The much-anticipated 2024 College Football Playoff is set, marking the debut of the expanded 12-team format.

The Oregon Ducks, the lone undefeated team in the Bowl Subdivision at 13-0, have secured the No. 1 seed and look to cement their legacy with a national title.

However, their path to glory won’t be easy. They'll start with a tough matchup in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against the winner of No. 9 Tennessee or No. 8 Ohio State. With more teams competing in the playoffs, the road to the title will become even more challenging, and upsets are more likely.

Here’s a breakdown of the bracket and predictions for every game in the CFP.

No. 12 Clemson (10-3) at No. 5 Texas (11-2) 

Game Time: Dec. 21, 1 p.m. ET (TNT/Max)

The Longhorns, coming off a disappointing loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship, should be motivated at home against a tough Clemson squad. Meanwhile, the Clemson Tigers won an impressive game at home against No. 8 SMU and finished the season strong, peaking at the right time when it matters most.

But even though Clemson ended their season well, Texas is still at home and expects a raucous crowd in Austin to help them overpower the Tigers in a high-energy game. The Longhorns are a more balanced team with a top-three defense and a top-10 offense.

Texas has been knocking on the door for many years now and should win this game against an inexperienced Clemson team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020. 

Prediction: Texas 34, Clemson 21

No. 11 SMU (11-2) at No. 6 Penn State (11-2)

Game Time: Dec. 21, 9 a.m. ET (TNT/Max)

SMU’s Cinderella story meets a tough challenge in Happy Valley. Penn State’s battle against No. 1 Oregon showcased how good the Nittany Lions can be and will be too much for the Mustangs. 

SMU doesn’t look like a squad ready for the big moment, as they lost to Clemson. The score makes it seem like it was a close game, but SMU trailed by as much as 17 in the game and made a late push in the fourth when the Tigers already took their foot off the pedal. 

Also, SMU is outside the top 25 in total defense and 20 in offense, showing their struggles and playing against the top dogs in the playoffs rather than the weak ACC. It will be too much for the Mustangs to continue their Cinderella run through the playoffs against elite offensive and defensive teams. 

Prediction: Penn State 31, SMU 17

No. 10 Indiana (11-1) at No. 7 Notre Dame (11-1) 

Game Time: Dec. 20, 5 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)

A clash of in-state rivals promises fireworks and a high-powered offensive game. Both teams can score touchdowns, and they are the only one-loss teams in the first round, making this an even more crucial game.

This season, Indiana has been a pleasant surprise that no one expected to play this well and certainly to make it to the playoffs after a 60-year drought. That said, even though Indiana has been impressive this season and can score at the highest level, it doesn’t have the experience and hunger that Notre Dame possesses.

The Hoosiers didn’t play a strong team until Ohio State, where they showed they weren’t ready for the big moment and were defeated 38-15. Notre Dame’s elite defense and offense in big games should carry them to victory, but it will be a close, nail-biting game that will live up to the hype. 

Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Indiana 32

No. 9 Tennessee (10-2) at No. 8 Ohio State (10-2)

Game Time: Dec. 21, 5 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)

This matchup is a coin flip. Tennessee’s offense will test Ohio State’s elite defense, which has the No. 1 defense in all of college football right now. Tennessee has a far better offense than the Buckeyes and is also an elite defensive team, so Tennessee is a more balanced team, but Ohio State is more experienced. 

It should be one of the most exciting games in the first round, along with the Notre Dame/Indiana matchup, but the Volunteers have the edge as the more complete team. 

It will be a tough test, but Tennessee will ultimately win this nail-biting match on the road.

Prediction: Tennessee 28, Ohio State 27

It all comes down to these first-round matchups next week and the teams in the quarterfinals waiting for their matchups. Teams like Oregon, Arizona State, Georgia, and Boise State are eager to see who they will face starting Dec. 31 - Jan. 1. 

The Oregon Ducks remain the only undefeated team in the playoffs and will face tough competition on their way to the national title. Each team brings unique strengths that could pose problems for the Ducks’ balanced offense and dominant defense.

Stay tuned as the playoffs unfold, with thrilling matchups leading to the championship game on Jan. 20. Will Oregon complete its perfect season, or will another contender rise to claim the title? Don’t miss a second of the action as college football history is made in the first 12-team playoff!