Vanderbilt Cracks Top 12 in Latest College Football Playoff Rankings

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee is gearing up for its first rankings release on November 4. The landscape is more competitive than ever, and the committee says it’s all about current season performance—not historical prestige.

This year really proves that point. Teams like Vanderbilt are suddenly making headlines, while powerhouses like Ohio State and Alabama keep doing what they do best.

Let’s take a closer look at the projected top 12 teams as we head into Week 9. There are plenty of factors that could shake up their place in the CFP rankings.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes’ Dominance

Ohio State stands out as a powerhouse, topping the charts in total efficiency, defensive stats, and ESPN’s Game Control metric. They’ve racked up three Big Ten road wins and notched a big victory over Washington, which looks great on paper.

Their biggest test is still coming, though. That looming game against Michigan—well, it’s never easy, and recent history hasn’t been kind to them.

Strengths

What sets Ohio State apart? Their defense, for starters, and their knack for controlling the tempo of games. Those road wins really say a lot about their grit.

Potential Weaknesses

But let’s be real—they’re not untouchable. Indiana’s having a great season, and that Oregon win by the Hoosiers just shows how tough the Big Ten can be.

The Buckeyes can’t let up if they want to stay on top.

Indiana: The Hoosiers’ Remarkable Season

Indiana is making noise with consistent play and some pretty impressive wins. That victory over Oregon? Easily one of the best in the nation right now.

Their ability to stay focused and avoid upsets keeps them in the mix for a top-four finish.

Key Victories

• Win against Oregon
• Historic win against Illinois

Challenges Ahead

The rest of Indiana’s schedule looks manageable. Still, they can’t afford a slip-up if they want to stay in the CFP picture.

Alabama: The Tide’s Resilience

Alabama bounced back after that season-opening loss to Florida State. Since then, they’ve stacked up impressive wins and kept their name in the playoff conversation.

They’ve got a tough schedule and plenty of wins over ranked teams, so they’re not going away quietly.

Strengths

Alabama’s got it on both sides of the ball—offensive and defensive efficiency are both top-notch. The upcoming game against Oklahoma feels huge for their playoff hopes.

Potential Pitfalls

That Florida State loss lingers, though. The committee will be watching every move from here on out.

Texas A&M: The Aggies’ Impressive Résumé

Texas A&M has quietly put together one of the best résumés out there. Road wins against ranked teams? Check. Their strength of record and game control numbers are right up there with the best.

Key Wins

• Win at LSU
• Nonconference win at Notre Dame

Remaining Challenges

The biggest one left? Texas. That rivalry game could make or break their playoff dreams.

Georgia: The Bulldogs’ Steady Climb

Georgia’s win over Ole Miss keeps them in the upper tier of CFP contenders. Their overall play has been solid, and they’ve got a big one coming up with Georgia Tech.

Strengths

That head-to-head win against Ole Miss is a big deal. Their strength of record is nothing to sneeze at either.

Potential Weaknesses

But let’s be honest, not every win has been impressive. That Georgia Tech game looms large for them.

Ole Miss: The Rebels’ Road to the Playoffs

Ole Miss has grabbed some key wins, including Tulane and LSU. Still, the loss to Georgia has them a bit lower in the rankings than they’d like.

Defense and penalties? Those are areas that might trip them up down the stretch.

Key Victories

• Win against Tulane
• Win at LSU

Challenges Ahead

The Egg Bowl against Mississippi State is always a wild card. It could really shake up their playoff chances.

Miami: The Hurricanes’ Resurgence

Miami shook off an early loss to Louisville and have since picked up big wins against South Florida and Notre Dame. Those efficiency metrics are looking good, and their schedule leaves the door open for a top-12 finish.

Strengths

Beating Notre Dame out of conference was huge. Overall, Miami’s doing just enough to stay in the playoff talk.

Potential Weaknesses

That Pitt game coming up? Not a gimme. It could really influence where they end up.

Oregon: The Ducks’ Playoff Push

Oregon’s only loss so far is to Indiana, but they’ve got wins over Penn State and Wisconsin to keep them in the hunt. The road ahead includes Iowa, USC, and Washington.

Key Wins

• Win at Penn State
• Win against Wisconsin

Challenges Ahead

They’ll need to keep playing at a high level. Those upcoming games against ranked opponents will be telling.

Vanderbilt: The Commodores’ Cinderella Story

Vanderbilt has been one of the season’s biggest surprises. Wins over ranked SEC teams have put them in serious contention for the top 12.

Key Victories

• Win against LSU
• Win against Missouri

Remaining Challenges

Their matchup with Texas could be a defining moment. Can they keep the magic going?

BYU: The Cougars’ Undefeated Run

BYU is still undefeated, with signature wins over Utah and Iowa State. Their schedule strength is solid, and they’ve got Texas Tech and Cincinnati still to come.

Key Wins

• Win against Utah
• Win at Iowa State

Challenges Ahead

Those upcoming games will really test whether they belong in the playoff conversation.

Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets’ Path to the Playoffs

Georgia Tech hasn’t lost yet, and some of their wins have kept them in the playoff mix. They’ll face Georgia soon, and that’s a huge one.

Strengths

They’ve got a strong record and have handled business so far. The committee will notice that.

Potential Weaknesses

One thing missing? Wins over CFP Top 25 teams. They’ll need to keep up the pace to hold their spot.

Notre Dame: The Irish’s Playoff Hopes

Notre Dame’s wins over USC and Boise State have kept them in the hunt. Two losses hurt, but their schedule and what’s left still give them a shot at the top 12.

Key Wins

• Win against USC
• Win against Boise State

Challenges Ahead

Notre Dame needs to keep playing at a high level if they want to hang onto their spot in the CFP rankings.

If you want a deeper dive into the projected top 12 teams and their playoff chances, check out the full article on ESPN.