College Football Playoff Rankings: First CFP Top 25 revealed
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its first 2023 CFP rankings after most of the nation’s top teams completed their eighth of 12 regular season games. Now two-thirds of the way into the season, they ranked the top contenders for the four-team playoff and those with a chance at the New Year’s Six bowls.
During ESPN’s Tuesday night reveal show, the CFP Selection Committee provided the first glimpse at how they view each Top 25 based on the latest results and ongoing power struggles between key storyline builders. As the season heats up, the committee looks at each data point for evenly matched teams and weighs the value of certain wins and losses.
After winning back-to-back national championships, Kirby Smart has Georgia back in the mix for a three-peat. Meanwhile, Michigan and Ohio State continue their battle for the top spot in the Big Ten. A resurgent Florida State team joins Pac-12 powerhouses Washington and Oregon in the Top 6.
The eight undefeated teams entering Week 10 are Air Force, Georgia, Florida State, Liberty, Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, and James Madison — which is not bowl-eligible while transitioning from FCS.
After an exciting start to the season with plenty of surprises, take a look at the initial 2023 CFP Top 25 rankings.
1. Ohio State (8-0)
Ohio State saw multiple changes on offense but has continued to roll behind wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and a collection of other playmakers. However, an improved defense has stolen the show and allowed Ryan Day to preach the toughness of his team.
After beating Penn State recently, the next big challenge comes against Michigan in the final week of the regular season in a game which likely determines the Big Ten East champion.
2. Georgia (8-0)
Georgia has a chance to cement its place in college football history with a third national championship in as many years. Despite multiple injuries to top players – including Brock Bowers – the Bulldogs have continued their dominant run through the regular season.
With three consecutive games against Top 25 teams on the schedule, Georgia will have a golden opportunity to boost its resume ahead of the postseason.
3. Michigan (8-0)
Michigan has continued its run of dominance on the field this season, already overcoming a Jim Harbaugh suspension and now looking to block outside noise about another NCAA investigation.
The gold standard of the Big Ten in recent seasons, Michigan still has games against Penn State and Ohio State left to cement its spot as one of the top teams in college football ahead of the CFP.
4. Florida State (8-0)
Florida State continues its rise back toward the top of college football, taking care of business early in the season with wins over LSU and Clemson.
Now through the toughest stretch of the schedule, the Seminoles must take care of business to keep their postseason hopes alive in the ACC and CFP.
5. Washington (8-0)
Washington has – based on the current CFP rankings – the best win in the country over Oregon. Michael Penix asserted himself as a Heisman Trophy front-runner with big performances in the biggest games of the season and proved the Huskies offense can run up the score on anyone.
However, with three straight games against Top 25 opponents ahead, there is plenty time left to write the story of Washington’s season.
6. Oregon (7-1)
Oregon tops the list of one-loss teams based on their high-powered offense and stout defense which allowed them to dominate Utah in the biggest game since they dropped one to Washington.
With challenging games still ahead, their hopes for a Pac-12 bid and CFP berth are far from gone at this point.
CFP Top 25 Rankings
7. Texas (7-1)
8. Alabama (7-1)
9. Oklahoma (7-1)
10. Ole Miss (7-1)
11. Penn State (7-1)
12. Missouri (7-1)
13. Louisville (7-1)
14. LSU (6-2)
15. Notre Dame (7-2)
16. Oregon State (6-2)
17. Tennessee (6-2)
18. Utah (6-2)
19. UCLA (6-2)
20. USC (7-2)
21. Kansas (6-2)
22. Kansas State (6-2)
23. Oklahoma State (6-2)
24. Tulane (7-1)
25. Air Force (8-0)