The College Football Playoff (CFP) race is really heating up as we hit the most important stretch of the season. With the first rankings out, teams everywhere are scrambling for a shot at the playoff bracket.
There have already been some big shakeups, especially in the Power 4 conferences. This post takes a look at the current standings, with a focus on the teams right on the edge and their chances of making the cut.
If you want the whole rundown, here’s the full article from ESPN: College Football Playoff 2025 Bubble Watch Week 10.
The ACC: An Uphill Battle
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is already fighting from behind in the CFP race. The first rankings weren’t kind—no ACC teams cracked the top 12.
The top ACC squad right now is No. 14 Virginia. They’d grab a playoff spot as the fourth-highest ranked conference champ if the bracket dropped today.
No. 17 Georgia Tech and No. 18 Miami are hanging on, but it’s a struggle to stay in range.
Who’s In and Who’s Out
Would be in: Virginia
Last team in: Virginia
First team out: Louisville
Virginia’s best win so far? Louisville. Still, the Cavaliers have plenty left to prove if they want to lock up a spot.
Louisville has to win out and hope for some chaos above them. Not impossible, but it’s a tall order.
Teams Still in the Mix
- Duke
- Georgia Tech
- Miami
- SMU
Technically, these teams are still alive for the ACC title. Realistically, though, their odds for an at-large bid have dropped off a cliff.
SEC: Dominance Continues
The SEC is doing what it always does—dominating the CFP conversation. Right now, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M are all in the bracket.
Plenty of SEC teams are in the hunt, but it’s cutthroat as everyone tries to lock in their spot.
Key Teams and Their Prospects
Would be in: Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
Last team in: Ole Miss
First team out: Texas
Ole Miss is sitting pretty for now, but a bad loss could change everything. Texas, even after a big win streak, is just outside the line and really needs some help from other conferences.
Teams Still in the Mix
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- Vanderbilt
Missouri’s game against Texas A&M is a big one—it could really shake things up. Oklahoma and Vanderbilt aren’t out of it, but it’s a long road.
Big Ten: A Battle for Supremacy
The Big Ten is right up there, too, with a strong shot at sending multiple teams to the playoff. The current bracket has Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon in the mix.
It’s a tight race, and nothing’s set in stone yet.
Top Contenders
Would be in: Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon
Last team in: Oregon
First team out: USC
Oregon’s got a tough stretch ahead—some tricky road games could trip them up. USC, even with a couple of decent losses, could still sneak in if they knock off Oregon later this month.
Teams Still in the Mix
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Washington
Iowa gets their shot at a statement win against Oregon. Michigan, though, has to overcome head-to-head losses to USC and Oklahoma—no easy task.
Big 12: A Tight Race
The Big 12 is as close as it gets. Right now, BYU and Texas Tech are in the bracket, but it’s crowded at the top.
Current Standings
Would be in: BYU, Texas Tech
Last team in: Texas Tech
First team out: Utah
Texas Tech’s matchup with BYU is huge. If they lose, their playoff hopes are probably toast. A win, though, could make their résumé hard to ignore.
Utah has two losses to top Big 12 teams, but they’re still hanging on—barely. They’ll need some help to reach the title game.
Teams Still in the Mix
- Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s chances are slim, but technically they’re alive if things break their way.
Independent and Group of 5: The Underdogs
Don’t count out the independents and Group of 5 schools just yet. Notre Dame and Memphis are the ones to watch here.
Current Standings
Would be in: Notre Dame, Memphis
Notre Dame’s picked up steam lately and has a pretty friendly schedule ahead. If they run the table, they’re in great shape.
Memphis has to win the American Athletic Conference to have a real shot. Not easy, but not impossible.
Teams Still in the Mix
- USF
- North Texas
- James Madison
- San Diego State
These teams are still alive if they win out and get a little lucky with the rankings. It’s a long shot, but hey, stranger things have happened.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff race is wild this year. A bunch of teams are still fighting for a spot in that bracket everyone wants.
The ACC’s got its own uphill climb. The SEC? Still showing off, as usual.
Big Ten games are just brutal—every week feels like a grudge match. Each conference, honestly, has its quirks and headaches.
And with every game, the pressure just keeps building. Miss a beat now and, well, you might be out for good.
If you want the nitty-gritty on standings or just like seeing how the chaos shakes out, take a look at the College Football Playoff 2025 Bubble Watch Week 10. It’s worth a scroll.
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