UPDATE: The latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings have just been released, and the top five teams remain unchanged: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia. However, the shake-up beyond the top spots is generating significant debate among fans and analysts alike.
The CFP selection committee has confirmed that if the playoffs were to begin today, the top four seeds would earn opening-round byes, reflecting a shift toward prioritizing the best teams over conference champions. This year’s rankings see the SEC dominating with eight teams in the top 25, underscoring its continued strength in college football.
Notably, Oregon has moved up to No. 8 following a thrilling last-second win against No. 21 Iowa. However, with their remaining schedule, including critical games against Minnesota, USC, and Washington, the Ducks are now in a precarious position. A single loss could drop them back into CFP contention uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame climbed to No. 9 and is the highest-ranked two-loss team. A statement from committee chair Mack Rhoades, who is also Baylor’s athletic director, emphasized the committee’s admiration for the Irish’s balanced play. “Their run game is as good as anybody, if not the best in the country,” said Rhoades. As the Irish (7-2) prepare for upcoming matchups against Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Stanford, they are positioned well to secure a playoff spot.
The rankings also spotlight Texas at No. 10, the last team in the current playoff picture. The Longhorns (7-2) face crucial tests against No. 5 Georgia and No. 3 Texas A&M, raising the stakes for their playoff hopes. A split in these games could potentially allow Texas to become the first three-loss team to qualify for the CFP.
In a notable decline, Brigham Young fell five spots to No. 12 after a significant loss to Texas Tech, indicating that the committee has serious reservations about the Cougars’ playoff viability. Utah remains at No. 13, closely trailing BYU, but their chances of an at-large bid seem slim due to a lackluster schedule ahead.
The highest-ranked team from the ACC is No. 15 Miami, reflecting the conference’s inconsistent performances and lack of high-profile non-conference victories. This week, the Big Ten saw its two-loss teams, USC and Michigan, ranked at No. 17 and No. 18, respectively. Both teams have tough upcoming opponents that could influence their rankings.
In a positive turn for the Group of Five, South Florida entered the rankings at No. 24 after a strong season, which includes victories over Boise State and Florida. If the Bulls win out in the American Athletic Conference, they could secure a spot in the playoffs. The committee noted South Florida as the most consistent team from the Group of Five.
As the season progresses, the implications of these rankings will be pivotal. With the potential for multiple teams from the Group of Five to disrupt the traditional power structure, all eyes are on how the remaining weeks will unfold. Fans are eager to see how these rankings will shift, especially as conference championships loom on the horizon.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college football landscape continues to evolve.
