CBS Sports updates prediction for first College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings

CBS Sports updated its predictions for the first College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings for the 2023 season.

The calendar is about to turn to November, so it’s time to rev up the postseason conversations. Halloween for the first rankings can be scary for a few teams, but it’s only the first set.

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ College Football Playoff predictions ahead of the reveal, via Jerry Palm.

1. Ohio State

Ohio State gets the nod as the top team, per CBS Sports at least. The Buckeyes have the argument for the two bet victories of the season: a road win over Notre Dame and a win over Big Ten foe Penn State.

Does that hold up when Ohio State plays Michigan, especially if the Buckeyes lose for the third straight time? Well, if they’re No. 1 going into the final game, that’ll help matters, despite not having a conference title. Just like last year.

2. Michigan

The Wolverines are one of the most dominant teams in the country, but the schedule was easier compared to others. That’s the general consensus.

But Jim Harbaugh’s crew could be the best he’s ever had. That’s why it’s such a shame there’s an NCAA investigation hanging over the program at the moment.

3. Florida State

Florida State also has a quality schedule en route to an 8-0 record with four games remaining in the regular season. The Seminoles beat previously ranked Duke at home and also took out Clemson on the road.

The eye test says Florida State is pretty darn good. Not to mention the win over LSU to open the season, a dominant one at that. However, that’s the only ranked win for FSU, if you use current AP rankings. 

4. Washington

Washington is the clear cut top team in the Pac-12 right now due to its undefeated record and win over Oregon. Based on that win and its dominance through most of the season, the Huskies are in right now.

Close calls against Arizona State and Stanford are worrisome, but the eye test says yes, this team is in the playoffs right now. Can they hang on for the rest of the season?

5. Georgia

Georgia on the outside looking in? Boy that’s a tough look for the two-time defending champions. Of course, this is from predictions via CBS Sports so it could very well not be the case.

The schedule doesn’t do Georgia any favors at the moment, but hey, the Bulldogs just keep on winning. It might be a surprise to see them outside of the top four, but not being No. 1 by these metrics might be more understandable.

6. Oregon

Welcome back to the forefront Oregon. A stifling defense and an explosive offense is a recipe for success and it worked against Utah.

Utah’s depth was truly tested and it did not pass, even at home. The Ducks swarmed the Utes from the get-go and never looked back en route to a 35-6 victory to improve to 7-1. USC could play spoiler, so it seems like Washington and Oregon as the remaining Pac-12 contenders for the CFP.

7. Alabama

Alabama was off the weekend to get rested up for the LSU game at home this coming weekend. The Crimson Tide might as well be called silent assassins since we don’t talk about them as much this year. Something like that.

They steadily moved up week-to-week following that loss to Texas at home earlier this season. Nick Saban and company will just watch the chaos ensue around them. The Crimson Tide practically control their own destiny the rest of the way and could make a return to the CFP.

8. Oklahoma

The Sooners’ luck ran out this week after a close win over UCF. Kansas knocked them off from the ranks of the unbeaten and now there are questions of Oklahoma missing out on the top four, especially with some projections putting Texas ahead of the Sooners.

Brent Venables and company dropped this one 38-33 despite a 21-17 lead at halftime. Giving up 12 fourth quarter points was not ideal. The College Football Playoff chances took a huge hit after this one. But it ain’t over til it’s over.

9. Texas

Even without Quinn Ewers, Texas breathed a sigh of relief in its 35-6 win over BYU. Maalik Murphy was solid in his starting debut, throwing for 170 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Now it’s a question of how much longer will he have to perform before Ewers’ return?

Jonathon Brooks took some pressure off with 98 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Now at 7-1, Texas kept its CFP and Big 12 title hopes alive, while a rival came back down to Earth. It was a good weekend for the people in Austin.

10. Penn State

Can the Nittany Lions actually make it to the College Football Playoff? Well, they’d need some help and would have to go 12-1 with a Big Ten title.

So, beat Michigan and hope Ohio State drops two games. Otherwise, Penn State might be in a wait and see approach at 11-1 and have to pray for chaos. James Franklin seems like he’s always almost there since the Big Ten title in 2016.

Rest of the CFP Top 25 predictions via CBS Sports

11. Ole Miss
12. LSU
13. Notre Dame
14. Missouri
15. Louisville
16. Kansas
17. Tennessee
18. Oregon State
19. Utah
20. UCLA
21. USC
22. Iowa
23. Tulane
24. Air Force
25. Oklahoma State

So CBS Sports joined the fray in terms of the College Football Playoff predictions. How accurate are these? Well, that’s the fun of it as we’ll all tune in Tuesday night to finally get answers.