Who secured the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff?

Indiana unexpectedly claimed the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff after winning the Big Ten Championship.

Did Duke make the College Football Playoff after winning the ACC?

No, despite winning the ACC Championship with an 8-5 record, Duke did not secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

How many Group of Five teams made the 2025 CFP?

For the first time in history, two Group of Five teams earned bids to the College Football Playoff this season.

Home / Sports / Wild Championship Weekend Sets CFP Field Amid Upsets

Wild Championship Weekend Sets CFP Field Amid Upsets

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Indiana secures No. 1 seed after winning Big Ten title.
Duke wins ACC at 8-5 but misses playoff field.
Two Group of Five teams made the CFP for the first time.

Wild Championship Weekend Sets CFP Field Amid Upsets

Conference championship weekend concluded with significant upsets that dramatically altered the College Football Playoff landscape. Indiana emerged as the No. 1 seed after securing their first Big Ten title in nearly 60 years, defeating defending national champions Ohio State. This surprising outcome sent shockwaves through the rankings, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the season.

Further chaos ensued as Duke, with a 8-5 record, triumphed in the ACC Championship. Despite their conference title, the Blue Devils did not earn a CFP bid, a decision that underscored the complexity of selection criteria. Notably, this season marks a historic achievement with two Group of Five teams earning berths in the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Across various conference title games, upsets and decisive victories set the stage for the postseason. From Tulane's defensive masterclass in the American Championship to James Madison's Sun Belt title, teams fought valiantly for playoff contention. These results underscore a season defined by parity and dramatic finishes, culminating in a CFP field filled with unexpected contenders.