The updated college football playoff rankings dropped Tuesday night. The top 5 teams remain the same: Oregon is number one, followed by Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Indiana. The rest of the rankings stirred plenty of debate as conference play heats up.
BREAKING: Updated College Football Playoff Rankings🚨https://t.co/MyPK45wUwR pic.twitter.com/OA81I7wxjc
— On3 (@On3sports) November 20, 2024
Four Teams Hold Steady
The top four spots remain unchanged, with Oregon at No. 1, followed by Ohio State, Texas, and Penn State. These teams are on track to earn first-round byes. But conference championships in early December will determine whether they secure those spots.
The Ducks are coming off a nail-biting 16-13 win against Wisconsin, keeping their perfect season intact. Ohio State solidified its No. 2 position with a dominant 31-7 victory against Northwestern, while Texas defeated Arkansas and Penn State steamrolled Purdue.
How Things Look
If the rankings hold through conference championship weekend, here’s how the first round of the 12-team playoff would look:
- No. 12 BYU at No. 5 Ohio State
- No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Penn State
- No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 7 Indiana
- No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Norte Dame
As of right now, Oregon, Texas, Miami and Boise State would receive a bye week.
Key Upcoming Matchups Saturday
No. 5 Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State
This game can redefine the top of the rankings. Undefeated Indiana has been criticized for its weak schedule, but a win in Columbus would silence doubters and put it firmly in contention for a first-round bye.
Next Game Up 📌 pic.twitter.com/o0QUxCG7Ax
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 19, 2024
No. 18 Army at No. 6 Notre Dame
Army has been one of the season’s most surprising teams, earning its first top-25 ranking since 2020. A win against Notre Dame would solidify the Black Knights’ place in college football history. However, the Fighting Irish will look to protect their spot in the top 10 and secure a home playoff game.
𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠
🆚 Army
📍 Bronx, New York
📅 Saturday, Nov. 23
🕖 7:00 PM ET
📺 NBC | Peacock#GoIrish☘️ | @MyCreditUnion1 pic.twitter.com/JFVs2C3sOe— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 18, 2024
No. 9 Ole Miss at Florida
Ole Miss is coming off a bye week, but before that, the Rebels beat Georgia in convincing fashion. Florida is coming off a big win over LSU, a team that Ole Miss lost to in October. The Gators can sneak a win against the Rebels and shake up the college playoffs.
Back to work. 🐊 pic.twitter.com/6WW3GJ8jsv
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 18, 2024
The Road Ahead
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game feels like a playoff game. As teams fight for conference titles and the chance to secure their spot in the 12-team playoff, the excitement is only just beginning.
Buckle up, December football is going to be wild.