College Football Playoff Rankings: Miami, Michigan, Oregon Rise
The latest College Football Playoff rankings just dropped, and there’s been some real shuffling among the top squads. Oregon, Michigan, and Miami have all made noticeable climbs. The fourth set of rankings, fresh from the selection committee, keeps the top five locked in place. Meanwhile, the rest of the field is scrambling for better spots as the season barrels toward its critical final weeks.
This post takes a look at the new rankings, the key matchups coming up, and a few things to keep an eye on as the Playoff draws closer.
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Top 5 Teams Hold Steady
The top five teams haven’t budged. That’s a testament to how dominant and steady they’ve been all year. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0) are still king after rolling past Rutgers.
No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (11-0) didn’t play this week, but they’re holding strong. No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies (11-0) crushed Samford 48-0, keeping their perfect record alive.
No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs (10-1) and No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1) both did what they needed—Georgia with a win, Tech with a week off—to stay put.
Ohio State’s Dominance
The Buckeyes have looked like a juggernaut lately. Their defense, especially with Caleb Downs at safety, is really something to watch.
Oregon, Michigan, and Miami on the Rise
Things got interesting just outside the top five. No. 6 Oregon Ducks (10-1) moved up after beating USC. That win bumped them ahead of the No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels (10-1), who sat out this week.
No. 12 Miami Hurricanes (9-2) climbed a spot after taking down Virginia Tech. They swapped with the No. 13 Utah Utes (9-2). And the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (9-2) made a pretty big jump, leaping from No. 18 after they handled Maryland with ease.
Michigan’s Winning Streak
Michigan’s on fire. They’ve won five straight, including a 45-20 rout of Maryland. Now, with Ohio State looming, it’s hard not to wonder if they can keep it going.
Key Matchups to Watch
Rivalry week is here. And honestly, it’s one of the best parts of college football. There are some ranked-versus-ranked showdowns lined up that could shake things up even more.
Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs head to Atlanta to face the No. 23 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Both teams have a lot riding on this one—playoff hopes, bragging rights, you name it.
Texas A&M vs. Texas
No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies take on the No. 16 Texas Longhorns in Austin. For the Aggies, keeping that unblemished record is everything right now.
Ohio State vs. Michigan
This is the one everyone circles on the calendar. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes versus No. 15 Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. The stakes? Pretty much everything—playoff chances, pride, the whole deal.
New Entrants and Notable Drops
Some new faces cracked the Top 25, while others tumbled out after tough losses. No. 21 SMU Mustangs (8-3) made their season debut, thanks to a big win over Louisville.
No. 22 Pittsburgh Panthers (8-3) and No. 25 Arizona Wildcats (8-3) also joined the party. Meanwhile, the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-4), Missouri Tigers (7-4), and Houston Cougars (8-3) all dropped out after stumbling recently.
Arizona State’s Climb
No. 20 Arizona State Sun Devils (8-3) jumped up from No. 25 after taking down Colorado. They’re making a case to climb even further if they keep this up.
Looking Ahead
The next batch of College Football Playoff rankings drops at 7 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN. Selection day is set for noon on Dec. 7. The Playoff itself will run from Dec. 31 through Jan. 19, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be one heck of a finish.
What to Expect
As the season moves along, teams are scrambling for every chance to climb the standings. Some weeks, it feels like every game matters just a bit more than the last.
Key matchups and classic rivalries could end up deciding which teams make it to the top. It’s tough to predict, but that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
Fans should brace for some wild competition and a few unforgettable moments as the playoff race heats up.
If you want the latest on the College Football Playoff rankings, check out the official UPI Sports News.
