College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction: CBS Sports predicts first CFP Top 25

CBS Sports provided its first College Football Playoff rankings predictions for the initial top 25 in 2023.

That’s right, it’s that time of year already as we enter into the final third of the regular season. The usual suspects are at the top but you’ll be stunned as to who’s one of the first two teams out of the top four.

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ College Football Playoff projections for the initial top 25 rankings.

1. Michigan

This isn’t surprising at this point if you combine all CFP factors. Sure, you can argue Michigan’s strength of schedule, but the Wolverines dominated everyone they’ve played.

With an undefeated record and everything set up in front of them, Michigan is CBS’ clear cut No. 1 team. The looming games against Penn State and Ohio State are must-see-tv.

2. Ohio State

If you put Michigan at No. 1, the natural progression is to put Ohio State at No. 2 overall. The Buckeyes have more quality wins than Michigan, the wins over Notre Dame and Penn State for reference.

But the committee might weigh Michigan’s dominance and the eye test more than Ohio State’s wins. We almost had it last year, but can we get the regular season finale and then a CFP rematch between these two?

3. Florida State

Florida State’s been rolling, so this should be no surprise. The committee will likely weigh the Seminoles’ win over Duke as a pretty good one.

Despite what you think of Clemosn right now, it’s still a quality win on the road. On paper, FSU is stacked on both sides of the football and have a Heisman contender at quarterback in Jordan Travis.

4. Washington

The Oregon win was arguably the biggest of the year, but last week’s Arizona State win was very shaky. Still, the Huskies have been dominant and they’re still undefeated.

Having a spotless record weighs heavily in a high ranking. So as it’s projected right now, Washington would make a return to the final four.

5. Oklahoma

The Sooners are another undefeated squad and although they had a close win over UCF, they have the win over Texas. A Big 12 Championship, while going undefeated, will more than likely put them in the final four.

It could get dicey, but it remains to be seen. Plus, Oklahoma will definitely have to anticipate a potential rematch with Texas in the conference title game.

6. Georgia

Here’s the big surprise from CBS Sports. Georgia, the perennial No. 1 team in all of the polls, is on the outside looking in during the first CFP rankings in 2023.

Again, these are just projections from a different panel. But still, it’s weird to see Georgia this far out despite being undefeated and not really changing from the last two years. Sure, the Bulldogs aren’t as dominant right now, but, this is still a legit title threat.

7. Texas

Texas does control its destiny. It’ll just have to do it without Quinn Ewers for a little bit and there’s no margin for error in order to make the playoff.

Basically, the Longhorns are in the thick of the race, but there’s pretty much one path. Win out and finish 12-1 with a Big 12 title. Will they need help? Maybe, but take care of business.

8. Alabama

Alabama is in the same boat as Texas, except the Crimson Tide probably have a better shot to get in by winning out. They would finish 12-1 with an SEC title, presumably over Georgia.

That’ll easily put Alabama into the College Football Playoff. The only reason why the Crimson Tide are behind Texas right now is due to the head-to-head loss.

9. Ole Miss

Can you imagine Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels in the College Football Playoff? It’s almost like the sport needs it in the worst way.

Ole Miss’ lone loss is to Alabama, so in a way, the Rebels need to root for the Crimson Tide to win out so that loss looks better. Otherwise, Alabama has to lose two SEC games while Ole Miss wins out to get to the SEC title game to have a shot.

10. Oregon

Oregon, like Texas, is in the boat of win out and hope for a rematch with Washington in the Pac-12 Championship. A 12-1 Oregon team is a very viable candidate for the playoff.

The offense is explosive and the defense is physical. Heck, just look at the game versus the Huskies. It could’ve gone either way.

Rest of CBS Sports CFP projections

11. Penn State
12. Oregon State
13. Utah
14. Notre Dame
15. LSU 
16. Missouri 
17. Louisville 
18. North Carolina 
19. Duke 
20. UCLA
21. Air Force
22. Tulane
23. USC
24. Iowa
25. Miami

The projections are in and now the debate can rage on. And heck, this is even before the actual College Football Playoff rankings are in!