College Football Playoff Rankings Revealed: Top Four Hold Steady Ahead of Championship Chaos

The third set of College Football Playoff rankings is out. Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Georgia remain the top four teams. The committee released the list on Tuesday, November 18. Everything now hinges on the conference championship games this weekend.

Selection Sunday is set for December 7. The final 12-team bracket will be announced at noon ET. The outcomes of the upcoming championship matchups are poised to cause a major shake-up in the standings.

The Current Playoff Picture and Its Stakes

Ohio State retains the number one spot. The Buckeyes are 10-0 and the current betting favorite to win the national title. Their performance in the Big Ten Championship will be critical.

Indiana holds firm at number two with a perfect 11-0 record. Texas A&M stays at number three, also undefeated at 10-0. Georgia occupies the fourth position with a 9-1 record, benefiting from other results.

The new 12-team format adds intense drama. The top five ranked conference champions get automatic playoff bids. This rule means a team like Georgia could secure a top seed by winning the SEC, regardless of its current rank.

Championship Week Promises Major Bracket Upheaval

The final weekend of games will decide everything. A loss in a conference title game could eliminate a top-four team. Teams like Texas Tech and Ole Miss, ranked just outside, are ready to capitalize on any stumble.

According to ESPN analysts, the margin for error is now zero. The committee values conference championships and strength of schedule highly. This makes every play in the upcoming games incredibly significant.

Beyond the top four, the battle for the remaining at-large spots is fierce. Oklahoma and Notre Dame are among the teams hoping for a chance. The Group of Five’s automatic bid is also in play, with teams like Tulane in contention.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new 12-team playoff format?

The new format expands the field from four to twelve teams. The top four ranked conference champions receive a first-round bye. The first-round games will be played on campus sites in mid-December.

When is the final bracket announced?

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee will reveal the final bracket on Sunday, December 7. The announcement is scheduled for 12:00 PM Eastern Time and will be broadcast live.

Which teams get a first-round bye?

The top four seeds in the final rankings will get a bye to the quarterfinal round. These spots are typically reserved for the highest-ranked conference champions, offering a huge competitive advantage.

Can a two-loss team make the playoff?

Yes, it is possible under the 12-team format. A team with two losses could qualify as an at-large selection if it is ranked highly enough by the committee, especially if it wins its conference championship.

Where are the playoff games played?

The first round is at campus sites. The quarterfinals and semifinals are played in major New Year’s Six bowl games. The national championship game will be at a predetermined neutral site.