As the sports world buzzes about more than just college football this week, the first College Football Playoff (CFP) Top 25 rankings of the season are set to be unveiled. While the CFP rankings might not make waves globally, for college football fans, they offer an early glimpse of who’s in the playoff hunt.
Having been part of the process and understanding how the CFP committee operates, here’s a deep dive into what the initial rankings could look like, based on predictions and past trends.
Key Insights on the CFP Rankings Process
The CFP committee meticulously debates every spot in the rankings. While their decisions often spark controversy, one thing is clear: the rankings aren’t rigged. The aim is to select the best playoff contenders based on the following principles:
- Big Wins Over Bad Losses: Quality victories matter more than narrow defeats.
- Eye Test: While subjective, it’s primarily used as a tiebreaker.
- PR Showcase: These early rankings are more about sparking conversation than finality. Only the last rankings dictate the playoff field.
Predicted CFP Top 25 Rankings
| Rank | Team | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Tulane (7-2) | Six-game win streak and a quality win over Louisiana earn the Green Wave a spot. |
| 24 | Missouri (6-2) | Solid wins but weighed down by blowouts to Texas A&M and Alabama. |
| 23 | Clemson (6-2) | Lack of standout wins and two decisive losses to Georgia and Louisville. |
| 22 | South Carolina (5-3) | Big win over Texas A&M and close losses to LSU and Alabama keep them in the conversation. |
| 21 | Louisville (6-3) | Strong win at Clemson and acceptable close losses earn the Cardinals a mid-tier ranking. |
| 20 | Kansas State (7-2) | Quality wins on the road, despite a setback at Houston. |
| 19 | Ole Miss (7-2) | The loss to Texas Tech came at the worst time, but the Cyclones remain a top contender. |
| 18 | Pitt (7-1) | Impressive five wins over bowl-bound teams, but a blowout loss to SMU stings. |
| 17 | Iowa State (7-1) | A strong win at Clemson and acceptable close losses earn the Cardinals a mid-tier ranking. |
| 16 | Washington State (7-1) | A loss to Boise State holds them back despite impressive wins. |
| 15 | LSU (6-2) | Key wins over Ole Miss and South Carolina, but losses to USC and A&M keep them from climbing higher. |
| 14 | Texas A&M (7-2) | A solid record but lacks a signature win to climb higher. |
| 13 | Alabama (6-2) | The recent loss to South Carolina hurts, but strong wins over LSU and Missouri secure a solid spot. |
| 12 | Boise State (7-1) | A lone loss to Oregon is respectable, but a lack of marquee wins holds them back. |
| 11 | Tennessee (7-1) | Win over Alabama impresses, but inconsistency against weaker teams limits their ceiling. |
The Top 10
| Rank | Team | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | SMU (8-1) | Strong record and a victory over Pitt in Grapevine, TX, makes them a compelling candidate. |
| 9 | Notre Dame (7-1) | Dominant play and a key win over Texas A&M keep the Irish in the mix. |
| 8 | Penn State (7-1) | Competitive performance against Ohio State and overall talent secure a top-10 spot. |
| 7 | Indiana (9-0) | Unbeaten record with dominant wins, despite a relatively weak schedule. |
| 6 | BYU (8-0) | Wins over Kansas State and SMU highlight their resume. |
| 5 | Miami (9-0) | A strong record and a victory over Pitt in Grapevine, TX, makes them a compelling candidate. |
| 4 | Texas (7-1) | The lack of a marquee win keeps them just outside the top four, despite an undefeated record. |
| 3 | Ohio State (7-1) | Strong win over Penn State and a close loss to Oregon put the Buckeyes in prime position. |
| 2 | Georgia (7-1) | Loss to Georgia is acceptable and wins over Michigan and Vanderbilt solidify their ranking. |
| 1 | Oregon (9-0) | Undefeated with marquee wins over Ohio State and Michigan, the Ducks are a clear No. 1. |
Conclusion
While the early rankings stir debate, their primary purpose is to build excitement. With weeks of football left, anything can change. Ultimately, the playoff picture hinges on conference championships and the final rankings. Until then, let the debates rage on.
