The College Football Playoff selection committee has unveiled its second ranking for the season, providing fans with fresh insights as Week 12 approaches. Here are the current standings along with noteworthy observations from the rankings.
The top teams are as follows:
1. Ohio State (9-0)
2. Indiana (10-0)
3. Texas A&M (9-0)
4. Alabama (8-1)
5. Georgia (8-1)
6. Texas Tech (9-1)
7. Ole Miss (9-1)
8. Oregon (8-1)
9. Notre Dame (7-2)
10. Texas (7-2)
11. Oklahoma (7-2)
12. BYU (8-1)
13. Utah (7-2)
14. Vanderbilt (8-2)
15. Miami (Fla.) (7-2)
16. Georgia Tech (8-1)
17. Southern Cal. (7-2)
18. Michigan (7-2)
19. Virginia (8-2)
20. Louisville (7-2)
21. Iowa (6-3)
22. Pittsburgh (7-2)
23. Tennessee (6-3)
24. South Florida (7-2)
25. Cincinnati (7-2)
One of the most significant developments is the shift in the ACC standings. Both Virginia and Louisville, the top-ranked ACC teams in the initial CFP poll, suffered defeats in Week 11, allowing Miami and Georgia Tech to take their places. Currently, Miami is the highest-ranked team from the ACC at No. 15, but they face challenges in securing a spot in the ACC championship due to their two conference losses. Conversely, No. 16 Georgia Tech, with one loss, appears to be in a stronger position to contend for the championship.
In a notable change for the Group of Five schools, South Florida has emerged as the highest-ranked G5 team at No. 24 after Memphis’s recent loss to Tulane. While South Florida had previously lost to Memphis, their victories over teams like North Texas, Florida, and Boise State have bolstered their standing. The competition for the fifth automatic qualifier spot remains fierce, and should the ACC face further turmoil, there is potential for two G5 schools to be included in the playoff bracket come December.
Despite discussions that Texas A&M could rise to No. 2 following a commanding victory over Missouri, the committee opted to retain the order of the top five teams. This suggests a cautious approach, indicating that significant movements in rankings may be reserved for conference championship weekend, with the current standings likely to remain stable unless there’s an upset within that top tier.
As the season heads toward its climax, college football enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting finish, with potential upsets and dramatic shifts still on the horizon.