UPDATE: The latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings have just been released, with Ohio State and Indiana maintaining their positions at the top. This announcement, made on November 7, 2023, sees no changes in the top five, but significant shifts further down the list that could impact playoff chances.
The big news: if the playoffs were to begin today, the top four seeds would be Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Alabama. This reflects a shift in how teams are ranked, prioritizing overall performance over conference championships. The SEC dominates with eight teams in the rankings, including seven in the top 14.
Highlighting the urgency, Oregon only climbed to No. 8 after a narrow win against No. 21 Iowa, putting them in a precarious position. A loss against upcoming opponents like USC or Washington could jeopardize their playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame has risen to No. 9, the highest-ranked two-loss team. With a record of 7-2, they remain a favorite among committee members, who praise their strong run game.
“The committee really likes Notre Dame as a complete team,”
said committee chair Mack Rhoades.
At No. 10, Texas is also a team to watch. With a record of 7-2, they have crucial matchups against No. 5 Georgia and No. 3 Texas A&M. A split in these games could allow Texas to break into the playoffs as a three-loss team, a rare occurrence.
In a notable drop, Brigham Young University fell five spots to No. 12 after a heavy defeat by Texas Tech. This indicates that the selection committee does not currently view BYU, with an 8-1 record, as a playoff contender.
The ACC continues to struggle, with Miami as the highest-ranked team at No. 15, reflecting the conference’s chaotic performance and lack of impressive non-conference wins.
In the Big Ten, USC and Michigan sit at No. 17 and No. 18, both needing strong finishes to elevate their rankings. They face tough opponents that could either hinder or help their playoff aspirations.
In a positive note for Group of Five teams, South Florida made its debut at No. 24. With a record of 7-2, they are seen as the most consistent team from this group.
“The committee felt like of the Group of Five to date, they’re the most consistent,”
Rhoades added.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these rankings as teams vie for one of the coveted playoff spots. The next set of games will be crucial, and fans are urged to stay updated as the landscape of college football continues to shift dramatically.
For more on the latest developments in college football, stay tuned and follow updates closely as the playoff picture becomes clearer.
