ESPN's College GameDay, the popular college football preview show, recently unveiled its playoff predictions for the new 12-team format. Filmed in Dublin, Ireland for the Florida State-Georgia Tech season opener, the GameDay crew consisted of panelists Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban, each offering their insight into the upcoming playoff race.

Under the new format, the four highest-ranked champions will claim the top four seeds, followed by the highest-ranked at-large teams and at least one more conference champion spot. The predictions varied among the panelists, showcasing the diversity of opinions among the college football experts.

Desmond Howard's picks placed Clemson as an at-large team, earning the 10th seed and facing Ohio State, the 7th seed, in the first round. Meanwhile, Howard projected Miami to win the ACC and secure the coveted first-round bye.

Nick Saban's predictions featured five SEC teams, with Georgia leading the pack. He also included Ole Miss, Texas, LSU, and of course, Alabama in his championship mix. Saban projected Florida State to claim the ACC's bid, setting up an anticipated matchup against Missouri.

Kirk Herbstreit, while also recognizing Clemson's strength, picked them to win the ACC and earn the 3rd seed. He singled out Clemson as a team to watch out for, highlighting their formidable defense and potential improvement in quarterback play. Herbstreit had Florida State as an at-large team, seeded 10th, and set to face off against Michigan.

Pat McAfee's picks featured Virginia Tech claiming the ACC title as the 4th seed, and he projected Florida State to secure an at-large bid, facing off against Michigan. McAfee's predictions also included popular teams such as Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas in the playoff mix.

Throughout the panel's predictions, several teams consistently came up, showcasing their prowess and potential impact in the new format. Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon were among the teams mentioned by multiple panelists, further solidifying their status as strong contenders.

The new 12-team playoff format promises to bring heightened excitement and competition to the college football postseason. While each panelist had their own unique take on the playoff picture, one thing is certain - fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense battles on the road to the championship.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which predictions hold true and how the playoff landscape shapes up. College football enthusiasts will be eagerly watching as teams vie for their spot in the inaugural 12-team playoff, hoping to secure a chance to compete for the ultimate prize.