As the regular season wraps with games played through Saturday, November 29, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee has released another seismic Top 25—one that cements two undefeated Big Ten powers at the top while igniting chaos everywhere else. Upsets, rivalry-week stunners, and postseason stakes have compressed the gap between contenders and pretenders, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic Championship Weekends in CFP history.

Below is a full breakdown of the new rankings and what they mean heading into the final stretch.

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1. Ohio State (12–0): The Standard Remains the Standard

The Buckeyes retain the No. 1 spot after closing their regular season undefeated once again. With elite defensive efficiency, a top-five scoring offense, and signature wins over multiple ranked teams, Ohio State enters Championship Weekend firmly in control of its destiny. Win, and they’re in. Lose, and… well, the committee will have a problem on its hands.

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2. Indiana (12–0): America’s Most Surprising Juggernaut

Indiana continues to be the story of the 2024 season. The Hoosiers are undefeated, explosive, and fearless, with big victories that have forced the nation—and the Selection Committee—to take them seriously as a legitimate playoff team. A Big Ten Championship showdown with Ohio State could decide not only a playoff berth, but a Cinderella coronation.

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3. Georgia (11–1): The Bulldogs Lurk… Again

Georgia marches up to No. 3 after stabilizing late in the season. With their only loss coming to undefeated Indiana, the Dawgs are positioned better than anyone with one loss. An SEC Championship win could catapult them back into the top two.

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4. Texas Tech (11–1): A New Big 12 Power

Don’t adjust your screen—Texas Tech is in the playoff picture and sitting at No. 4. Behind a monster offense and a revitalized defense, the Red Raiders are riding their best season in program history. They’ll need another complete performance in the Big 12 title game to cling to a playoff spot.

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5. Oregon (11–1): The Ducks Are Not Going Away

After finishing the season on a tear, Oregon is in striking range. Their lone loss feels like ancient history, and the Ducks have the résumé—and the momentum—to crash the playoff party with a conference championship win.

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6. Ole Miss (11–1): Lane Kiffin’s Best Team Yet

Ole Miss continues to win with authority. The SEC West champions boast top-tier quarterback play and a defense good enough to complement their explosive tempo. They’re the classic “chaos agent” team—win next week, and the committee has a massive headache.

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7. Texas A&M (11–1): The Best One-Loss Team Nobody’s Talking About

A&M sits at No. 7, but the gap between 4 and 7 is razor-thin. The Aggies need help, but the committee has shown them respect all season.

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8. Oklahoma (10–2): Still Alive

The Sooners are the highest-ranked two-loss team, but they need absolute chaos above them to break into the final four. Still, they’ve got a puncher’s chance.

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9. Alabama (10–2): Don’t Count Out the Tide

Alabama at No. 9 feels unfamiliar, but a strong finish has the Tide threatening the top eight. They’ll need conference results to break their way, but Alabama chaos cannot be ruled out.

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10. Notre Dame (10–2): A Solid Resume, but Probably Too Late

The Irish are consistent, dangerous, and respectable—but the top four window is slim unless multiple contenders collapse.

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The Middle of the Pack: Dangerous Teams with Outsider Shots

11. BYU (11–1)

A stellar season, but a weaker strength of schedule hurts them.

12. Miami (10–2)

Elite athletes, explosive offense, but too many inconsistencies.

13. Texas (9–3)

A disappointing year relative to expectations, but still dangerous.

14. Vanderbilt (10–2)

Yes, Vanderbilt. The Commodores are one of the wildest success stories of the year.

15. Utah (10–2)

Always physical, always disciplined. A team no one wants to face.

16. USC (9–3)

The Trojans have the offense, but the defensive lapses kept them out of playoff contention.

17. Virginia (10–2)

A surprise ACC contender with a strong résumé.

18. Arizona (9–3)

The Wildcats keep building something special and remain one of the Pac-12’s most well-coached programs.

19. Michigan (9–3)

A step back from their playoff runs, but still a top-20 program.

20. Tulane (10–2)

The Green Wave continues to be the best G5 team in America.

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Rounding Out the Top 25: Sleeper Programs

21. Houston (9–3)

An impressive late-season surge.

22. Georgia Tech (9–3)

Much improved and playing their best ball down the stretch.

23. Iowa (8–4)

Typical Iowa: tough defense, limited offense, always competitive.

24. North Texas (11–1)

A spectacular record—committee wants stronger opponents, but 11–1 is 11–1.

25. James Madison (11–1)

The JMU rise continues; consistency keeps them in the top 25.

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What Happens Next?

With Championship Weekend looming, this playoff picture is far from settled. The top seven teams all still have a believable pathway to the Final Four. One upset—just one—could send a shockwave through the rankings.

Ohio State and Indiana headline the national conversation, but the real drama lies just beneath them. Expect scoreboard-watching, wild swings, and a Selection Sunday filled with controversy—exactly the way college football loves it.

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