The final week of the 2025 college football regular season delivered the kind of chaos that only this sport can. A top-three team fell, a high-profile coaching carousel spun into overdrive, and the ACC turned into a full-blown thriller. With the dust now settling, the College Football Playoff picture has shifted dramatically heading into conference championship weekend - and the latest rankings reflect just how wild things got.
Let’s start at the top: Ohio State holds firm at No. 1, and for good reason. The Buckeyes have looked like a complete team all season, and now they’re one win away from locking in a top seed in the new 12-team playoff format.
Right behind them is Indiana, a program that continues to defy expectations. Their rise to No. 2 is one of the more compelling storylines of the season - a gritty, balanced squad that’s played disciplined football when it’s mattered most.
Georgia slides in at No. 3, still very much in the hunt and playing like a team that knows how to peak at the right time. And then there’s Texas Tech at No. 4 - yes, Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have quietly stacked wins and now find themselves in prime position to make a serious run. Their offense has been electric, but it’s the defense that’s really stepped up in recent weeks.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting.
Texas A&M, previously unbeaten and sitting at No. 3 just a week ago, took their first loss of the season. That stumble drops them to No. 7, and while their playoff hopes aren’t dead, they’ve certainly lost control of their own destiny. They’ll need to win and get a little help to punch their ticket.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss is dealing with a different kind of shake-up. The Rebels lost head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, a stunning move that could have long-term implications for both programs. Despite the off-field distraction, Ole Miss holds steady at No. 6, but you have to wonder how the coaching change might affect them heading into a potential playoff run.
In the ACC, it’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster. SMU, a key contender, fell to Cal, opening the door for Duke - yes, seven-win Duke - to sneak into the conference title game. It’s been a season of survival in the ACC, and Duke just might be the team that benefited most from all the unpredictability.
Here’s how the projected first-round matchups shape up based on the latest rankings:
- No. 12 seed (fifth-ranked conference champion) Oregon would face No. 5
- No. 11 seed (fourth-ranked conference champion) Ole Miss would take on No. 6
- No. 10 Notre Dame is lined up to play **No.
Here's how the CFP bracket looks heading into Week 15 👀 pic.twitter.com/RvrAuvI0P1
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 3, 2025
7 Texas A&M**
- **No.
9 Alabama** would travel to face Oklahoma
Also in the mix are BYU and Miami, sitting at No. 11 and No. 12 respectively - both programs that have had their share of ups and downs this season, but now find themselves on the doorstep of the postseason.
With just one weekend left before the final playoff field is set, everything is still in play. Conference championship games will serve as the ultimate proving ground - win, and you're in. Lose, and you’re at the mercy of the committee.
This is what the expanded playoff was built for: high-stakes drama, late-season twists, and a dozen teams fighting for a shot at college football’s biggest prize. Buckle up - Sunday’s selection show is going to be must-watch.