College Football Playoff Rankings: ESPN uses hybrid formula to predict fourth CFP Top 25

The latest College Football Playoff rankings are here, well sort of. Remember that ESPN formula that’s a little wacky but also might be logical? Yeah that one.

The latest run of the numbers using SP and FPI in terms of power ratings and resume SP and strength of record were crunched. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, ESPN did the math.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s Hybrid Formula to predict the College Football Playoff rankings, via Bill Connelly.

1. Georgia (11-0)

This should be no surprise right now considering how dominant the Bulldogs are at this point. After blowing out Tennessee, Georgia reassured the country that it’s the No. 1 team in America.

The path is simple, keep winning. If the Bulldogs are 12-0 but lose to Alabama, which would get to 12-1 after an SEC title, does Georgia stay in? There’s certainly a chance and an argument to keep the two-time champs in the final four. Tough to keep them out.

2. Ohio State (11-0) — up one from last week

Ohio State moves up, per ESPN, this week and controls its own destiny. The Buckeyes, like Michigan (which we’ll get into in a second), just need the head to head win and the Big Ten Championship is a reality.

Ohio State would certainly be a favorite over Iowa next week, but the Buckeyes have to take care of business first. Rivalry week is a playoff elimination game for these two Big Ten schools.

3. Michigan (11-0) — down one

According to ESPN’s formula, Michigan is down a spot this week. That’s due to a close win over Maryland while Ohio State dominated Minnesota. Are there finally kinks in the Michigan armor?

Well, this week it’s for all the marbles. Realistically, it doesn’t matter if the Wolverines were No. 2 or 3 this week. Just win and get in. It’s that simple.

4. Florida State (11-0)

ESPN’s predictions have Florida State staying within the bracket, but the Seminoles are going to have to hold on for dear life. The loss of Jordan Travis can not be understated after his gruesome looking leg injury.

While the team will rally behind what looks like Tate Rodemaker, the Seminoles have to be careful the next two weeks against Florida and Louisville, the latter being the ACC title game. To be fair, if the Seminoles keep winning, they should be in.

5. Washington (11-0)

As far as the top contenders, Washington is right there as well, but Oregon is right on its tail. Still, the Huskies went on the road and edged Oregon State in a weather affected game.

Michael Penix Jr. made some clutch throws and now the Huskies await their opponent in the Pac-12 Championship. However, Washington could be a case of a team that cannot have one loss and still make the playoff. Feels like the Huskies are skating on thin ice.

6. Oregon (10-1)

The Oregon Ducks should be the top one-loss team when it comes to the College Football Playoff rankings going into rivalry week. The Ducks have been dominant and you should not want to play them right now, kind of like a team just a couple of spots down.

Bo Nix had a Heisman worthy game against Arizona State. But now, Oregon has to take care of business against Oregon State and then defeat Washington in a rematch in the Pac-12 title game. That might just be enough to get into the playoff.

7. Texas (10-1)

Simply put, Texas just took care of business and beat Iowa State 26-16. The Longhorns kept their playoff hopes alive and are now 10-1 on the season. Texas knows the roadmap: win out.

Quinn Ewers was efficient and threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns while CJ Baxter ran well in place of the injured Jonathon Brooks. He had 117 yards off 20 carries and could be key these last couple of weeks. That’s a sign of a good team. But is this a playoff team?

8. Alabama (10-1)

The Crimson Tide ran through Chattanooga, no surprise, but do not have as good of a chance as others for the national title. Make no mistake, Alabama can win it all. It’s just a matter if the team gets to the playoff.

Winning out and beating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game should get the team in. Emphasis on should. But other undefeated teams could have their say, plus you know, there’s this team from Texas who has an argument considering they beat Alabama head to head.

9. Louisville (10-1)

Louisville didn’t move in the ESPN hybrid rankings either and the Cardinals still have a shot folks. It’s a long shot, but they’re still in the race for a playoff spot.

Jeff Brohm and company definitely have to win out over Kentucky and Florida State and claim that ACC crown in two weeks. At 12-1, it’s enough to have a resume, but can Louisville pass five teams along the way?

10. Penn State (9-2)

Penn State remained in the top 10 this week, but the Nittany Lions are out of the playoff race. They lost to Michigan and Ohio State and will have no Big Ten title, a drought that’s lasted since 2016.

Sure, 10 wins will be nice, should that happen this weekend. Plus, a potential New Year’s Six win? Also nice. But the fans want more than falling just short to the big two in their own division.

Rest of ESPN Hybrid Formula top 25

11. Missouri (9-2)
12. Ole Miss (9-2) — up one
13. Oklahoma (9-2) — up one
14. LSU (8-3) — up one
15. Oregon State (8-3) — down three
16. Notre Dame (8-3) — up one
17. Arizona (8-3) — up six
18. Kansas State (8-3) — up three
19. Tulane (10-1) — up three
20. Iowa (9-2) — up four
21. Oklahoma State (8-3) — up five
22. Liberty (11-0) — up three
23. James Madison (10-1) — down five
24. Tennessee (7-4) — down five
25. North Carolina (8-3) — down five

So there you have it, plenty of movement, but not much in the top 10. Although that could change drastically in the next two weeks with rivalry week and conference title games on tap.