The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff bracket has been revealed, sparking discussions and excitement among fans. Following a captivating regular season and conference championship games, the stage is set for an exhilarating playoff journey.

Oregon Ducks' Kenyon Sadiq celebrates a touchdown during the Big Ten Championship game against Penn State. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

The expansion from four to 12 teams marks a significant milestone for the College Football Playoff, building on the success of the previous format. The top four seeds – Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State – earned first-round byes, advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Oregon clinched the Big Ten title in their inaugural season in the conference, while Georgia triumphed over Texas in the SEC Championship. Boise State, led by Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty, secured the Mountain West title, and Arizona State emerged victorious in the Big 12 Championship.

Clemson, after their upset win against SMU in the ACC Championship, secured the 12th seed.

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee (left) and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney before the ACC Championship game. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The first round features intriguing matchups, including Clemson facing Texas, with the victor set to play Arizona State. Penn State (6th seed) will clash with SMU (11th seed), and the winner will advance to play Boise State. Notre Dame (7th seed) is pitted against Indiana (10th seed), with the winner facing Georgia. Ohio State (8th seed) will battle Tennessee (9th seed) for a chance to play Oregon.

First-round games will be hosted by the higher-seeded teams. Quarterfinals and semifinals will take place at neutral venues in traditional bowl game settings. The schedule is as follows:

• Notre Dame vs. Indiana (Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET)
• Penn State vs. SMU (Dec. 21, noon ET)
• Texas vs. Clemson (Dec. 21, 4 p.m. ET)
• Ohio State vs. Tennessee (Dec. 21, 8 p.m. ET)
• Boise State vs. Penn State/SMU winner (Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET)
• Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson winner (Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET)
• Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee winner (Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET)
• Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana winner (Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET)

Despite being considered a potential playoff contender, Alabama's three losses resulted in their exclusion from the bracket. Miami, with a 10-2 record, also missed the cut.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe celebrates a touchdown against Auburn. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The national championship game is scheduled for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.