The Road to Las Vegas begins now. Here’s who might be at the CFP title game in January

The Road to Las Vegas begins now. Here’s who might be at the CFP title game in January One of the most important games of college football’s Week 0 opening slate will take place at Allegiant Stadium when UNLV hosts Memphis on Saturday. The same venue will later host the College Football Playoff national championship game for the first time on Jan. 25. Numerous twists and turns could shape the path to Las Vegas, including possible lawsuits that might render new players eligible and alter the landscape of the sport. All of those roster changes and eligibility questions can make the game as chaotic and unpredictable as ever. That will not stop us from trying to make sense of it. Each week this season, the Review‑Journal will attempt to project which four teams will reach the CFP semifinals and earn a chance to meet at Allegiant Stadium to decide the national champion. That projection does not necessarily reflect the four best teams in the country. For instance, it is quite conceivable that Texas and its star quarterback Arch Manning could end up among the nation’s elite, yet they will not appear in our initial top four. The reason lies in their schedule strength, which ranks among the toughest in the nation, featuring a home game against an Ohio State squad that also faces a difficult draw, though the Buckeyes get Oregon and Michigan at home. These rankings will shift frequently and will be updated each week beginning Aug. 30. Here are the Review‑Journal’s opening projections for the CFP Las Vegas Top Four: **1. Notre Dame** Although Marcus Freeman’s squad may not be the absolute best in the country, a favorable schedule should keep them undefeated and positioned at the top of the polls by season’s end. **2. Ohio State** If Texas does not own the nation’s toughest schedule, the Buckeyes do. Their offense is loaded, and the defense has added enough talent to rebuild after losing considerable production to the NFL. The home showdown against Oregon will likely decide which of those two teams finishes in the top four. **3. Georgia** The Bulldogs must travel to Alabama and Ole Miss, but the remainder of their schedule is manageable. Kirby Smart’s group has recorded at least 11 wins in each of the last eight full seasons and should field an exceptional defense. **4. Miami** The Hurricanes have a solid chance to stay in the mix for a return to the title game, with their only genuine obstacle being a road trip to Notre Dame. No further contact information or social‑media details are included.