College Football Playoff: Updated look at multi-million dollar payouts for each conference

A breakdown of the payouts for each conference in the 2025 College Football Playoff

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The 2025 College Football Playoff was unveiled at noon EST on Sunday.

No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2, 6-2) will host No. 9 Alabama (10-3, 7-1) to open the College Football Playoff on Dec. 19 (8 p.m. EST, ABC).

Three games will be played on Dec. 20: No. 10 Miami (10-2, 6-2) at No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1, 7-1) at noon EST on ABC, No. 11 Tulane (11-2, 7-1) at No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1, 7-1) at 3:30 EST on TNT and No. 12 James Madison (12-1, 8-0) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1, 7-1) at 7:30 EST on TNT.

Four teams received first-round byes and automatic berths in New Year's Six bowls: No. 1 Indiana (Rose Bowl), No. 2 Ohio State (Cotton Bowl), No. 3 Georgia (Sugar Bowl) and No. 4 Texas Tech (Orange Bowl).

Ahead of the 2025 College Football Playoff, Front Office Sports listed the payouts for each conference represented. Below is a ranked breakdown of each conference's payout

1. SEC- $24 million

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) is presented with the MVP trophy after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Each team participating in the 2025 College Football Playoff automatically receives $4 million. Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Alabama raise the total to $20 million for the SEC as the conference has five teams in the College Football Playoff.

Since Georgia is one of the four highest-ranked conference champions in the 2025 College Football playoff, it receives an additional $4 million.

2. Big Ten- $16 million

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana, Ohio State and Oregon are all participating in the College Football Playoff, bringing the total to $12 million. Indiana is the highest-ranked conference champion in the College Football Playoff, securing an additional $4 million for the conference.

3. Big 12- $8 million

Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez gets up after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Texas Tech is the lone Big 12 representative in the 2025 College Football Playoff. The Red Raiders are the third-highest ranked conference champion in the field, so it receives an additional $4 million.

4. American- $8 million

Dec 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Green Wave safety Jack Tchienchou (1) reacts to intercepting a pass against North Texas Mean Green during the second half in the 2025 American Championship at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Tulane is the American's representative in the 2025 College Football Playoff. Despite receiving the No. 11 seed, the Green Wave is the fourth-highest ranked conference champion in the field, which secures it an additional $4 million.

5. ACC- $4 million

Nov 22, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) runs the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Elhadj Fall (94) defends at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Miami receives $4 million for participating in the 2025 College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes are not a conference champion, so they are not entitled to the additional $4 million

6. Sun Belt- $4 million

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes head coach Bob Chesney talks with tight end Lacota Dippre (15) during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

James Madison received $4 million for making the College Football Playoff as the No. 12 seed. The Dukes will not receive the additional $4 million as they are not one of the four highest-ranked conference champions in the field.