November 22, 2025 — With games played through Saturday, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee released its latest Top 25 rankings, and there’s no shortage of drama at the top. Ohio State and Indiana — both undefeated at 11–0— continue to control the postseason conversation, while a reshuffled pack of one-loss contenders fights for position behind them.
This week’s rankings provide the clearest picture yet of the race toward the 12-team College Football Playoff, which debuts this season. With only one regular-season weekend left before conference championships, the field is tightening — and every snap now carries postseason consequences.
Top 4: The Path to a First-Round Bye
1. Ohio State (11–0)
The Buckeyes remain the Selection Committee’s No. 1 team for good reason. With an elite offense and a championship-ready defense, Ohio State sits in the driver’s seat. Win out, and they’ll secure a first-round bye and the top seed in the inaugural 12-team playoff.
2. Indiana (11–0)
The Hoosiers’ undefeated run is one of the season’s biggest surprises. They’ve beaten every ranked opponent on their schedule and continue to climb. A win in the Big Ten title game would lock up their highest postseason position in program history.
3. Texas A&M (11–0)
The Aggies’ perfect record keeps them firmly in control of their playoff destiny. Their résumé features multiple road wins and a balanced offense that has powered them into the Top 3.
4. Georgia (10–1)
The Bulldogs remain the highest-ranked one-loss team. Their defense is top-three nationally, and their lone loss came against a current Top 10 opponent. Georgia is in a prime position to secure a first-round bye with a strong finish.
5–12: The First-Round Host Contenders
These teams currently project to host first-round playoff games:
- 5. Texas Tech (10–1) – One of the season’s breakout teams; explosive offense and a marquee win keep them in striking distance of the top 4.
- 6. Oregon (10–1) – The Ducks have ripped through the Pac-12; a conference title could elevate them to a bye.
- 7. Ole Miss (10–1) – Lane Kiffin’s squad remains one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country.
- 8. Oklahoma (9–2) – Despite two losses, the Sooners hold multiple quality wins that boost their résumé.
- 9. Notre Dame (9–2) – The Irish continue to grind out victories behind a top-10 defense.
- 10. Alabama (9–2) – Don’t look now — the Crimson Tide are quietly climbing.
- 11. BYU (10–1) – BYU’s only slip-up came early; they’ve dominated ever since.
- 12. Miami (9–2) – The Hurricanes hang onto the final first-round host spot heading into rivalry week.
Teams Still in the Hunt (13–25)
These programs likely need conference titles or chaos above them to reach the playoff:
- Utah (9–2)
- Vanderbilt (9–2)
- Michigan (9–2)
- Texas (8–3)
- USC (8–3)
- Virginia (9–2)
- Tennessee (8–3)
- Arizona State (8–3)
- SMU (8–3)
- Pittsburgh (8–3)
- Georgia Tech (9–2)
- Tulane (9–2)
- Arizona (8–3)
Georgia Tech and Tulane continue to look strong as potential Group of Five representatives in the New Year’s Six, while Michigan, Texas, and USC are playing spoiler roles after early-season setbacks.
What’s at Stake Heading Into Conference Championship Week
This season marks the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, which dramatically reshapes the postseason:
- Top 4 seeds = First-round byes (reserved for the highest-ranked conference champions)
- Seeds 5–8 = Host first-round games on campus
- Seeds 9–12 = Travel to those first-round matchups
With so many one-loss and undefeated teams at the top, rivalry week and conference championships will almost certainly produce major movement.
Looking Ahead: CFP National Championship
The road to the title runs through some of college football’s biggest stages:
- Quarterfinals & Semifinals rotate among:
- Cotton Bowl
- Fiesta Bowl
- Orange Bowl
- Peach Bowl
- Rose Bowl
- Sugar Bowl
The season culminates on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the first-ever 12-team playoff champion will be crowned.
Final Thoughts
With Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M still undefeated, Georgia surging, and a cluster of hungry one-loss teams waiting for their chance, the race to Miami is wide open.
One weekend left.
One shot at the playoff.
And for the first time, 12 teams will get the opportunity.
The only certainty? More chaos is coming.
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