New York, November 30, 2025
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee released its fourth set of rankings for the 2025 season, revealing top contenders and key positioning ahead of the penultimate week of regular season and upcoming conference championship games. These rankings determine which teams earn playoff bids and first-round advantages.
Top Tier Secures First-Round Byes
Ohio State continues to dominate at No. 1 with an undefeated 11-0 record, closely followed by Indiana also at 11-0, holding strong at No. 2. Securing the remaining positions in the coveted top four are Texas A&M, also undefeated with an 11-0 record, and Georgia at 10-1. These four teams have guaranteed first-round byes in the upcoming College Football Playoff, positioning them favorably for postseason advancement.
Competitive Mid-Tier Battles Intensify
The rankings beyond the top four are marked by tight competition and notable shifts. At No. 5 is Texas Tech (10-1), while Oregon has leapt past Ole Miss after a decisive victory over USC, settling at No. 6. Ole Miss follows closely at No. 7.
No. 8 belongs to Oklahoma (10-2), maintaining a steady position after recent wins, with Notre Dame at No. 9 (10-2) also holding firm despite uncertainties surrounding playoff eligibility. BYU, standing at No. 10 with an 11-1 record, faces the possibility of elimination should they lose the upcoming Big 12 Championship Game. Texas (No. 11) and Utah (No. 12) complete this competitive group pushing for playoff consideration.
Group of Five Representation
Tulane emerges as the top-ranked Group of Five team at No. 24, putting them in prime position to secure the automatic Group of Five playoff bid if they win the American Conference Championship. Their inclusion highlights the continued importance of conference championships for teams outside the Power Five conferences.
Impending Rivalry Week and Conference Championships Set the Stage for Final Rankings
With rivalry week and the conference championship games scheduled over the next 11 days, significant movement in the rankings is anticipated. These critical matchups will shape the final playoff field released on Selection Day. Teams like Notre Dame and BYU remain in precarious positions, with their postseason futures hinging on the outcomes of their championship contests. The combination of undefeated and one-loss teams striving for playoff berths underscores the unpredictability and high stakes of college football’s concluding weeks.
As the regular season draws to a close, the College Football Playoff rankings continue to crystallize the landscape of contenders poised for postseason play, while emphasizing the crucial impact of remaining games on teams’ ambitions and playoff eligibility.