College Football Playoff Top 25: Fourth 2024 CFP rankings revealed

The College Football Playoff Top 25 reveal show on ESPN has set the tone for the final week of the regular season. The latest snapshot of what the selection committee believes is sure to spark controversy after a Saturday filled with upsets.

In the first year of the new format, the four highest-ranked conference champions will receive the top-four seeds, granting them a bye to the Quarterfinals hosted at one of the New Years Six bowl venues. The remaining eight bids will be filled by seven at-large qualifiers, and the fifth-highest ranked conference champion. The higher-seeded teams will host the lower-seeded teams in the first round.

For those reasons, the College Football Playoff Top 25 is not necessarily reflective of the final bracket.

With one week left in the regular season, here is how the selection committee ranked the Top 25 teams with a chance to earn their spot in the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

1. Oregon

The Ducks are the last unbeaten team remaining. Dan Lanning’s group has clinched a spot in the Big Ten title game which will determine whether they get a first-round bye. Oregon has had two weeks to prepare for rival Washington.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Washington

2. Ohio State

After coming into the season among the top Big Ten contenders, Ohio State suffered a loss on the road against Oregon. However, an easy win over Indiana cemented Ohio State as one of the top playoff contenders.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Michigan

3. Texas

After taking a loss to Georgia, Texas was able to rebound with wins and improve the eye test as well. The Longhorns remain on top of the pile within the SEC and only a rivalry matchup stands between them and a conference championship game appearance.

Upcoming schedule: at Texas A&M

4. Penn State

Penn State has survived the Big Ten schedule and is now one regular season win away from effectively locking themselves into the CFP. While they need help to reach the Big Ten title game and compete for a bye, they are likely a first-round host.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Maryland

5. Notre Dame

Despite suffering an early loss to Northern Illinois, Notre Dame has capitalized on opportunities to remain a CFP contender and seen the teams around them fall off one-by-one. Now the Fighting Irish look primed to host a first-round game.

Upcoming schedule: at USC

6. Miami

Miami fell victim to an upset against Georgia Tech, but remains on top of the ACC with a clear path to the CFP and a first-round bye if they can win out in the regular season and conference championship.

Upcoming schedule: at Syracuse

7. Georgia

After conversations about the potential Georgia could miss the CFP field, they have now locked themselves into the SEC Championship game and climbed back toward the top of the rankings thanks to the upsets around them.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Georgia Tech

8. Tennessee

After escaping multiple SEC games with wins, the Volunteers lost their second conference game against Georgia to fall off the SEC conversation. A series of upsets on Saturday gave Tennessee new life as their conference rivals moved out of the way.

Upcoming schedule: at Vanderbilt

9. SMU

In their first season in the ACC, the Mustangs have run the table so far in conference play, setting themselves up for a chance to not only make the 12-team CFP field, but potentially earn a first-round bye if they close as conference champions. The losses around them only helped increase the at-large chances as well.

Upcoming schedule: vs. California

10. Indiana

The surprise story of college football, first-year coach Curt Cignetti has delivered on his promise to win at Indiana by entering the final month undefeated. The Hoosiers lost their toughest game against Ohio State, but any conversation about their CFP resume was negated by other teams losing.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Purdue

11. Boise State

With their only loss coming against Oregon, Boise State is the top-ranked Group of Five school and boasts a Heisman contender in Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos continue to slowly climb the rankings, giving them a chance to get a first-round bye with separation to the top Big 12 teams.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Oregon State

12. Clemson

Clemson has slowly marched back up the standings with two losses, now firmly in the picture for an CFP spot thanks to a Top 25 rivalry week matchup against South Carolina. The Tigers still sit behind Miami and SMU among ACC teams, leaving the conference in the best spot it has seen all season.

Upcoming schedule: vs. South Carolina

CFP Top 25 Rankings

13. Alabama
14. Ole Miss
15. South Carolina
16. Arizona State
17. Tulane
18. Iowa State
19. BYU
20. Texas A&M
21. Missouri
22. UNLV
23. Illinois
24. Kansas State
25. Colorado