Michigan Wolverines Climb to 15th in Latest CFP Rankings

Michigan football is on the rise, making waves in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. The Wolverines, after a stretch where not much changed, have climbed to No. 15 following a strong win over Maryland.

Let’s take a look at Michigan’s recent performance and what’s ahead. With a massive showdown against Ohio State coming up, the stakes feel about as high as they get.

Michigan’s Recent Surge in the CFP Rankings

After a pretty steady start in the CFP rankings, Michigan seems to have found its groove and moved up to No. 15. Their record is 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the Big Ten—impressive, honestly.

Their latest win, a 45-20 blowout over Maryland, really showed off what they can do on both sides of the ball.

Key Highlights from the Maryland Game

Michigan’s performance against Maryland was a statement. The offense didn’t turn the ball over or even punt, which is rare.

The starting defense held Maryland to just one touchdown on the opening drive. Some standout moments from that game stick out:

• Bryce Underwood hit Andrew Marsh for a 12-yard touchdown on third-and-6, grabbing the first points against Maryland on an opening drive this season.
• Bryson Kuzdzal, who’s usually the third-string running back, put on a show with 20 carries for 100 yards and three touchdowns—all career highs for him.

The Upcoming Showdown: Michigan vs. Ohio State

Now, the table’s set for a huge clash between Michigan and top-ranked Ohio State. ESPN’s “College GameDay” and Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” are both showing up in Ann Arbor for this one.

Ohio State is undefeated at 11-0, so this matchup means everything for both teams.

Implications of the Game

If Michigan wins, they could jump into the CFP top 12 and maybe even punch their ticket to the Big Ten championship game. If they lose, that’s pretty much it for playoff hopes—just a second-tier bowl game left.

It’s a lot of pressure, and the outcome will shape how this season is remembered.

Current CFP Rankings and Potential Playoff Field

The latest CFP rankings (as of November 25) show just how tight things are at the top. The top 12 teams will go to the CFP, with final rankings dropping December 7.

Here’s the current top 15:

• Ohio State (11-0)
• Indiana (11-0)
• Texas A&M (11-0)
• Georgia (10-1)
• Texas Tech (10-1)
• Oregon (10-1)
• Mississippi (10-1)
• Oklahoma (9-2)
• Notre Dame (9-2)
• Alabama (9-2)
• BYU (10-1)
• Miami (Florida) (9-2)
• Utah (9-2)
• Vanderbilt (9-2)
• Michigan (9-2)

CFP Schedule and Structure

The CFP schedule for the 2025-26 season is already set, and there are some key dates to keep in mind:

• December 7: CFP Selection Show at noon on ESPN.
• December 19-20: First-round games on campus sites—No. 5 hosts No. 12, No. 6 hosts No. 11, No. 7 hosts No. 10, and No. 8 hosts No. 9.
• December 31 – January 1: CFP quarterfinals in the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl.
• January 8-9: CFP semifinals in the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl.
• January 19: CFP championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Conclusion

Michigan football is gearing up for a pivotal showdown against Ohio State. The outcome of this game is going to shape their CFP ranking and postseason hopes.

The Wolverines have looked strong lately. Still, Ohio State isn’t exactly an easy hurdle to clear.

Fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation. This matchup feels like it could define Michigan’s entire season.

For more details on Michigan’s climb in the CFP rankings and their game against Ohio State, check out the Detroit Free Press.