The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee released its inaugural rankings for the 2025 season on November 4. Ohio State leads the rankings, followed closely by Indiana and Texas A&M. This year’s playoff format will feature a 12-team field, with the top four teams receiving first-round byes.
Top Teams in CFP Rankings
- 1. Ohio State
- 2. Indiana
- 3. Texas A&M
- 4. Alabama
- 5. Georgia
- 6. Ole Miss
The remaining spots in the top ten feature BYU, Texas Tech, Oregon, and Notre Dame. The highest-ranked team from the Group of 5 is Memphis, ranked at No. 25.
Evaluation Process by the Committee
The committee chair, Mack Rhoades, commented on the close performance of Ohio State and Indiana. Both teams have strong offensive and defensive records, placing them in the top five in both categories. However, the committee favored Ohio State based on its superior performance on the offensive line and defense.
Rankings Breakdown by Conference
- SEC: 9 teams in the top 25
- Big Ten: 7 teams including Oregon
- ACC: 5 teams
- Big 12: 3 teams
The committee highlighted the discussions around Oregon, especially regarding its single loss to Indiana, and recognized the team for its skill positions and overall capabilities.
Notre Dame and Miami Comparison
Despite two losses, Notre Dame is positioned for potential at-large inclusion in the playoff. Their notable victory came against No. 19 USC. Conversely, Miami, who has the head-to-head win over Notre Dame, is ranked No. 18, trailing despite having more victories.
Upcoming Matches and Future Rankings
The CFP’s final rankings will be revealed on December 7, right after the conference championship games. Here are some key dates for the playoff:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First-round games | December 19-20 |
| Quarterfinal games | December 31 & January 1 |
| Semifinal games | January 8-9 |
| National Championship | January 19 |
This season’s playoffs promise to bring excitement as teams vie for a shot at the championship title. With Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M establishing dominance, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups in the coming months.
