Particle.news
Download on the App Store
119 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Ohio State Tops First CFP Rankings as Straight Seeding Sets Early Byes

A shift to straight seeding with heavier weight on record strength shapes the early bracket.

Image
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
Image
Image

Overview

  • Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama currently hold first-round byes as the top four in the committee’s debut rankings.
  • The projected first-round games would be 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.
  • No Group of Five team made the top 25, yet the committee identified Memphis as the leading non–Power Four team, slotting the Tigers as the tentative No. 12 seed.
  • The committee highlighted greater emphasis on record strength and quality wins, which helps explain Notre Dame at No. 10 ahead of No. 18 Miami despite Miami’s head-to-head victory.
  • Miami’s Week 10 loss to SMU complicates its path, as commentary now frames the Hurricanes as needing to win out and benefit from broader shakeups to reenter the CFP picture.