College Football Playoff: CBS Sports ranks Top 12 CFP teams from best to worst

With the College Football Playoff just around the corner, CBS ranked all 12 playoff teams from best to worst. Every team had a solid to great season to get to this point.

The rankings from CBS line up, for the most part, with each team’s respective seed. Granted, there are some differences that are very intriguing.

So let’s dive into the power rankings from CBS Sports as we approach the College Football Playoff. We start at the top.

1. Indiana

Indiana is the top rated and ranked team in the College Football Playoff, per CBS, which is no surprise. Curt Cignetti’s crew has Heisman finalist Fernando Mendoza at quarterback and a ferocious defense.

Not to mention this Hoosiers team is 13-0, just won the Big Ten and grinded out a win over the defending champion Buckeyes. But they could see Ohio State again!

2. Ohio State

The Buckeyes had a 16-game winning streak going before losing the Big Ten title game. That dated back to last year. Even still, they had their shot to beat Indiana.

Like their seed, CBS has Ohio State as the second best team in the College Football Playoff right now. With their collection of talent, they might actually be the betting favorite over every team in the field.

3. Georgia

The Bulldogs are next up in the College Football Playoff power rankings per CBS Sports. After winning the SEC again, Kirby Smart and crew will look for a third title under his watch.

Gunner Stockton is playing outstanding football under center and the defense is really picking up steam. With a first round bye, they’ll await Ole Miss or Tulane in the second round.

4. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders ran through the Big 12 this year, nearly, unscathed, and finished 12-1 as Big 12 champs. They’ll be the No. 4 seed, which is equal to CBS’ College Football Playoff power rankings.

Behren Morton can help this offense really explode, but the bread and butter is the defense. Jacob Rodriguez and Ben Roberts lead an elite linebacking corps.

5. Ole Miss

Ole Miss is actually in the top five in CBS’ College Football Playoff power rankings. This is despite the coaching change from Lane Kiffin to Pete Golding. The latter has done a good job retaining defensive staff members and now offensive staff is returning, albeit temporarily.

Funny enough, it seems like Kiffin isn’t the only one allowed back at this point. Putting all that aside, Ole MIss has been explosive with QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy.

6. Oregon

Oregon is back in the College Football Playoff for the second straight year, but they’ll have to play in the first round this time around. Is that good? Preferred to resting?

The Ducks were 11-1 this year and have been a high powered attack on both sides of the ball. But they will go as far as QB Dante Moore takes them this postseason.

7. Texas A&M

The Aggies went 11-1 this year to make the College Football Playoff for the first time. It’s amazing they didn’t make the SEC Championship based on the tiebreakers!

Still, they’ll have a chance to rectify the wrongs of the season finale against Texas. Mike Elko and crew will host Miami in the first round and should be favored to advance.

8. Alabama

The Crimson Tide are ranked above their opponent, despite losing them head to head (wait, that sounds familiar), per CBS. Alabama kind of backpedalled into the College Football Playoff this year.

Still, despite a loss toOklahoma, struggling against Auburn and not looking good against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, this team is supremely talented. But can they put it together on the road in Norman to beat the Sooners this time around?

9. Oklahoma

The Sooners are below the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff power rankings from CBS. But, they’re hosting Alabama in a rematch!

This will come down to Oklahoma’s defense containing Ty Simpson and crew considering the Sooners’ offensive has been hit or miss. To be fair, John Mateer hasn’t been exactly the same since his hand surgery.

10. Miami

The Hurricanes got into the College Football Playoff on the final day when the committee put them head to head against Notre Dame. Naturally, Miami’s win over the Irish was the deciding factor!

Carson Beck and the offense against Texas A&M’s defense will be a fascinating matchup. How can this team handle being on the road in College Station?

11. Tulane

Jon Sumrall has done a good job balancing Tulane and his upcoming Florida job over the last couple of weeks. He’ll coach the Green Wave through the College Football Playoff before going to Gainesville.

They’ll be up against it going to Ole Miss in the first round, especially after losing the first time around. But, that’s why they play the games!

12. James Madison

James Madison got the final conference champion spot in the College Football Playoff, but they got the lowest ranking per CBS. They are indeed the No. 12 seed but have to go to Oregon in the first round.

Perhaps some think Tulane has a better chance at Ole Miss than James Madison going into Eugene and winning. We’ll see how the Group of Five fares this time around.