CFP rankings release discusses Texas A&M defeat and Lane Kiffin departure from Mississippi

The latest College Football Playoff rankings, released on Tuesday, Dec. 2, provide crucial insights ahead of Selection Sunday, particularly for teams not competing in conference championship games. These rankings are essential in determining both playoff seeding and which at-large teams will earn spots in the field.

The top of the rankings remains steady, with Ohio State and Indianaboth undefeated in the Bowl Subdivisionholding their positions. The final rankings on Sunday, Dec. 7, are expected to see changes after the Big Ten championship game between these two teams.

Texas A&M Falls After Loss

Last weeks No. 3 team, Texas A&M, was defeated by Texas, eliminating the Aggies from SEC title contention. The committee placed them at No. 7, likely resulting in a first-round home game without the advantage of a quarterfinal bye.

Shifts in the Top Five

Georgia moves up to No. 3, while Texas Tech and Oregon also climb, completing the top five. Georgia will face No. 9 Alabama in the SEC championship, with a win potentially boosting them to No. 2 in the final rankings. Texas Tech could secure a first-round bye if they beat BYU in the Big 12 title game. Oregons regular season is now complete.

Ole Miss Rankings Consider Coaching Change

Mississippi finished 11-1 after defeating Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. The committee also factored in the departure of coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, ultimately placing Ole Miss at No. 6. Oklahoma, Alabama, and Notre Dame fill out the top 10.

Teams Outside the Playoff Bubble

Following the top 10 are BYU, Miami, Texas, Vanderbilt, and Utah. These teams must rely on losses from higher-ranked teams and committee discretion in the final rankings to have a chance at the playoff.

Group of Five Contenders

Tulane remains at No. 21 and will play No. 24 North Texas in the American Athletic Conference championship, with the winner almost certain to secure the Group of Five playoff spot. James Madison could also qualify if they defeat Troy for the Sun Belt title, potentially surpassing a five-loss Duke team depending on ACC outcomes.

Final Rankings and Playoff Format

This ranking release is the final Tuesday update of the season. The College Football Playoff field will be confirmed on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Projected Playoff Matchups

• No. 1 Ohio State vs. winner of Alabama-Oklahoma
• No. 2 Indiana vs. winner of Notre Dame-Texas A&M
• No. 3 Georgia vs. winner of Mississippi-Fourth conference champion
• No. 4 Texas Tech vs. Oregon-Fifth conference champion
• No. 5 conference champion at No. 12
• No. 6 conference champion at No. 11
• No. 7 vs. No. 10
• No. 8 vs. No. 9

Playoff Schedule

This years 12-team format does not guarantee first-round byes to the top four conference champions. The committee seeds all teams, and the top four seeds receive byes regardless of conference. First-round games are hosted on campus sites, with winners advancing to quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31. Additional quarterfinal games occur on Jan. 1 at the Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl. Semifinals are scheduled for the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, with the championship game taking place on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Author: Sophia Brooks