As the regular season fades into the rearview mirror, college football shifts into championship mode - and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With conference titles on the line and College Football Playoff seeding at play, every snap this weekend could shape the postseason landscape.
The SEC and Big Ten are both eyeing the possibility of sending two teams into the top four, which would mean coveted first-round byes. Meanwhile, a top Group of Five team is knocking on the door at No. 12, and an ACC contender sits just outside the top 10.
Let’s break down the top 12 heading into Championship Weekend - who’s rising, who’s rolling, and who’s got the most to gain.
1. Ohio State (12-0)
The Buckeyes came into The Game with a four-year losing streak to Michigan hanging over them - and they left with a statement win that snapped it emphatically. Ohio State’s defense has been the story all season, holding every opponent under 17 points.
That level of consistency on the defensive side is championship-caliber, and now they get a chance to finish the job against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. If they keep playing like this, the No. 1 seed is theirs to lose.
2. Indiana (12-0)
Indiana is in uncharted territory - not just undefeated, but heading into the Big Ten title game with a real shot at the top seed. The Hoosiers haven't won the conference since 1967, but this team is rewriting history every week.
Their blowout win over Purdue capped a perfect regular season, and now they’ll face Ohio State in a game that could elevate the program to heights it’s never seen. This isn’t a Cinderella story anymore - Indiana is for real.
3. Georgia (12-0)
Georgia didn’t light up the scoreboard against Georgia Tech, but they didn’t need to. The Bulldogs’ 16-9 win was a classic SEC slugfest - gritty, physical, and decided in the trenches.
Now they head back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a second straight weekend, this time with a conference title and playoff seeding on the line against Alabama. Georgia’s defense remains elite, and if the offense can find a rhythm, this team is built to make another deep run.
4. Texas A&M (11-1)
The Aggies finally tasted defeat, falling to rival Texas in a hard-fought game in Austin. But don’t let that loss fool you - this is still one of the most dangerous offenses in the country.
A&M’s playoff spot is secure, and depending on how the committee sees things, they could still land a first-round bye. Either way, you can expect a fired-up Aggies squad ready to make a statement in the postseason.
5. Ole Miss (11-1)
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels kept the Egg Bowl drama to a minimum, rolling past Mississippi State 38-19 in Starkville. This is arguably the best Ole Miss team in over six decades - a high-octane offense paired with a disruptive defensive front.
They’ve got the firepower to hang with anyone, and come playoff time, they’ll be a tough out for whoever draws them.
6. Texas Tech (11-1)
Texas Tech went into Morgantown on upset alert - and promptly shut that down with a 49-0 dismantling of West Virginia. This team is clicking on all cylinders heading into a Big 12 Championship rematch with BYU.
The Red Raiders are balanced, physical, and playing with confidence. If they win the title game, they’ll be one of the most dangerous teams heading into the playoff bracket.
7. Oregon (11-1)
The Ducks braved the elements in Seattle - cold, rain, and wind - and still came away with a 26-14 win over Washington. That’s the kind of performance that travels well in December.
Oregon has quietly put together a dominant season under Dan Lanning, and with a first-round home playoff game likely, they’re in prime position to make noise. This team is tough, disciplined, and peaking at the right time.
8. Oklahoma (10-2)
Oklahoma’s 17-13 win over LSU in a rain-soaked, grind-it-out game in Norman wasn’t pretty - but it was enough. The Sooners have faced one of the toughest schedules in the country and still punched their ticket to the postseason.
Their defense has been a rock, and in tight games like this one, it shows. Don’t overlook Oklahoma - they’ve been battle-tested.
9. Alabama (10-2)
Another Iron Bowl, another Alabama comeback. The Crimson Tide leaned on clutch play from Ty Simpson and Isaiah Horton, who connected for three second-half touchdowns to erase a deficit and beat Auburn 27-20.
Now it’s Georgia in the SEC Championship - a matchup that could swing the playoff picture. Alabama’s not perfect, but they’re dangerous when the lights are brightest.
10. Notre Dame (10-2)
The Irish took care of business against Stanford, cruising to their 10th straight win to close out the regular season. Without a conference title game, Notre Dame will spend the weekend waiting and watching.
But with a 10-2 record and a strong finish, they’re firmly in the playoff mix. Whoever draws the Irish in the first round better be ready - this team is playing its best football right now.
11. Virginia (10-2)
Saturday night in Charlottesville was electric as Virginia fans stormed the field after a 27-7 win over Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers capped a stellar regular season with a rivalry win and earned a spot in the ACC Championship Game against Duke.
This team has been steady and opportunistic all year - and now they’re 60 minutes away from an ACC crown.
12. James Madison (11-1)
James Madison has been one of the best stories in college football this season. Their 59-10 demolition of Coastal Carolina was the exclamation point on a dominant campaign.
The Dukes’ only loss came back in early September, and they’ve been rolling ever since. Next up is Troy in the Sun Belt title game - and a chance to lock in a spot as the top Group of Five team in the playoff field.
What’s Next:
Championship Weekend is here, and with it comes clarity - and chaos.
Teams like Ohio State, Georgia, and Indiana are playing for top seeds. Alabama and Texas Tech are looking to crash the party.
And don’t sleep on the Group of Five - James Madison is knocking louder than ever. By Sunday, we’ll know who’s in, who’s out, and who’s got the clearest path to hoisting the trophy.
Buckle up. December football is here.