In a move that was widely expected, the 12-team bracket will reward the selection committee’s top four teams with the top four seeds and a first-round bye, instead of moving pieces around to

The new College Football Playoff format could benefit USC, but only if the Trojans can actually make the playoff, something they have yet to do.

Since taking over at Penn State, Franklin has amassed a record of 101-42, while making the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2024. The program has been ascending over the past few years, which is reflected in Franklin's ranking.