam Leavitt finished games. They picked up four ranked wins, including a dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Sun Devils won 11 games for the first time since 1996 and will enter their first playoff, bringing a new level of excitement to the event.

Texas' Quest for a National Championship

The SEC runner-up, Texas (11-2), will seek its first national championship since 2005 despite losing to Georgia twice this season. The Longhorns are back in the playoff for the second straight year, seeking their first victory in the event. Their determination and hunger for success will be on full display as they aim to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Penn State's First Playoff Appearance

It was relatively easy work for the Nittany Lions outside of their two toughest opponents, Ohio State and Oregon. They lost each game by a touchdown but took the Ducks to the wire on Saturday night. Penn State will play in its first playoff after believing it was snubbed from the 2016-17 field. Their first playoff experience is sure to be a memorable one.

Notre Dame's Third CFP Appearance

Making their third CFP appearance, the Fighting Irish (11-1) are back in the field for the first time since 2020-21. Notre Dame is seeking its first national title since 1988 and will get their chance despite having the worst loss in the 12-team field (vs. Northern Illinois). Their experience and talent will be crucial as they look to make a strong showing in the playoffs.

Ohio State's Second Shot at the Ducks

Looking poised to overcome a regular-season loss and get a second shot at the Ducks, it was instead the Buckeyes sitting home on conference championship Saturday following a loss to rival Michigan in their regular-season finale. Ohio State is making its sixth CFP appearance seeking its first win since the inaugural four-team field in 2014-15. Their determination to bounce back and make a statement in the playoffs is evident.

Tennessee's Playoff Debut

Making their playoff debut, the Volunteers' loss to the Bulldogs was excusable, but a defeat at Arkansas early in the season stands as perhaps the second-worst in the field. Tennessee was an easy inclusion as a two-loss SEC team, but they will need to prove themselves if they hope to reach the Promised Land for the first time since 1998. Their potential and growth in the playoffs will be closely watched.

Indiana's Underdog Story

The underdog story of the year, the Hoosiers went from 3-9 last season to 11-1 with a playoff bid in Year 1 under Curt Cignetti. Whether Indiana's blistering offense can run through the CFP field remains to be seen, but they dominated most opponents other than the one ranked team they faced, Ohio State, a game in which they fell 38-15 on the road. IU is competing for its first national title.

SMU's Controversial Selection

The most controversial selection in the field, the Mustangs' quality of overall play won out. SMU did have ranked wins over Louisville and Pittsburgh, but losses to BYU and Clemson (in the ACC Championship Game) were deemed quality enough to give the Mustangs a shot at the title. In their first year in the ACC, SMU has a chance to win its first national championship since 1982. Their journey in the playoffs will be a fascinating one.

Clemson's Narrow Bid

In by the skin of their teeth, Dabo Swinney's bunch toppled SMU in the ACC title game on Saturday to clinch an automatic bid as the only three-loss team in the field. The Tigers have a CFP pedigree, of course, making six straight appearances with title national title wins in 2016 and 2018. Clemson earned a bid to the playoff for the first time since 2020. Their ability to overcome adversity and make it to the playoffs is a testament to their team spirit.The 2024-25 College Football Playoff field may be set, but these 12 teams are not the only ones that matter entering postseason. Check out CBS Sports’ live bowl games announcements coverage as well as the entire 2024-25 bowl schedule.