The college football landscape experienced a tectonic shift over rivalry week, reshaping the College Football Playoff picture with shocking upsets and statement wins. As the dust settles, the 13-member selection committee faces a defining moment as they prepare to reveal their penultimate rankings on Tuesday.
Oregon Solidifies No. 1 Ranking
The Oregon Ducks emerged as the unanimous top team, finishing the regular season as the lone unbeaten squad. Their unblemished record, marquee wins over Ohio State and Michigan, and dominant performances position them as a playoff lock regardless of the Big Ten championship outcome.
Texas Leaps into No. 2 Spot
The Texas Longhorns made the most significant jump, vaulting to the No. 2 ranking after avenging their earlier loss to Georgia. The Longhorns’ victory over rival Texas A&M solidified their position as the committee’s highest-rated one-loss team. A rematch with the Bulldogs in the SEC title game offers Texas a chance to further bolster their résumé.
Penn State, Notre Dame Round Out Top Four
Penn State and Notre Dame benefited from Ohio State’s stunning loss to Michigan, ascending to the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively. The Nittany Lions’ conference championship clash with Oregon will determine their playoff seeding, while the independent Fighting Irish are poised to secure a first-round home game.
Shake-Up in the Middle of the Pack
Georgia’s thrilling win over Georgia Tech propelled them to No. 5, while Ohio State tumbled to No. 6 following their disappointing defeat. The Buckeyes’ playoff aspirations now hinge on their final ranking and the potential for a first-round home game. Meanwhile, two-loss squads like Tennessee and SMU jockey for position, hoping to earn a bye or host a playoff game.
The committee will have to weigh the impact of key losses and the overall body of work for each contender. Every game matters, and how a team finishes the season can make all the difference.
– A source close to the selection process
Projecting the Playoff Field
As it stands, the top 12 teams in the projected CFP rankings are:
- Oregon
- Texas
- Penn State
- Notre Dame
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Tennessee
- SMU
- Indiana
- Boise State
- Miami
- Alabama
The final playoff bracket will take shape after the conference championship games, with the top four ranked conference champions receiving byes and the top five champions earning automatic bids. The remaining seven spots will be filled by at-large selections, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating postseason.
The Road Ahead
As the college football world eagerly awaits Tuesday’s rankings, one thing is certain: the 12-team playoff’s inaugural year is poised to deliver unprecedented drama and excitement. With Oregon leading the charge and a host of one-loss teams in hot pursuit, the race for the national championship has never been more intense.
