ESPN College Gameday crew predicts playoff teams

Chris Breiler | Aug 24, 2024

Michigan running back Donovan Edwards picks up the trophy to celebrate 34-13 win over Washington at the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

After another long off-season, college football has finally returned with a slate of Week 0 games. Of course, the return of college football also means the return of fan-favorite traditions - including ESPN College Gameday. This year's crew includes Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Kirk Herbstreit. During Saturday's pregame show, four analysts shared their predications for this year's 12-team playoff bracket.

Pat McAfee

Pat McAfee 12-team playoff bracket / ESPN College Gameday

Pat's Top 12:

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. West Virginia
4. Virginia Tech
5. Ole Miss
6. Oregon
7. Texas
8. Michigan
9. Florida State
10. Utah
11. Alabama
12. Boise State

Kirk Herbstreit

Kirk Herbstreit 12-team playoff bracket / ESPN College Gameday

Kirk's Top 12:

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Clemson
4. Utah
5. Oregon
6. Texas
7. Missouri
8. Penn State
9. Notre Dame
10. Florida State
11. Michigan
12. Boise State

Desmond Howard

Desmond Howard 12-team playoff bracket / ESPN College Gameday

Desmond's Top 12:

1. Oregon
2. Georgia
3. Miami
4. Utah
5. Texas
6. Ole Miss
7. Ohio State
8. Michigan
9. Oklahoma
10. Clemson
11. Notre Dame
12. Liberty

Nick Saban

Nick Saban 12-team playoff bracket / ESPN College Gameday

Nick's Top 12:

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Florida State
4. Utah
5. Texas
6. Oregon
7. Alabama
8. Ole Miss
9. Penn State
10. Notre Dame
11. LSU
12. Liberty

Nick Saban was the only analyst who doesn't believe the reigning national champion Michigan Wolverines will make the 12-team playoff this season. He does have three teams from the Big Ten conference making it, but those teams include Penn State, Oregon, and Ohio State. Kirk Herbstreit is predicting four teams from the Big Ten to make the playoff this season, including a rematch between Michigan and Texas in the first round.

Regardless of how it all shakes out, just looking at all of the potential matchups of a 12-team playoff is further evidence of how incredible - and historic - this 2024 season is going to be.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

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