The first official College Football Playoff rankings of the season were released on Tuesday, placing the undefeated Miami Hurricanes at No. 1, followed by Georgia, Utah, Indiana, and Alabama in the top five.
The rankings, determined by a 13-member selection committee, set the stage for the 12-team playoff field that will be finalized on December 6. The committee includes six current athletic directors, four former head coaches, two former All-American players, and one former sportswriter.
UCLA (8-0) secured the No. 8 spot, marking a dramatic turnaround from a three-win season last year under first-year coach Bob Chesney. The Bruins are positioned to host a potential playoff game if they navigate upcoming challenges, including road games at Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan, followed by a rivalry matchup against USC at home on November 28. USC, ranked No. 20 (7-2), has a bye this week before facing Indiana, Maryland, and UCLA in its final three games. A sweep could position the Trojans for playoff contention.
Indiana (8-1), which survived a last-second field goal and overtime win over Minnesota, was ranked No. 4 despite a loss to Ohio State earlier in the season. The Hoosiers’ dramatic escape, including a 60-yard tying field goal by kicker Paddy McAteer, contributed to their inclusion in the top five.
The only Group of Five team represented was Boise State (No. 25), continuing a trend of small-conference representation in the playoff era. The Broncos, led by former James Madison coach Chesney, aim to build on their success as a potential at-large candidate.
The selection committee will release updated rankings every Tuesday until the final bracket is announced on December 6 at 9 a.m. PST. The playoff field will feature 12 teams, expanding from the previous four-team format.
Key Upcoming Games:
- November 14: USC at No. 4 Indiana
- November 21: UCLA at Michigan / Maryland at USC
- November 28: UCLA vs. USC (at UCLA)
The rankings reflect the committee’s evaluation of team performance, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results, with an emphasis on recent results and remaining regular-season outcomes.