College Football Playoff Rankings Release Time and Schedule Explained
The anticipation around the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings just keeps building. Fans and analysts can’t help but speculate, especially after the second 2025-26 CFP rankings came out.
Ohio State is still sitting pretty at the top. Their ninth win of the season, this time over Purdue, keeps them as the frontrunner among the college football elite.
But let’s be honest, these rankings could flip in a heartbeat. With high-stakes games and possible upsets ahead, nothing’s really set in stone.
Let’s dig into the latest CFP rankings and what they could mean for the postseason. There’s also the matter of when to expect the next rankings drop—always a hot topic.
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Ohio State Leads the Pack
Ohio State, with quarterback Julian Sayin at the helm, keeps dominating. Their win over Purdue only firmed up their spot as the No. 1 overall seed in the 12-team CFP field.
Even without wide receiver Carnell Tate, who sat out with an undisclosed injury, the Buckeyes showed off their depth. It’s hard not to see why they’re the team everyone’s chasing right now.
Implications of Ohio State’s Dominance
The Buckeyes’ run has big implications for the rest of the rankings. As the top seed, Ohio State could be looking at a pretty favorable playoff path.
Their consistency is setting a high bar for everyone else. Other teams in the top four have their work cut out for them.
Contenders and Surprises
Ohio State at No. 1 isn’t shocking, but elsewhere, the rankings have people talking. Indiana’s at No. 2, but their narrow escape against Penn State has raised a few eyebrows.
Will the CFP committee keep Indiana in the top four, or will that close call cost them? That’s something a lot of folks are watching closely.
Group of Five Representative
The Group of Five spot is wide open now. Memphis, who was No. 12 last week, lost to Tulane on November 7.
With Memphis out, someone new could grab that spot. We’ll see who steps up when the next rankings drop.
How to Watch the CFP Rankings Release
If you want to catch the CFP rankings live, there are a few ways to do it. The second 2025-26 CFP rankings come out Tuesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. ET.
ESPN’s got the broadcast, with Rece Davis, Greg McElroy, Booger McFarland, and Joey Galloway covering the action. Prefer streaming? The ESPN app and Fubo have you covered.
Streaming Options
You can stream the rankings show live on:
- ESPN app (you’ll need a TV login)
- Fubo (they offer a free trial)
So, whether you’re on the go or just avoiding cable, you won’t miss a thing.
Future CFP Rankings Release Dates
The CFP rankings aren’t done yet. Here are the upcoming release dates for the 2025-26 season:
- Tuesday, Nov. 18: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: 7 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: 7 p.m. ET
- Sunday, Dec. 7: Noon ET
Each reveal brings a little more clarity—or confusion, depending on how you see it—to the playoff picture.
Key Dates for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff
Looking ahead, a few dates really matter. The Selection Show happens Sunday, December 7, setting the 12-team playoff bracket.
The first round kicks off on Friday, December 19, and continues Saturday, December 20. Quarterfinals are set for Wednesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 1.
Semifinals land on Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9. Then, it all wraps up with the national championship on Monday, January 19.
Postseason Schedule
- Selection Show: Sunday, Dec. 7
- First Round: Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20
- Quarterfinals: Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Thursday, Jan. 1
- Semifinals: Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9
- National Championship: Monday, Jan. 19
Mark these dates down if you care about college football. Teams and fans alike are circling their calendars and making plans.
For more details, you can check out the original article on USA Today.
