College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction: CBS Sports projects third CFP Top 25

The latest College Football Playoff rankings predictions are in from CBS Sports ahead of the third reveal Tuesday night.

There will surely be debate as to where the teams end up and where others believe they should go. The good news is, there are still two more weeks before conference championships to sort a lot of the playoff noise.

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ projected CFP Top 25 rankings for Tuesday night.

1. Oregon

Oregon is the top projected team in the playoff tonight per CBS. The Ducks escaped Madison with a 16-13 comeback win to stay undefeated.

As of now, Oregon is the projected Big Ten champion and top seed in the bracket. If they keep winning, that shouldn’t change.

2. Ohio State

Ohio State took care of Northwestern on the road and continued their trek to a rematch with Oregon. Again, as long as they keep winning, the Buckeyes are in position for potentially the top seed.

Next up is a matchup with Indiana coming to Columbus this weekend. It’ll actually be a big litmus test for both teams.

3. Texas

Texas didn’t look like worldbeaters by beating Arkansas, but the Longhorns did get the win. Since they control their own destiny, Texas can certainly play its way high up the playoff rankings.

That matchup against Texas A&M at the end of the year is lurking. That could be massive for playoff implications by the time we get to the final week.

4. Penn State

Penn State dominated Purdue and beat up everyone not named Ohio State. There’s a good chance that the Nittany Lions get in as long as they finish 11-1.

Unfortunately for James Franklin and crew, the team’s chances at the Big Ten title are out of their control. Crazier things have happened though.

5. Indiana

The Hoosiers were 10-0 going into the bye week and now has the biggest prove-it game this weekend. Indiana heads to Ohio State.

If Indiana wins this one, we’ve said it before (at least this writer has), it might be time to think about if this team can win the Big Ten and win the whole darn thing. Curt Cignetti man.

6. Notre Dame

Notre Dame just keeps winning and is trying to make everyone forget about that loss to NIU earlier this season. But the Fighting Irish have everything in front of them.

As long as they keep winning and finish 11-1, they should get in. At this rate, Notre Dame is bound to host a playoff game in South Bend.

7. Miami

The Hurricanes weren’t eliminated with that loss to Georgia Tech, but it was certainly a kick in the rear end. But Miami controls its own destiny. Win out and play for the ACC title.

It seems like the only way they’ll get in this year is by winning the conference. Even if they’re 11-1 and lose the ACC Championship, that might be enough to kick them out of the bracket with a second loss.

8. BYU

BYU took a bad loss to Kansas last weekend and now is in desperation mode. The only option at this point is to make the Big 12 Championship and win and get in.

Based on the rankings and who’s creeping up in terms of at-large teams, BYU can ill afford a second loss. Good luck Cougars.

9. Georgia

The Bulldogs are back right? Forget that second loss of the year at the hands of Ole Miss. They handed Tennessee their second loss.

Now it’s about positioning and maybe getting to the SEC title. But last weekend’s win certainly put Georgia back in the thick of things compared to losing to the Rebels.

10. Alabama

Alabama dominated Mercer so the Crimson Tide didn’t really make any noise, but the playoff is right there for the taking, maybe even an SEC title.

CBS projects Alabama to get into the top 10 of the rankings. As of now, that would put them on the road when it comes to a first round playoff game.

CBS projects College Football Playoff Top 25

11. Tennessee
12. Ole Miss
13. Boise State
14. SMU
15. Texas A&M
16. Colorado
17. Clemson
18. South Carolina
19. Arizona State
20. Kansas State
21. Tulane
22. Army
23. UNLV
24. Illinois
25. Missouri

Projected College Football Playoff bracket

1. Oregon
2. Texas
3. Miami
4. BYU

College Football Playoff First Round matchups 

12. Boise State at 5. Ohio State
11. Tennessee at 6. Penn State
10. Alabama at 7. Indiana
9. Georgia at 8. Notre Dame