The first College Football Playoff rankings are highly anticipated year after year. This time marks the first ever projected 12-team playoffs. With the bracket expanding from four to 12, the rules have changed. Each of the power four conference winners will take home the top four seeds in order of their rank which as of now is Oregon (Big Ten), Georgia (SEC), Miami (ACC), and BYU (Big 12). A bye is awarded to each team. An automatic bid to the highest ranked group of five teams is also new this year with Boise State holding that honor. Matchups projected for the first round include Alabama at Texas, Notre Dame at Penn State, Boise State at Ohio State and Indiana at Tennessee. All matchups in the first round take place on the college campuses before moving to the traditional major bowl cites on the road to the CFP National Championship game, which takes place in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium on Jan. 20.
- Oregon 9-0 – The Ducks claim the first #1 spot with an undefeated record including ranked wins over Ohio State, Boise State, and Illinois.
- Ohio State 7-1 – With a one-point loss to Oregon as the only blemish on their record, the Buckeyes open #2.
- Georgia 7-1 – The SEC’s front runner will have a chance to cement their spot in matchups with Ole Miss and Tennessee the next two weeks.
- Miami 9-0 – 9-0 for the first time since 2017, the Canes are in the lead for the ACC’s automatic bid.
- Texas 7-1 – Off their bye week, the Longhorns are favored to win out but cannot overlook their matchup with A&M on Nov. 30.
- Penn State 7-1 – After losing to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions come in at #6.
- Tennessee 7-1 – Winners of three-straight since the Arkansas blunder, the Vols are set up to make a run if they can find a way to win in Athens in two weeks.
- Indiana 9-0 – Indiana gets the #8 ranking after starting 9-0 for the first time in program history.
- BYU 8-0 – First 8-0 start since 2020 has the Cougs in the top ten and leading the Big 12 conference.
- Notre Dame 7-1 – Winning six straight convincingly has the Irish almost guaranteed a playoff spot barring an upset.
- Alabama 6-2 – Losing 2 games before November for the first time since 2007, the Tide are still in the hunt with a huge game rivalry game against LSU on Saturday.
- Boise State 7-1 – Current leader for the automatic G5 spot. Only loss came by 3 to current #1 Oregon.
- SMU 8-1 – In their first season as an ACC member the Mustangs are in prime position to play for a playoff spot and ACC title.
- Texas A&M 7-2 – Elko’s first season has College Station buzzing, a set back at South Carolina keeps the Aggies out of the first top 12.
- LSU 6-2 – A home matchup with huge playoff implications against Alabama this Saturday is a must win for the Tigers’ playoff hopes.
- Ole Miss 7-2 – Coming off a record setting offensive week the Rebels will try to boost their resume against #3 Georgia on Saturday.
- Iowa State 7-1 – Still in the Big 12 hunt, the Cyclones look to bounce back after a 1-point loss to Texas Tech.
- Pittsburgh 7-1 – Not completely out of it, the Panthers will look to boost their resume when they host Clemson Nov. 16.
- Kansas State 7-2 – A loss to conference bottom dweller Houston has the Wildcats out of the top 15.
- Colorado 6-2 – Winner in 5 of their last 6 games, the Buffaloes have already exceeded their win total from last season.
- Washington State 7-1 – No conference no problems for Wazzou this season who’s only loss came to Boise State.
- Louisville 6-3 – The only 3 loss team to make the initial rankings. This comes after a win over Clemson on the road in one of the toughest places to play in the country.
- Clemson 6-2 – Speaking of the Tigers after the loss to Louisville the hopes of making the ACC title and potentially CFP playoff rely on Miami, and SMU losing twice.
- Missouri 6-2 – Injuries have derailed a Mizzou team who was beaten 34-0 by Alabama last time out.
- Army 8-0 – Starting 8-0 for the first time since 1949, the Black Knights are a Boise State slip up away from the automatic G5 playoff spot
