The second College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of the 2025 season are out, and Ohio State is still sitting pretty at the top. The Buckeyes, now 9-0 after a convincing win over Purdue, hold the No. 1 spot.
With games against UCLA and Rutgers coming up, Ohio State looks likely to keep their lead heading into the big showdown with No. 18 Michigan. It’s shaping up to be a wild finish, honestly. Let’s take a closer look at these latest CFP rankings, Ohio State’s path, and the playoff picture as a whole.
Ohio State’s Dominance in the 2025 Season
Ohio State has been a powerhouse this season, and their record shows it. That recent win over Purdue just hammered it home—they’re looking tough to beat.
As they get ready for UCLA and Rutgers, most folks expect the Buckeyes to keep rolling. But hey, nothing’s guaranteed in college football.
Key Factors Behind Ohio State’s Success
Why has Ohio State been so dominant? A few things stand out:
- Strong Offense: Their offense just keeps racking up points, week after week.
- Stellar Defense: The defense has been locking teams down, barely giving up anything.
- Coaching Excellence: Head coach Ryan Day deserves some credit—his calls have paid off all season.
Upcoming Challenges for Ohio State
Ohio State’s on top now, but the next few weeks won’t be a cakewalk. UCLA and Rutgers are up next, and those games matter before the regular-season finale against Michigan.
Matchup Against UCLA
UCLA isn’t a pushover. They’re known for playing aggressive, and Ohio State will need to stay sharp to get the win.
Season Finale Against Michigan
Then there’s Michigan. This rivalry game is always intense, and this year it’s even bigger with playoff implications for both teams. A win here would really cement Ohio State’s spot and give them a nice boost heading into the postseason.
The Broader College Football Playoff Picture
The CFP expanded to twelve teams before the 2024 season, which really shook things up. Now, the top four spots with first-round byes aren’t just for the highest-ranked conference champs anymore.
Instead, all 12 teams are seeded by the rankings. It feels more balanced, and honestly, a bit more unpredictable.
Current Top 25 Rankings
Here’s a quick look at the current top 25 in the CFP rankings:
- 1. Ohio State
- 2. Indiana
- 3. Texas A&M
- 4. Alabama
- 5. Georgia
- 6. Texas Tech
- 7. Ole Miss
- 8. Oregon
- 9. Notre Dame
- 10. Texas
- 11. Oklahoma
- 12. BYU
- 13. Utah
- 14. Vanderbilt
- 15. Miami
- 16. Georgia Tech
- 17. Southern Cal
- 18. Michigan
- 19. Virginia
- 20. Louisville
- 21. Iowa
- 22. Pittsburgh
- 23. Tennessee
- 24. South Florida
- 25. Cincinnati
Implications of the Expanded Playoff Format
With the playoff field bigger than ever, things have gotten a lot more interesting. More teams means tougher competition, and every single game suddenly feels like it matters just a little more.
At-large bids are in play now, so teams that don’t win their conference still have a shot. That’s a big deal for some programs.
Impact on Conference Champions
Conference champs still get rewarded, but the new seeding means the best teams are ranked where they belong. It’s supposed to make things more exciting—and maybe a bit chaotic, too.
Potential Cinderella Stories
With more spots up for grabs, underdogs have a real chance to make a run. Some teams that never would’ve been in the conversation before might end up pulling off something wild this year.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s been the team to watch as the 2025 college football season rolls along. Their performance? Honestly, it’s been impressive—maybe even intimidating for the competition.
With the expanded CFP format, the postseason’s looking wild. More teams, more drama, and, let’s be real, probably a few shocks along the way.
If you’re after the latest CFP rankings or just want to obsess over the playoff bracket, check out Cleveland.com.
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