After last season’s surprises, many predict the Big Ten and Big 12 will once again supply the dark horses of the College Football Playoff race. Fans and analysts alike are eyeing these conferences, anticipating new twists in this year’s bracket.
College Football Playoff bracket prediction: Big Ten, Big 12 sleepers crash party

Key Takeaways:
- Last season, both conferences delivered unexpected contenders to the College Football Playoff.
- Predictions suggest the Big Ten and Big 12 could repeat last year’s success.
- Fans should closely follow under-the-radar teams in both leagues.
- High-stakes matchups within these conferences help forge playoff-ready squads.
- The same recipe that produced last year’s sleepers might yield another batch of surprises.
Introduction
College football is no stranger to surprises, and nowhere is that element of the unexpected more evident than in the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences. As last season proved, teams once deemed underdogs rose to challenge the sport’s perennial powerhouses. Now, a new season brings renewed questions: Which sleeper programs from these leagues might crash the College Football Playoff party this time around?
Last Year’s Surprises
“Where are the sleeper College Football Playoff teams hiding out?” the article asks. “Last year, they were in the Big Ten and Big 12.” Those conferences delivered thrills, placing dark-horse contenders into the national conversation and shaking up preseason predictions. Their postseason potential became clear, showing that opportunity can come from any corner of college football.
This Year’s Outlook
This momentum continues, as analysts largely expect these two conferences to offer up fresh contenders. From promising new talents to improved coaching strategies, the Big Ten and Big 12 have a knack for producing teams capable of surprising even the most careful prognosticators. If the previous season is any indication, fans should watch closely for early statements made in key head-to-head matchups.
Potential Impact
Underdog stories are the lifeblood of college sports. They draw fans, generate headlines, and create the drama that keeps everyone tuning in on Saturdays. The Big Ten and Big 12, with their history of fierce rivalries and confident rosters, may yet again deliver an unexpected path to the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion
With the playoffs still months away, speculation runs high. Yet if last year’s script is any guide, the Big Ten and Big 12 could once more prove pivotal in shaping the final bracket. For college football enthusiasts, the real excitement lies in waiting to see which teams will emerge as this season’s biggest surprises—and whether the underdogs will again become top dogs by season’s end.