The College Football Playoff picture is starting to come into focus-and at the top, there’s no movement. Ohio State holds firm at No. 1 in the latest CFP rankings, released Tuesday night, and the Buckeyes are now just one win away from locking up the top seed in the 12-team field.
Ohio State (12-0) is coming off a commanding 27-9 win over Michigan in Ann Arbor, a statement victory that solidified their spot at the top. Next up?
A massive Big Ten Championship clash with No. 2 Indiana (12-0) on Saturday night in Indianapolis.
It’s a matchup that’s as high-stakes as it gets-two undefeated teams, a conference title on the line, and major playoff implications.
What’s at Stake for Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, the math is simple: beat Indiana and they’re the No. 1 seed in the playoff. But even if they lose-and it’s not a lopsided defeat-they’re not falling far.
A close loss likely keeps Ohio State inside the top three, which would still secure them a first-round bye in the new 12-team CFP format. That’s how strong their résumé is at this point in the season.
Indiana, sitting at No. 2, is in a similar position. A win obviously cements their place at the top, but even a competitive loss to Ohio State likely keeps them in the top four. In other words, both teams are all but locked into the playoff, barring a blowout.
Top Four Hold Steady
Georgia (11-1) remains at No. 3, while Texas Tech (11-1) holds its ground at No. 4.
That top four is unchanged from last week, though that could shift after this weekend’s conference championship games. Georgia and Alabama are set to square off in the SEC title game-a heavyweight bout that could shake up the order.
Oregon, Ole Miss, and the Chase Behind the Top Four
Oregon (11-1) sits just outside the top four at No. 5, climbing one spot from last week. The Ducks are right in the thick of the conversation and could force their way in with a strong showing in the Pac-12 title game.
Ole Miss (11-1) is right behind them at No. 6, followed by Texas A&M (11-1) at No. 7.
All three are hoping for chaos ahead of them to open the door.
The Middle of the Pack: Movement and Matchups
Oklahoma (10-2) holds the No. 8 spot, ahead of Alabama (10-2) at No. 9 and Notre Dame (10-2) at No. 10.
The Crimson Tide moved up one spot this week, while the Fighting Irish slipped one. That’s notable, because if the current rankings held, Notre Dame would be the final at-large team in the playoff field.
But with Alabama facing Georgia this weekend, that outcome is anything but settled.
And keep an eye on No. 11 BYU (11-1).
The Cougars are right on the fringe but could make a major leap with a win over No. 4 Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship Game.
That would likely push them into the playoff-and possibly knock Notre Dame out, assuming Texas Tech stays in the top four.
Group of 5 Spotlight: Tulane vs. North Texas
The race for the Group of 5’s automatic bid is coming down to the American Conference Championship. No.
20 Tulane and No. 24 North Texas are set to battle for that spot, and the winner will likely punch its ticket to the playoff.
Both teams are 11-1, and both have been impressive all season. That game has major implications for the final bracket.
Big Ten Dominance-and Depth
The Big Ten is poised to send three teams to the playoff, with Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon all inside the top five. But the conference’s depth is on display too: USC checks in at No.
16, Michigan at No. 19, and Iowa at No. 23.
It’s been a banner year for the Big Ten, and this weekend could solidify its grip on the top of the sport.
The Full CFP Rankings (Dec. 2, 2025)
- Ohio State (12-0)
- Indiana (12-0)
- Georgia (11-1)
- Texas Tech (11-1)
- Oregon (11-1)
- Ole Miss (11-1)
- Texas A&M (11-1)
- Oklahoma (10-2)
- Alabama (10-2)
- Notre Dame (10-2)
- BYU (11-1)
- Miami (10-2)
- Texas (9-3)
- Vanderbilt (10-2)
- Utah (10-2)
- USC (9-3)
- Virginia (10-2)
- Arizona (9-3)
- Michigan (9-3)
- Tulane (10-2)
- Houston (9-3)
- Georgia Tech (9-3)
- Iowa (8-4)
- North Texas (11-1)
- James Madison (11-1)
Looking Ahead
With championship weekend looming, the playoff field is far from set. Georgia-Alabama, Ohio State-Indiana, Oregon’s shot at a Pac-12 title, and BYU’s Big 12 showdown with Texas Tech-each of these games could reshape the bracket.
The only certainty? Sunday’s final rankings reveal is going to be must-watch TV.
The playoff door is still open for a handful of teams. But for Ohio State and Indiana, the path is clear: win and secure a top-two seed.
Lose, and hope it’s close. Either way, both are in prime position heading into the weekend.