Oklahoma Rises in CFP Rankings, Alabama and Texas Drop
The latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings just dropped, and, as always, fans and analysts are buzzing. With the third CFP ranking of the season out, the college football picture is starting to come into focus as the regular season winds down.
Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M are still holding steady at the top. But there’s been some real movement in the rest of the top 10. Let’s unpack the latest CFP rankings, look at a few key matchups, and see how things might shake up the playoff bracket.
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Top Teams Maintain Dominance
Ohio State sits firm at No. 1, a spot they’ve owned since the beginning. Their consistency is hard to ignore, and they really are the team everyone’s gunning for.
Indiana is right behind them at No. 2, which sets up a potential Big Ten title clash that’s got people talking. Texas A&M, still undefeated, keeps the No. 3 spot after a wild comeback win over South Carolina in Week 12.
Ohio State’s Unwavering Dominance
Ohio State’s been nothing if not relentless, staying undefeated. Both their offense and defense have been clicking, and honestly, they’re a tough draw for anyone right now.
Their wins have been decisive, and you can see the strategy in how they play. It’s just been impressive to watch.
Indiana’s Rise to Prominence
Indiana’s rise to No. 2 has been a bit of a shock, but a good one. The Hoosiers are playing some of the best football in the country, showing off on both sides of the ball.
They’re unbeaten, and the looming matchup with Ohio State could be one for the ages. Who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Shifts in the Rankings
The top three haven’t budged, but things got interesting further down. Georgia, after a big win over Texas, has jumped up to No. 4.
Texas Tech, leading the Big 12, is now at No. 5. That’s a nice leap for them.
Georgia’s Strategic Victory
Georgia’s win against Texas was a statement. Their defense really showed up, shutting down Texas’ offense and grabbing a critical W.
That win has them right in the playoff conversation now. It’s hard not to respect the way they pulled it off.
Texas Tech’s Steady Climb
Texas Tech has been quietly stacking wins in the Big 12. Now they’re at No. 5, which feels deserved.
Surviving that conference isn’t easy, and they’ve shown they can handle the pressure. Maybe they’re not flashy, but they’re in the hunt.
Surprises and Setbacks
The back half of the top 10? Total shake-up. Alabama dropped from No. 4 to No. 10 after losing to Oklahoma, and the Sooners used that win to vault up to No. 8.
Oregon and Mississippi are still hanging around in the top seven, holding steady for now.
Alabama’s Unexpected Fall
Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma was a bit of a stunner. They’re down to No. 10, which is unfamiliar territory for them.
That loss really complicates their playoff hopes, and now their game against Auburn feels make-or-break.
Oklahoma’s Surge
Oklahoma’s win over Alabama shot them up to No. 8. Their offense was rolling, and the defense managed to keep Alabama in check.
It’s given the Sooners a real shot at the playoff, which, honestly, looked unlikely just a couple weeks ago.
Teams on the Bubble
Just outside the top 10, you’ve got Brigham Young, Utah, and Miami all fighting for a shot. Each of them has had moments where they looked like real contenders.
They’re all hoping to make a late push, but it won’t be easy.
Brigham Young’s Consistency
Brigham Young is sitting at 9-1, which puts them in a decent spot to maybe crack the top 10. The Cougars have a solid defense and an offense that can put up points fast.
Their last few games are going to be huge. It’s kind of a make-or-break stretch for them.
Utah’s Resilience
Utah’s 8-2 record says a lot about how tough they are. They’ve faced some tough teams and have come out on top more often than not.
Their next matchups will really test them, and I’m curious to see if they can keep it going.
Group of Five Contenders
The Group of Five race just got interesting. South Florida, who was ranked last week, dropped out after losing to Navy.
Tulane’s now in the mix at No. 24, making them the highest-ranked champion from those conferences and locking in a playoff spot for now.
Tulane’s Opportunity
Tulane breaking into the rankings is a big deal for them. At 8-2, they’ve earned some attention and a real shot at the postseason.
How they finish could change everything for their program, honestly.
Upcoming Matchups and Playoff Implications
This year’s playoff format has a twist—first-round byes aren’t just for the top four conference champs anymore. Now, the committee seeds all the qualifiers, including the five best conference champs, and gives byes to the top four teams, no matter their league.
The first-round games will be: No. 5 hosting No. 12, No. 6 vs. No. 11, No. 7 vs. No. 10, and No. 8 vs. No. 9. So, there’s a lot at stake.
Key First-Round Matchups
- No. 12 Tulane at No. 5 Texas Tech
- No. 11 Miami at No. 6 Mississippi
- No. 10 Alabama at No. 7 Oregon
- No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 8 Oklahoma
Winners from these games head to the quarterfinals, which will be hosted by the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl. Then it’s on to the semis at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl, all leading up to the championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Quarterfinals and Beyond
The quarterfinal matchups are shaping up to be thrilling. There’s a real sense that any game could turn into a high-stakes battle.
Winners from the first round will go head-to-head with the top four teams. That twist adds a whole new layer of excitement to the playoff bracket.
As the college football season rolls on, the scramble for playoff spots only gets wilder. Every game feels like it matters just a little more than the last.
If you want the latest on the CFP rankings, check out the official release.
