The College Football Playoff picture is starting to take shape, but only barely. The Week 11 CFP rankings weren’t a total shake-up, but the margin between the top contenders is razor-thin, and the month ahead of us will decide everything.
- Ohio State
Ohio State’s continued reign at the top of the College Football Playoff rankings is a significant feat. The Buckeyes, led by the consistent approach of head coach Ryan Day, continue to roll, with a recent win against Purdue further solidifying their position.
This past week, star receiver Jeremiah Smith had a career day, setting a new career high with 10 receptions, totaling 137 yards and a touchdown. Along with that, quarterback Julian Sayin also had a strong showing with 303 yards and a touchdown to Smith to lead the charge.
The Buckeyes’ upcoming schedule, featuring home games against UCLA, Rutgers, and Michigan, promises to be an exciting test of their mettle.
“Ohio State looks unstoppable,” junior Xander Klein said. “If they stay healthy, they have a clear path to going back-to-back. No one in the entire country is matching that offense right now.”
2. Indiana
Indiana faced its most formidable challenge of the season from an unlikely source this past weekend, beating Penn State in the game’s final pass play. Wide receiver Omar Cooper’s game-winning touchdown with seconds to spare was one of the best catches of the year. Indeed, the team, led by quarterback and Heisman favorite Fernando Mendoza, showed remarkable resilience.
As head coach Curt Cignetti and his team navigate adversity, they remain in a prime position to compete at the top of the sport. The Hoosiers’ upcoming schedule is against Wisconsin and at Purdue.
“I was watching that Indiana game live,” junior Chase Atkins stated. “That last play was insane. I have never seen a catch like that with the game on the line.”
3. Texas A&M
Texas A&M entered Week 11 as the SEC’s only undefeated team left in the conference and came out victorious against Missouri. Head Coach Mike Elko has things rolling for a program that has already overcome multiple tests this season and dismissed any concerns following last week’s matchup.
Quarterback Marcel Reed had a big day, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while Rueben Owens led a high-powered run game with 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Aggies’ upcoming schedule is against South Carolina, Samford, and Texas.
4. Alabama
Out of the final bye week, Alabama picked up another SEC win to build its resume this weekend, taking care of business against LSU without significant trouble, 20-9. Kalen DeBoer has the offense rolling. Quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 277 yards and a touchdown, spreading the wealth to both wide receivers Lotzier Brooks, who hauled in four receptions for 67 yards, and Germie Bernard, who helped the Crimson Tide with 79 receiving yards on only three catches.
Alabama’s defense was robust, and DeBoer’s boys look like a team to watch out for as the postseason approaches. The Crimson Tide’s upcoming schedule is against Oklahoma, Eastern Illinois, and at Auburn.
“Seeing Alabama handle LSU like that made me so excited for next year, when I see the games live,” senior Ava Reece, who will be attending the University of Alabama next fall, remarked.
5. Georgia
Georgia continued to put together its College Football Playoff resume with a dominant win at Mississippi State this weekend. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Outside of one loss, head coach Kirby Smart’s group appears to be heading in the right direction as they move toward the postseason. The Bulldogs’ upcoming schedule is against Texas, Charlotte, and Georgia Tech; their potential is something to be optimistic about.
“Georgia doesn’t get enough credit,” junior Luke Tapplet noted. “They’re so consistent. Everyone is sleeping on them, and I don’t know why. They could easily win it all.”
6. Texas Tech
Texas Tech firmly planted itself atop the list of Big 12 contenders with a crucial and definitely convincing win against BYU this weekend. Quarterback Behren Morton’s 219 passing yards and a touchdown were critical to this win. With more chances for head coach Joey McGuire’s team to solidify their resume, they are in control of the CFP route. The Red Raiders’ upcoming schedule is against UCF and at West Virginia, and their strength is something to be confident about.
“Texas Tech is legit. The Big 12 is strong this year, but they will run through it. They’ve been a very complete team all season,” senior Jake Froot declared.
7. Ole Miss
Ole Miss has picked up some significant wins this season, with the only loss to this point coming against Georgia. Head coach Lane Kiffin’s team handled business against The Citadel, especially quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ incredible stat line of completing 29 out of his 33 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns.
Ole Miss still faces a manageable finish to the regular season, which puts them in a prime position. The Rebels’ upcoming schedule is against Florida and Mississippi State.
“Trinidad Chambliss has been unreal,” senior Maurice Hoben said. “He’s putting up video-game numbers. If Ole Miss keeps winning, don’t count him out of the Heisman.”
8. Oregon
Oregon took its game against Iowa down to the wire, picking up a crucial win in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Head coach Dan Lanning and his team still fit the mold of a College Football Playoff team, and Dante Moore’s game-winning drive kept the Ducks’ spirits high, as he had a bad game in the air, with 112 yards and one interception.
With a list of wins and only one quality loss on their resume, the Ducks are a team to watch out for. The Ducks’ upcoming schedule is against Minnesota, USC, and Washington.
“Dan Lanning is that guy,” Tapplet exclaimed. “He’s built Oregon into a team that doesn’t back down.”
9. Notre Dame
Notre Dame continues a strong run through the back of the regular season, making up ground after two early and tough losses. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s team took care of business this week with a comfortable win against Navy.
Once again, the backfield duo was dominant. Quarterback CJ Carr completed 12 of his 16 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns, while Jeremiyah Love rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
The Irish set up a run toward the finish and look to make their way back to a National Championship. The Irish’s upcoming schedule includes games away at Pittsburgh, home versus Syracuse, and away at Stanford.
“We have the best backfield in the country. Period,” junior Cian Hoban stated. “Carr and Love just dominate, and no one has a combo like that.”
10. Texas
Texas has faced its ups and downs, taking two losses to this point before a bye last week, but has enough impressive wins on its resume to make a statement. The path for Steve Sarkisian’s group remains narrow given the record, but there is still a clear path if they can pick up wins. Quarterback Arch Manning has had a rough season, looks-wise. Still, on paper, it’s not as bad, with completing 168 of his 271 passes for 2,123 yards for 23 total touchdowns and six interceptions. Despite the challenges, the team’s potential is undeniable.
The Longhorns’ upcoming schedule includes thrilling games away at Georgia and at home against Arkansas and Texas A&M, promising an exciting and action-packed period for the team and its fans.
“Texas swagger is back, and they have that energy back. They can claw their way back into the national championship conversation if they keep their momentum,” junior Jack Scarborough claimed.
11. Oklahoma
Oklahoma remains at two losses coming off a bye week, but has the wins needed under its belt to remain a College Football Playoff contender. Head coach Brent Venables has plenty left to do this season to stay in the picture with a runway to accomplish it. Quarterback John Mateer’s pre-injury stats were Heisman-level, 95 completions on 145 throws for 11 total touchdowns and two interceptions.
Oklahoma hopes Mateer can get back to his vintage self. The Sooners’ upcoming schedule features an away game at Alabama and home games against Missouri and LSU.
“John Mateer just needs to get comfortable again,” senior Brady Davis asserted. “If he does, the offense is going to be scary.”
12. BYU
BYU suffered a setback to its College Football Playoff resume this weekend with a loss against Big 12 foe Texas Tech. Head coach Kalani Sitake and his team previously held the top spot in the conference, but will now have to work their way back into the mix. Quarterback Bear Bachmier has had an impressive freshman season, but had a rough showout versus the Red Raiders, completing 23 of the 38 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Cougars’ upcoming schedule features home games against TCU and UCF, as well as an away game at Cincinnati.
“Bear Bachmeier is a dawg,” Klein said. “He plays with so much heart. You can tell his teammates feed off his energy.”
The Road Ahead
Although those are the top 12 teams, not all of them are projected to be in the bracket. With the ACC championship winner and a non-Power 4 team not in the bracket, those spots are filled by Miami (15) and USF (24).
The Miami Hurricanes had a red-hot start to the season, but had a fallout after their loss to Louisville. But they are somewhat back as they jump to the No. 15-ranked team. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, Miami’s defense has been a steady force, and the committee noted its talent on both sides of the ball.
Their win over Notre Dame Fighting Irish still ranks as a key résumé item, though fans and analysts argue the committee hasn’t given it full weight yet. Miami heads into games at home versus NC State, away versus Virginia Tech, and at Pittsburgh. In these games, consistent and strong performances could firmly push them into playoff contention.
If Miami locks in for these next three games,” senior Luc Borzilieri remarked, “they could make the playoffs without even winning the ACC. They’ve got the roster to do it.”
USF made history this week, earning its first-ever College Football Playoff ranking at No. 24 after an impressive 7–2 start. Head coach Alex Golesh has transformed the Bulls into one of the most explosive teams in the nation, averaging over 42 points per game and ranking among the top 10 nationally in total offense.
Quarterback Byrum Brown continues to lead the charge, accounting for more than 320 yards of total offense per game and ranking third nationally in points responsible for. The Bulls’ 55–23 win over UTSA showcased just how dangerous they’ve become on both sides of the ball, as the defense added another score and dominated up front.
The Bulls’ upcoming schedule includes a road trip to Navy, followed by their final two AAC matchups at UAB and home versus Rice. They look to climb even higher in the playoff picture.
“Byrum Brown was unreal against UTSA,” Froot said. “I was watching that game at dinner with the soccer team — every time he scored, the table went nuts.”
Outside the top contenders, several other programs are in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings. Along with USF, another AAC team reappeared after a brief absence, Cincinnati (No. 25).
A few teams took noticeable dips, though. Oregon and Ole Miss each slid a spot despite wins, while Vanderbilt (No. 14) won in overtime over Auburn and Virginia (No. 19) took a loss to Wake Forest at home.
Among the biggest movers, BYU (+5) surged into the top 12 following key wins earlier in the month. At the same time, Miami (+3) and Georgia Tech (+1) helped the ACC secure five teams in the top 20, which is notably the most of any conference.’
“Vanderbilt isn’t done,” freshman Jackson Jefferies exclaimed. “They’ll find a way to sneak back into the playoff picture. That team’s too gritty to fade.”
