College Football Playoff Rankings: New CFP Top 25 revealed
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee updated its CFP Top 25 rankings after setting the tone with a fresh look last week. After establishing the criteria used and updating each team on their chances to become one of the four playoff teams at the end of the year, they now update that picture based on the results of this weekend.
During ESPN’s Tuesday night reveal show, the CFP Selection Committee provided an important update on how they view each Top 25 team 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, but it was Ohio State who claimed the top spot in the initial rankings last week. Meanwhile, Michigan kept hold of its spot in the Top Four despite questions for Boo Corrigan and others about the impact of the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into alleged cheating.
The seven undefeated teams remaining after Week 10 are Georgia, Florida State, James Madison, Liberty, Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington. After an exciting week with plenty surprises, take a look at the second edition of the 2023 CFP Top 25 rankings.
1. Ohio State (9-0)
Ohio State remains No. 1 in the CFP rankings this week after continuing their winning ways against Rutgers. Despite debate about whether Georgia could pass them after picking up a Top 25 win, the committee ultimately stuck with the Buckeyes and kept them atop the sport.
With upcoming games against Michigan State and Michigan, they will continue building their resume and have every opportunity to keep this spot.
2. Georgia (9-0)
Georgia has responded to the Brock Bowers injury with two convincing victories. They face two more challenges in the coming weeks with Ole Miss and Tennessee on the schedule before a rivalry game against Georgia Tech.
Given the strength of their schedule the rest of the regular season, the Bulldogs will be on the heels of the Buckeyes all season.
3. Michigan (9-0)
Michigan continues to lock in on the football field despite swirling rumors. The first real test comes this week on the road against Penn State, and a regular season finale against Ohio State gives them enough upward potential to reach the top spot in the CFP rankings.
The committee stood by their statement that Michigan’s on-field resume will not be clouded by the off-field drama the NCAA continues to sort through.
4. Florida State (9-0)
Undefeated in their biggest games, Florida State has two in-state rivalries left this season before an ACC championship opportunity. The Seminoles resume now rolls with the week-to-week results of LSU and Clemson, as well as their own performance.
Given the matchup between Michigan and Ohio State on the schedule, Florida State still likely controls its own destiny regardless of how the committee views what Washington is able to do the rest of the way.
5. Washington (9-0)
Washington picked up a convincing win over USC this week and calmed some of the concerns about their recent form against lesser competition. The Huskies still feature a Heisman frontrunner and have a gauntlet of Pac-12 games left to cement their resume and move into the top four.
Despite conversation last week about Oregon’s chances to surpass them, Washington holds strong atop the Pac-12 contenders and ultimately sits in a similar spot as Florida State in controlling its destiny.
6. Oregon (8-1)
Oregon remains the top one-loss team and knocks on the door of any team which slips from the undefeated ranks. Their resume features multiple big wins and a close loss against Washington.
Chances to play USC and Oregon State give them more opportunities to impress the committee and improve their resume before the postseason.
CFP Top 25 Rankings
7. Texas (8-1)
8. Alabama (8-1)
9. Ole Miss (8-1)
10. Penn State (8-1)
11. Louisville (8-1)
12. Oregon State (7-2)
13. Tennessee (7-2)
14. Missouri (7-2)
15. Oklahoma State (7-2)
16. Kansas (7-2)
17. Oklahoma (7-2)
18. Utah (7-2)
19. LSU (6-3)
20. Notre Dame (7-3)
21. Arizona (6-3)
22. Iowa (7-2)
23. Tulane (8-1)
24. North Carolina (7-2)
25. Kansas State (6-3)