College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction: CBS Sports predicts third CFP Top 25 with new No. 1

The latest College Football Playoff predictions from CBS Sports are in with a new No. 1 team coming this Tuesday night.

Will that come true? It remains to be seen, but there’s a good chance of Ohio State dropping from the top spot. As far as the rest of the top 10, it doesn’t seem there will be much movement.

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ latest College Football Playoff predictions ahead of Week 12.

1. Georgia

That’s right, it’s a familiar face at the top of the rankings, at least based on a prediction. The Georgia Bulldogs should make the jump back to the top spot after a blowout win over Ole Miss.

Carson Beck looked good and he’s getting Heisman Trophy buzz. With two games left, Georgia certainly looks like a team that could finish undefeated and play another SEC and national title.

2. Ohio State

Here’s where the Buckeyes drop, it’s not far though. Ohio State blew out Michigan State to stay undefeated and keep pace with two-time conference champ Michigan.

This all sets up for an undefeated showdown during the final week of the regular season. The loser is likely out, barring anything unforeseen with the teams just outside the top four.

3. Michigan

Well, Michigan still won without Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines and earned a quality win, since it was at Penn State. Ohio State did the same but still has that Notre Dame win.

Likely, strength of schedule plays a factor here and Michigan won’t necessarily jump Ohio State until a head-to-head win.

4. Washington

Based on these predictions, Washington is in with a 10-0 record right now. The Huskies have a win over Oregon, have won ugly and have one of the best offenses in the country.

It’s been a wild season to say the least. Oh yeah, Michael Penix Jr. is a Heisman Trophy contender. The path is right in front of them: keeping winning.

5. Florida State

Now comes the Florida State debate. But let’s look at this logically moving forward. Ohio State and Michigan both can’t go undefeated, so one has to drop out of the top four.

The Seminoles shouldn’t be concerned here. An undefeated season gets them into the College Football Playoff. There really shouldn’t be a debate about that.

6. Oregon

Oregon has an argument to be higher, but regardless of how good you think the Ducks are, you can’t argue with the record. Oregon is 9-1 and every team in front of the Ducks is 10-0.

Simple right? From that perspective, yes. Now, if there are more one-loss teams and Oregon ends up the Pac-12 champions, well, then it gets fun.

7. Texas

Texas will likely stay at No. 7 when it comes to the rankings-release Tuesday night. The Longhorns got the win over TCU, although it was dicey.

The good news is, Quinn Ewers is back so there are no excuses when it comes to wins and losses. The team is back at full strength, or as close to it as possible. But again, there’s no margin for error for Texas.

8. Alabama

The Crimson Tide looked dominant over the weekend. Jalen Milroe scored six total touchdowns in the win over Kentucky, so this is definitely a playoff contender.

The problem is, Alabama has the lone loss to Texas, which keeps the Crimson Tide at eight, most likely. Not only that, the committee is a bigger fan of Oregon’s resume, the top one-loss team.

9. Louisville

Speaking of one-loss teams, the Louisville Cardinals can’t be discounted. It’s been one heck of a ride for Jeff Brohm in his first season at his alma mater.

In order for Louisville to make it to the College Football Playoff, the Cardinals have to win out. That’ll look good considering there’ll be a win over Florida State in the ACC Championship. If they’re top 10, they have a shot.

10. Ole Miss

Ole Miss survives and stays in the top 10 despite the blowout loss to Georgia. That’s the prediction from CBS, but with two losses, there’s no miracle way for the Rebels to make the playoff.

A shame because an 11-1 Ole Miss team with a win over Georgia would’ve been really fun. That would’ve been regardless if the Rebels made it to the SEC Championship Game or not.

Rest of CBS Sports CFP predictions

11. Penn State
12. Missouri
13. Oregon State
14. Oklahoma
15. LSU
16. Utah
17. Notre Dame
18. Arizona
19. Iowa
20. Tennessee
21. Tulane
22. North Carolina
23. Oklahoma State
24. Kansas
25. Kansas State

This is getting fun isn’t it? There are so many contenders for those four spots. Just imagine if we had the 12-team playoff already. But for now, get ready for a wild November.