Ohio State Holds No. 1 Spot as College Football Playoff Rankings Set for November 18 Reveal
Nov, 17 2025
The Ohio State Buckeyes remain the undisputed top team in college football, holding their No. 1 position in every major ranking system as the NCAA prepares to release the official third College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. With an undefeated 11-0 record and a dominant Big Ten slate, the Buckeyes have silenced any lingering doubts — even as chaos erupted elsewhere. The Indiana Hoosiers sit firmly at No. 2, while the Texas A&M Aggies cling to No. 3. But the real story? The seismic shift triggered by a 38-35 upset in Provo.
How Texas Tech’s Win Over BYU Shook the Bracket
On November 16, 2025, the Texas Tech Red Raiders did the unthinkable: they beat the BYU Cougars 38-35 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. It wasn’t just a win — it was a ranking earthquake. BYU, once ranked No. 7, plummeted five spots to No. 12. Texas Tech, previously unranked in the top 10, surged two positions to No. 6 — a leap that sent shockwaves through the selection committee’s deliberations.
"That game changed the entire landscape," said Sports Illustrated’s college football analyst on November 17. "BYU was a potential at-large candidate with a resume. Texas Tech? They were a long shot. Now? They’re in the conversation. And it’s not just about wins — it’s about strength of schedule, late-season momentum, and how the committee weighs conference affiliation in this new 12-team format."
SEC Chaos, Big Ten Control, and the Alabama Slide
The Alabama Crimson Tide — once the perennial powerhouse — tumbled to No. 4 after their shocking 27-24 loss to the Ole Miss Rebels on November 15. That defeat didn’t just cost them a ranking; it cost them the perception of invincibility. Ole Miss, now 8-3, climbed to No. 7, proving that even mid-tier SEC teams can be playoff spoilers.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Bulldogs (9-2) rose to No. 5, their path to the College Football Playoff now clearer than ever. NBC Sports projects Georgia as the projected SEC champion and a top-four seed — a role that would grant them an on-campus first-round home game. The same applies to Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M. Four teams. Four home fields. That’s the new reality.
But here’s the twist: the Texas Longhorns (8-3) are now at No. 10, and the Oklahoma Sooners (8-3) sit at No. 11. Both are SEC teams, but their conference affiliation matters less now. What matters? Winning when it counts. And Texas Tech did.
Why the Official Rankings Are Still Missing
Despite CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, and the Coaches Poll all publishing updated rankings on November 16–17, the official College Football Playoff website still displayed a message on November 17: "Rankings will show here once they are released." The site even asked visitors to disable ad blockers — a strange, almost ironic plea from an organization that controls the narrative.
It’s not incompetence. It’s control. The committee wants the reveal to be an event, not a leak. And with 12 teams now in the mix — up from four in previous seasons — the stakes have never been higher. Every ranking, every poll, every late-night debate among committee members could determine whether a team hosts a playoff game or flies across the country to play on a neutral field.
The Road to December 7
The College Football Playoff selection show is scheduled for December 7, 2025, following the conference championship games on December 6. That’s the final cut. The top four teams will host first-round games. Teams ranked 5–12 will travel. And the committee’s decision will be final.
But here’s what’s not being said: the expanded format is already changing how teams schedule, how recruits view programs, and how fans perceive fairness. A 9-2 team from the Big 12 like Texas Tech can now leapfrog a 9-2 SEC team. A 7-4 team like James Madison Dukes can crack the Top 25. That’s revolutionary.
And yet — Ohio State remains untouchable. They’ve beaten every team on their schedule. They’ve won by double digits. They’ve played in front of 100,000 fans in Columbus every Saturday. No controversy. No fluke wins. Just dominance.
What Happens If Ohio State Loses?
They won’t. Not this year. Their final game is against Michigan on November 30 — a rivalry game that’s more than just a game. It’s a coronation. Win, and they’re a lock for the national title game. Lose? Then the entire playoff bracket flips. Indiana might jump to No. 1. Georgia could become the top seed. Texas Tech? They’d be the ultimate beneficiary.
But that’s not the story yet. The story now is this: the committee’s rankings are a puzzle. And Texas Tech just dropped the final piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the official CFP website not showing rankings yet?
The College Football Playoff committee deliberately delays publishing rankings on their site until the official reveal on November 18 to maintain control over the narrative. Media outlets report based on committee leaks and internal data, but the official rankings are only confirmed during the live announcement — a strategy designed to drive traffic and create event-like anticipation.
How does the 12-team format change the selection process?
Unlike the old four-team format, where only conference champions were guaranteed spots, the 12-team system now allows at-large bids based on overall record, strength of schedule, and late-season performance. Teams like Texas Tech (9-2, Big 12) and James Madison (9-2, Sun Belt) now have realistic paths to the playoffs — something unimaginable before 2024.
Which teams are guaranteed a home game in the first round?
The top four teams in the final rankings — projected to be Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia, and Texas A&M — will host first-round games. Home-field advantage is a major incentive, as it eliminates travel fatigue and leverages fan support. Teams ranked 5–12 must travel to neutral or higher-seeded sites, making the top-four race critical.
Could a team from the Sun Belt or American Athletic Conference make the playoff?
Yes. James Madison (9-2) and North Texas (9-2) are already ranked in the Top 25, and if they win their conference titles — and if top teams lose — they could sneak into the 12-team field. The committee has signaled it will prioritize quality wins over conference affiliation, making non-Power Five teams legitimate contenders for the first time in history.
What’s the significance of Texas Tech’s win over BYU?
Beyond the rankings jump, that game proved that the Big 12 still has teeth. BYU was ranked in the top 10 and had a strong resume. Texas Tech’s win — on the road, in a high-scoring shootout — demonstrated they belong in the playoff conversation. It also exposed how vulnerable BYU’s resume is without a signature win. The ripple effect? Teams like Oklahoma and Texas now have less room for error.
When will the final playoff bracket be set?
The final 12-team bracket will be revealed on December 7, 2025, after the conference championship games on December 6. That’s when the committee will finalize seeding, assign home games, and determine travel destinations. Everything hinges on how the final weekend plays out — especially Ohio State’s game against Michigan and Georgia’s SEC title showdown.