The College Football Playoff committee faces fascinating decisions heading into Week 12. The landscape has shifted dramatically after Week 11’s action, particularly with Texas Tech’s statement win over BYU and Indiana’s thrilling escape at Penn State. Plus, upsets in the ACC for ranked teams, as Virginia lost at home to Wake Forest, and Louisville couldn’t get the job done in an overtime loss to the Golden Bears, will paint a new picture. 

Here’s how the committee might stack the top 25 when rankings are revealed.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes remain the gold standard in college football with a spotless 9-0 record and complete dominance in Big Ten play at 6-0. Their most recent outing saw them dismantle Purdue 34-10 on the road, with Jeremiah Smith hauling in 10 catches for 137 yards and a score. Up next are two home games before the ultiamte test. 

The Buckeyes face UCLA next in what should be another comfortable victory as they march toward a potential Big Ten championship berth.​

2. Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies have accomplished something no other team in college football can claim this season. They have three road victories against AP-ranked opponents. Their 9-0 record includes gutsy wins at Notre Dame (41-40), at LSU (49-25), and most recently at Missouri (38-17). 

They are good to go for the first round bye if they can navigate upcoming matchups against South Carolina and arch-rival Texas on November 28. The committee will reward this schedule strength heavily, especially considering how difficult it is to win three true road games against ranked competition.​

3. Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers are living dangerously but finding ways to win, improving to 10-0 after escaping Happy Valley with a 27-24 thriller against Penn State. That victory marked Indiana’s first road win against the Nittany Lions. Fernando Mendoza remained composed, while Omar Cooper Jr.’s toe-tap touchdown got Curt Cignetti emotional. 

The committee started them at No. 2 in the initial rankings. While they might slide slightly after needing a last-second miracle, their perfect record keeps them in the top three.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide sits at 8-1 following their 20-9 victory over LSU in Week 11. Kalen DeBoer’s squad has responded well after their lone loss of the season. Alabama’s traditional power and brand recognition, combined with its SEC pedigree, will keep it in the top four. They head into a crucial matchup with Oklahoma this weekend. With only one blemish on their record, they’re firmly in the playoff picture with games against Oklahoma, Eastern Illinois, and Auburn remaining.​

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs stand at 8-1 (6-1 SEC) after navigating most of their challenging schedule. Their lone defeat to Alabama hasn’t derailed their championship aspirations. They remain one of the most complete teams in the country. The upcoming showdown with Texas in Athens represents a massive opportunity to add another signature win to their resume. 

6. Ole Miss Rebels

Lane Kiffin’s Rebels come in at 9-1, having navigated a brutal SEC schedule. Their offensive firepower remains among the nation’s best. They average over 305 passing yards per game. The loss to Georgia doesn’t diminish what they’ve accomplished this season. With a home finale against Florida up next on their schedule, they have an opportunity to reach 10 wins before the regular season finale.

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders made the biggest statement of Week 11. They absolutely dismantled previously unbeaten BYU 29-7 in Lubbock. That dominant performance showcased a defense that held the Cougars to just 67 rushing yards and forced three turnovers. Now 9-1 overall, Texas Tech boasts three wins over teams with seven or more victories, leading all top-10 CFP teams in that category. With UCF and West Virginia remaining, Texas Tech controls its destiny in the Big 12 race.​

8. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks are flying dangerously close to the Sun. Their 18-16 win over Iowa was not comfortable at all. The committee might treat them a little harshly after that, but they still got the win. The Ducks dropped to 8-1 after their loss to Indiana back in October. That 30-20 defeat in Eugene showed some vulnerabilities. They committed two interceptions and struggled to contain Indiana’s running game. Despite that setback, Oregon remains a dangerous team with quarterback Dante Moore leading the way. 

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish sit at 7-2 after losing their first two games of the season to Miami (27-24) and Texas A&M (41-40) in heartbreaking fashion. Since those narrow defeats, Notre Dame has rattled off seven consecutive victories, including impressive wins over Purdue (56-30), Arkansas (56-13), Boise State (28-7), and USC. Their 49-10 demolition of the Navy was yet another one on the list. The road matchup at Pittsburgh this weekend will test whether they can maintain momentum.

10. BYU Cougars

The Cougars devastatingly suffered their first loss. They got dominated by Texas Tech 29-7. Before that, BYU had been 8-0 and riding high as Big 12 frontrunners. The offense was completely stifled, managing just 255 total yards. Bear Bachmeier and the passing attack couldn’t find rhythm, and their lone touchdown came in garbage time. The committee will drop them, but not entirely from the top 10, recognizing that losing to a quality opponent on the road isn’t disqualifying. Games against TCU and Cincinnati loom large as they try to avoid a second loss that could eliminate playoff hopes.​

11. Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns have surged back into contention with a four-game winning streak that improved them to 7-2. Their losses to Ohio State in Columbus and Florida in Gainesville are forgivable. Especially considering they’ve beaten ranked opponents Oklahoma and Vanderbilt during their recent run. The massive game at Georgia this weekend could define their entire season. If Texas can win in Athens and then beat Texas A&M in the regular-season finale, they could still find themselves in a playoff discussion despite two losses.​

12. Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners had a bye this week. They entered at 7-2 after their Red River Rivalry loss to Texas (23-6) exposed some offensive limitations. However, their earlier résumé include dominant performances. The defense has been exceptional, allowing just 14.1 points per game nationally. Oklahoma faces Alabama this weekend in a game that will determine whether they remain in playoff contention.​

13. Utah Utes

Kyle Whittingham’s squad stands at 7-2 (4-2 Big 12) after navigating a challenging schedule. Their recent wins have been dominant, including a 42-10 throttling of then-No. 21 Arizona State. The lone Big 12 loss came at BYU in a heartbreaking 24-21 defeat. Utah’s experienced roster and physical style of play make them dangerous down the stretch. They travel to Baylor this weekend looking to continue stacking wins.​

14. Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets have been one of the ACC’s biggest surprises at 8-1 (5-1 ACC) under Brent Key’s leadership. But their loss to NC State showed how fragile the team really is when the offense isn’t humming as usual. Georgia Tech faces Boston College on the road this weekend in an opportunity to reach nine wins after the bye week. The committee will reward its strong record, though its ACC schedule isn’t as daunting as what SEC and Big Ten teams face.​

15. Vanderbilt Commodores

The Commodores are having a magical season at 8-2, achieving something they haven’t done since 2013: winning eight games. If Vanderbilt can beat Kentucky and Tennessee to close the year, they’ll secure the program’s first-ever 10-win season. The committee will place them in the middle of the rankings, recognizing their accomplishments while acknowledging they play in a loaded SEC.​

16. Miami Hurricanes

The Hurricanes sit at 7-2 after dropping two conference games that damaged their ACC championship hopes. Despite those setbacks, Miami remains talented enough to beat anyone on its schedule. They face NC State this weekend, looking to get back on track. The committee will keep them ranked but outside the playoff picture unless they can win out and get significant help. Their early-season victory over Notre Dame looks better as the weeks progress.​

17. USC Trojans

Lincoln Riley’s squad improved to 7-2 after dominating Northwestern 38-17. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 299 yards and three total touchdowns. King Miller has provided a consistent rushing attack with his third 100-yard performance in four games. The Trojans have found their rhythm after early struggles. USC hosts Iowa this weekend in a game they should control.​ Then, facing Oregon away could complicate their future. 

18. Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines stand at 7-2 as they try to get back in their zone. While they’re not the dominant force, Michigan remains a quality program with enough talent to beat most opponents. They travel to Northwestern this weekend, looking to stay in the rankings conversation. The real deal will be the game against OSU in rivalry week. The committee will respect its brand and overall record, though they’re clearly not playoff contenders this year.​

20. Pittsburgh Panthers

The Panthers are 7-2 and represent one of the ACC’s more balanced teams. They host Notre Dame this weekend in a marquee matchup, then travel to Georgia Tech and finish the schedule against rival Miami. That could significantly shake up the rankings. Playing at home gives them a real chance for an upset. The committee sees them as a solid team without signature wins to boost them higher.​

20. Tennessee Volunteers

The Volunteers have underachieved at 6-3 but remain talented enough to climb back into the rankings picture. Their schedule has been brutal, and losses haven’t come against inferior competition. Tennessee hosts New Mexico State this weekend in a game designed to get them back to .500 in conference play. The committee will keep them ranked on potential and talent alone.​

21. SMU Mustangs

The Mustangs have quietly put together a strong season in their first year in the ACC. While they haven’t grabbed national headlines, SMU continues winning games and positioning itself for a potential conference championship game appearance. The committee recognizes its consistency throughout the season.​

22. Cincinnati Bearcats

The Bearcats remain in the rankings conversation with a solid record and competitive play in Big 12 action. Cincinnati faces important games down the stretch that could determine whether it maintains its ranking. With UCF, BYU, and TCU left, the committee sees the Bearcats as a fringe top-25 team that needs to keep winning.

23. Virginia Cavaliers

The Cavaliers shocked everyone by appearing at 8-2 overall. But their 9-16 loss to Wake Forest weakened their case by a lot. They are still very much in the ACC championship contention. They travel to Duke this weekend in a crucial ACC Coastal matchup.

24. Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals are 7-2 with quality wins sprinkled throughout their schedule. Their loss to Cal was not at all expected. They host Clemson on Friday night in a game that could determine the ACC pecking order. They’ve had a confusing run. Despite beating Miami and Virginia Tech, they lost to Cal and the Cavaliers.

25. Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes round out the top 25 at 6-3. Their close game with Oregon might help their case for the Top-25. But apart from that, they might easily be replaced by James Maddison or North Texas. They travel to USC this weekend in a challenging road environment.

The committee’s second rankings reveal will set the stage for the final month of regular-season action. Several teams are still fighting for playoff positioning. Others are hoping to simply stay ranked as conference championship games approach.