The College Football Playoff committee has dropped its penultimate rankings, and with just one week to go before the final bracket is set, Ohio State is still holding firm at No. 1. The Buckeyes, sitting at a perfect 12-0, continue to lead the pack as the postseason picture sharpens.
This week’s rankings are the fifth installment from the committee, setting the stage for the final reveal on December 7, when the full 12-team playoff bracket will be locked in. Until then, every spot matters - and so does every matchup.
Let’s break down where things stand right now, starting with the current 12-team bracket based on the latest top 25.
🚨 12-Team Playoff Bracket (Based on Current CFP Rankings)
🏆 First-Round Byes
The top four conference champions earn first-round byes. Here's who would be resting and game-planning while the rest battle it out:
- No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0)
- No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1)
Yes, you read that right - Indiana is undefeated and sitting at No. 2. It’s been a dream season in Bloomington, and they’ve earned every bit of that early advantage.
🔥 First-Round Matchups (Campus Sites)
These games would be played at the home stadiums of the higher seeds - a huge edge in what promises to be a wild opening round.
- No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2) at **No.
7 Texas A&M Aggies (11-1)**
*Winner faces: No.
2 Indiana*
This one has all the makings of a heavyweight bout. Notre Dame brings postseason pedigree, but they'll be walking into a raucous Kyle Field to face a red-hot Aggies team that’s been quietly building a case all season.
📊 Full Top 25 Rankings
- Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0)
Still unbeaten, still No. 1.
The Buckeyes have looked the part all year and now control their own destiny.
- Indiana Hoosiers (12-0)
The Hoosiers have shocked the nation. They’re not just undefeated - they’re convincing.
A first-round bye is well-earned.
- Georgia Bulldogs (11-1)
The Dawgs are back in the thick of it. One loss hasn’t derailed their campaign, and they’re built for a deep run.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1)
Quietly climbing. The Red Raiders have been consistent, and now they’re knocking on the door of a top-three finish.
- Oregon Ducks (11-1)
The Ducks are flying high. Fast, physical, and peaking at the right time.
- Ole Miss Rebels (11-1)
Lane Kiffin’s crew has swagger and substance. Don’t sleep on the Rebels.
- Texas A&M Aggies (11-1)
A&M is surging at the right time. They’ve got a top-tier defense and a home playoff game in their sights.
- Oklahoma Sooners (10-2)
A two-loss team with plenty of firepower. The Sooners can still make noise in the bracket.
- Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2)
You can never count out Bama. Two losses haven’t erased their championship DNA.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2)
The Irish are always in the mix. A road playoff game is tough, but they’ve been tested.
- BYU Cougars (11-1)
One of the most under-the-radar one-loss teams in the country. BYU just keeps winning.
- Miami Hurricanes (10-2) The ‘Canes are back in the top tier and looking dangerous heading into December.
- Texas Longhorns (9-3)
A three-loss team, but still a threat. Texas has the talent to hang with anyone.
- Vanderbilt Commodores (10-2)
One of the surprises of the season. Vandy’s been grinding out wins and climbing the ranks.
- Utah Utes (10-2) Physical and disciplined - the Utes are built for postseason football.
- USC Trojans (9-3) It’s been an up-and-down year, but USC still has the kind of offense that can flip a game.
- Virginia Cavaliers (10-2)
A strong finish has the Hoos trending upward. They’ve earned their spot.
- Arizona Wildcats (9-3) The Wildcats have clawed their way into the top 20 with a gritty, balanced approach.
- Michigan Wolverines (9-3) Not quite the season they envisioned, but Michigan remains a tough out.
- Tulane Green Wave (10-2)
Tulane continues to impress. Their speed and execution make them a tough matchup.
- Houston Cougars (9-3) The Cougars are back in the rankings, and they’ve got the offense to make things interesting.
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-3)
GT’s resurgence has been one of the quiet stories of the year. They’re playing solid football.
- Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4)
Classic Iowa: tough, physical, and frustrating to play against. They grind teams down.
- North Texas Mean Green (11-1)
A one-loss team with a chip on their shoulder. North Texas has earned this ranking.
- James Madison Dukes (11-1)
JMU continues to prove they belong. Another strong season for the Dukes.
🧠 What It All Means
With one week to go before the final bracket is revealed, the margins are razor-thin. Teams like Oregon, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M are right in the thick of it, while programs like Notre Dame and BYU are trying to prove they deserve a shot at the big stage.
The top four - Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia, and Texas Tech - are in prime position to secure those coveted byes, but nothing is locked in yet. Conference championship weekend looms large, and with it, the potential for chaos.
One thing’s for sure: the 12-team playoff era is already delivering drama, and we haven’t even kicked off the first game. Buckle up.