As the 2025 college football season heads into its final stretch, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee has released its latest rankings. Fans can finally see which teams are still in the hunt for a national championship.
The rankings, which consider games played through Saturday, November 22, reveal a wild, competitive landscape. Unbeaten teams and one-loss powerhouses are all fighting for a spot in the 12-team playoff bracket.
Let’s dig into the current rankings, the playoff structure, and what all this means for the postseason ahead.
Top Teams in the College Football Playoff Rankings
The latest CFP rankings highlight a mix of undefeated teams and tough one-loss contenders. Right at the top is Ohio State with an 11-0 record.
They’re followed closely by Indiana and Texas A&M, both sitting at 11-0 too. All three have looked pretty dominant this year, honestly.
Unbeaten Teams
Three teams are still undefeated as the season winds down:
- Ohio State (11-0)
- Indiana (11-0)
- Texas A&M (11-0)
They’ve not only won every game but done it with style, showing off on both offense and defense. These perfect records put them in a great spot for a first-round bye.
One-Loss Contenders
Several teams with just one loss are still in the mix:
- Georgia (10-1)
- Texas Tech (10-1)
- Oregon (10-1)
- Ole Miss (10-1)
- BYU (10-1)
These squads bounced back after their lone defeats and have kept winning. Their grit and ability to handle pressure could make all the difference as they fight for a playoff spot.
Understanding the College Football Playoff Structure
The College Football Playoff system is set up to give the best teams a real shot at the national title. The selection committee ranks the top 25 teams after the regular season.
From there, the five highest-ranked conference champs and the next seven best teams make up the 12-team playoff field.
First-Round Byes and Matchups
The top four teams get a first-round bye, which is a huge advantage. Teams ranked 5 through 12 play in the CFP First Round, with higher seeds hosting lower seeds.
Every game matters, and there’s really no room to slack off if you want to make it through.
Rotating Bowl Games
The Playoff Quarterfinals and Semifinals rotate each year among six big-time bowl games:
- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
- Capital One Orange Bowl
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
- Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
- Allstate Sugar Bowl
This rotation keeps things fresh and brings a sense of tradition. There’s something special about seeing teams compete in these legendary venues.
Implications for the Postseason
With the regular season wrapping up, attention is shifting to the postseason and the road to the national championship. The current rankings point to a playoff that’s going to be fiercely competitive.
The last few weeks will be everything for teams trying to impress the committee and grab a better seed.
Potential Cinderella Stories
The top teams are definitely the favorites, but the playoff format leaves the door open for surprises. Teams like Oklahoma (9-2) and Notre Dame (9-2) have enough talent to make a run, even if they’re not in the top four right now.
If they get hot in the first round, who knows what could happen?
Key Games to Watch
Some huge games are still left on the schedule, and they’re going to have a big impact on the playoff picture:
- Ohio State vs. Michigan
- Indiana vs. Purdue
- Texas A&M vs. LSU
- Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
- Oregon vs. Oregon State
These matchups are loaded with rivalry drama and could totally shake up the rankings.
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
Every team in the CFP rankings is chasing the same goal: a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. That game’s set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
It’s the biggest stage in college football, and it’s going to be the perfect ending to what’s been a wild season.
Final Thoughts
The latest CFP rankings are out, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be a wild finish for the 2025 college football season.
There are still a bunch of teams in the hunt. The playoff setup really does push for the best to rise, doesn’t it?
Fans are in for some high-stakes games. If you love drama, this is your time.
Want more details on the rankings or how the playoff works? You can check the official info here.
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