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21h ago

Ohio State Tops First CFP Rankings as Straight-Seeding Bracket Puts Big Ten, SEC in Bye Slots

A shift to straight seeding and an emphasis on quality wins shape an opening bracket heavy on Big Ten and SEC contenders.

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Nov 1, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates his touchdown catch with offensive lineman Phillip Daniels (70) and tight end Will Kacmarek (89) during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Overview

  • Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama occupy the top four spots and would receive first-round byes under the CFP’s new seeding model.
  • No. 12 Memphis at No. 5 Georgia, No. 11 Virginia at No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 BYU, and No. 9 Oregon at No. 8 Texas Tech are the projected first-round games.
  • No Group-of-Five team appeared in the initial top 25, yet unranked Memphis is the placeholder No. 12 seed as the highest-rated conference champion outside the Power Four.
  • The committee highlighted a stronger focus on ‘record strength’ and quality wins, boosting Notre Dame to No. 10 and pushing Oregon to No. 9 despite a limited signature win profile.
  • Miami landed at No. 18 after its loss to SMU, and ESPN’s Paul Finebaum said the Hurricanes likely need to win out and get widespread chaos to remain in playoff contention.