Georgia faced unexpected challenges in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), leading to their exclusion from the postseason bracket—a surprising outcome for a program accustomed to national contention.
Georgia’s pivotal moment came with a 28–10 loss to Ole Miss in November 2024. This defeat dropped the Bulldogs to No. 12 in the CFP rankings, placing them just outside the playoff field. The CFP selection process prioritizes the top six conference champions and the next six highest-ranked teams. As a result, Boise State, ranked No. 13 but as the highest-ranked Group of Five champion, secured the final playoff spot over Georgia.
The CFP’s structure emphasizes seeding over strict rankings. This means that even if a team is ranked within the top 12, they can be excluded if higher-seeded conference champions occupy the available spots. Georgia’s placement at No. 12, combined with the inclusion of Boise State as a Group of Five champion, exemplifies this nuance.
Georgia’s postseason hopes were further dashed in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame. The Bulldogs suffered a 23–10 defeat, marked by critical errors. Notably, a sideline interference penalty involving walk-on Parker Jones negated a significant gain, pushing Georgia back from Notre Dame’s 11-yard line to the 31. Additionally, a late-game offsides penalty extended a Notre Dame drive, consuming valuable time and sealing Georgia’s fate.
Georgia’s exclusion from the CFP underscores the heightened competitiveness introduced by the expanded playoff format. The SEC, traditionally dominant in college football, saw its influence wane, with no teams reaching the national championship game. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of college football, where late-season performance and conference dynamics play pivotal roles in postseason opportunities.
For Georgia, the 2024–25 season serves as a cautionary tale. Despite a strong program and high expectations, the Bulldogs’ late-season loss and subsequent playoff exclusion emphasize the importance of consistent performance and strategic victories in the new CFP era.
