College Football Playoff Top 25: USA Today predicts first CFP rankings

The first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2025 season will be released on Tuesday. With that in mind, USA Today’s Paul Myerberg predicted which teams will be among the top choices for the first release of the year.

There’s a couple givens, but it gets a bit spicy near the edge of the list. Some interesting teams will inevitably be left out, but Myerberg’s choices provide an fascinating look at what we could see hit the airwaves tonight.

Check out his predictions below. We’re starting with a couple of Big Ten squads, but that won’t be a surprise for anyone paying attention at the moment.

1. Ohio State

Myerberg has Ohio State sitting atop his projected College Football Playoff rankings, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. The Buckeyes are 8-0 with a signature win over Texas back in August, setting the tone for a team that’s played with maturity on both sides of the ball.

One of their biggest tests still await at the end of the month when they head to Ann Arbor for a rivalry clash with Michigan. Even so, Ohio State’s résumé already gives them significant margin for error, and they appear well-positioned to secure a playoff berth even with a late-season stumble.

2. Indiana

Myerberg has Indiana sitting firmly in the No. 2 spot after a dominant 9-0 start. The Hoosiers’ résumé includes a road win at Oregon and convincing victories over Illinois and Iowa, cementing their legitimacy as a national title threat.

Indiana’s toughest remaining test is a trip to Penn State this weekend, but their current form makes them a favorite in every remaining matchup. With their offense clicking and a defense that’s been stifling opponents, Indiana looks poised to head into the Big Ten title game with playoff hopes fully intact.

3. Texas A&M

At No. 3, Texas A&M remains the class of the SEC due to surviving a shootout at Notre Dame in mid-September as their top win. The Aggies have combined a powerful offense with a battle-tested defense to maintain perfection into November.

They’ll visit Missouri next before facing rival Texas on Black Friday in what could decide their playoff fate. If A&M takes care of business against its final stretch of opponents, a top seed will be in play.

4. Alabama

Alabama checks in at No. 4 and has quickly rebuilt their playoff case after an early loss to Florida State. Since then, the Crimson Tide have reeled off nothing but wins, including a thrilling upset at Georgia that stands as one of the nation’s top road victories.

Their depth and strength of schedule give them a serious edge as they prepare for LSU and Oklahoma in back-to-back weeks. Alabama’s momentum and battle-tested roster make them the most dangerous one-loss teams in the country.

5. Georgia

At No. 5, Georgia remains firmly in the playoff picture despite that loss to Alabama. Wins over Ole Miss and Florida have reestablished the Bulldogs’ dominance and given them a chance to get back to the SEC Championship Game.

A pair of upcoming games against Texas and Georgia Tech will determine their postseason fate. If Georgia wins out, especially against the Longhorns, their chances will skyrocket heading into December.

6. Ole Miss

Ole Miss lands at No. 6 after bouncing back from a narrow loss to Georgia with a road win over Oklahoma. The Rebels’ offense remains one of the most explosive in the nation, and their confidence has only grown in recent weeks.

With The Citadel up next and Mississippi State the biggest game left on the schedule, Ole Miss controls its destiny for a playoff berth. A win in the Egg Bowl could very well cement the Rebels among the Top 12.

7. BYU

Unbeaten BYU sits at No. 7 with an 8-0 record and a signature win over rival Utah. The Cougars have taken down several solid teams but still need a marquee victory to solidify their playoff standing.

That chance comes against Texas Tech this weekend in what amounts to a statement game for Kalani Sitake’s squad. A win there could vault BYU into serious contention.

8. Oregon

At No. 8, Oregon continues to lurk just outside the top tier, boasting a 7-1 record and an efficient, balanced offense. Their lone blemish came at the hands of Indiana, but the Ducks have looked like a playoff-caliber team ever since.

The road ahead is brutal, with trips to Iowa and Washington still on tap. Survive those, and Oregon could easily find itself back in the top tier conversation.

9. Texas Tech

Texas Tech earns the No. 9 spot, led by a punishing offense that has dismantled most of the Big 12. Aside from a tight loss at Arizona State, the Red Raiders have dominated their schedule, winning conference games by wide margins.

Their upcoming matchup with BYU is a de facto playoff showdown. Win that, and Texas Tech would be poised for both a Big 12 title and a CFP run.

10. Notre Dame

At No. 10, Notre Dame has clawed back from an 0-2 start to win six straight and reenter the playoff discussion. The Fighting Irish’s win over USC was pivotal, restoring momentum for a team that’s found its rhythm on both sides of the ball.

Their next two games against Navy and Pittsburgh will define their season. Any loss from here would all but eliminate Notre Dame from playoff contention.

11. Texas

Texas checks in at No. 11, riding a four-game win streak to stay alive in the at-large race. The Longhorns’ recent wins, including one over Oklahoma, have kept them relevant in the SEC conversation despite early setbacks.

Their showdown at Georgia on Nov. 15 will make or break their postseason hopes. If they pull the upset, the rivalry finale against Texas A&M could carry massive playoff implications.

12. Oklahoma

At No. 12, Oklahoma remains dangerous but on thin ice with two losses to Texas and Ole Miss. The Sooners regained some momentum with a gritty road win over Tennessee, but their margin for error is now gone.

Their closing slate, including Alabama and Missouri, offers chances for redemption. Still, one more loss would end their playoff dreams and likely push them out of the dance.

23. Memphis

Rounding out the list, Memphis sits at No. 23 as the Group of Five’s best playoff hopeful. The Tigers’ only loss came in a close one at UAB, but key wins over South Florida, Troy, and Arkansas have kept them in the mix.

A crucial American showdown with Tulane looms next. If Memphis wins, it could secure pole position for an automatic playoff bid and finish as the top-ranked non-Power Five program.