The College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are set to begin with Ohio State expected to hold the No. 1 position. This initial ranking will reflect the performance of teams through Week 10, where surprises have occurred, but few shifts are anticipated among the top contenders.
Predicting the Top 12 Teams in the CFP Rankings
As the selection committee prepares to unveil its first rankings, the following teams are projected to be at the forefront:
- No. 1 Ohio State: The Buckeyes have maintained a stellar performance, recently defeating Penn State and showcasing superior efficiency on both offense and defense.
- No. 2 Indiana: Indiana has exhibited a strong season, boasting a significant win against Oregon, earning respect from the committee for its dominant performance.
- No. 3 Alabama: Although Alabama faced a loss earlier in the season, its strong wins over respected teams position them favorably.
- No. 4 Texas A&M: The Aggies remain undefeated and have notable victories, including a key win over Notre Dame.
Ohio State’s Dominance
Ohio State has not allowed an opponent to exceed 16 points this season. Their victories include critical games against Washington and Illinois, reinforcing their position as a top contender. With a staggering 95.7% chance to enter the playoff, their toughest remaining challenge will be a matchup against Michigan on November 29.
Indiana’s Steady Ascent
After achieving a strong win at Maryland, Indiana solidifies its status close to Ohio State. They rank second in total efficiency, making a compelling case for ranking ahead of Alabama based on their strong win record.
Alabama’s Legacy
Despite their season-opening loss to Florida State, Alabama’s consistent performance in the SEC keeps them within the race. With a significant defensive track record, Alabama’s matchup against Oklahoma on November 15 will be crucial in determining their playoff path.
Texas A&M’s Strong Performance
Texas A&M’s undefeated record and a thrilling win against Notre Dame bolster their CFP prospects. Their upcoming game against Texas on November 28 is anticipated to impact their standing significantly.
Remaining Contenders
A deeper look into the projected playoff bracket reveals more teams vying for a spot:
- No. 5 Georgia: The Bulldogs aim to position themselves with a crucial upcoming match against Texas, aiming to bolster their claim.
- No. 6 Ole Miss: Despite previous challenges, Ole Miss stays in contention with key victories, although they rank behind Georgia.
- No. 7 BYU: The Cougars remain undefeated, with an impressive past few games enhancing their résumé.
- No. 8 Oregon: Although they struggled against top teams, convincing wins keep Oregon competitive.
- No. 9 Texas Tech: An impressive win streak has propelled Texas Tech into conversations for playoff positioning.
- No. 10 Notre Dame: The Irish have surged back into contention, winning six straight after an initial 0-2 start.
- No. 11 Virginia: The projected ACC champion, Virginia, remains a wildcard in the rankings.
- No. 12 Memphis: Leading the American conference, Memphis secures its place among the top 12.
Conclusion
The first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled to be released on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. With a competitive landscape and pivotal matchups ahead, teams are aware that every game counts as they vie for a shot at the championship. The projections may shift as the season unfolds, presenting a thrilling lead-up to the playoffs.
