Kirk Herbstreit reveals College Football Playoff Top 4, First 2 Out after Week 6

Following Week 6 of the college football season, the debate about what teams are going to compete for the College Football Playoff is heating up. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared how he thinks shaking up on Twitter/X following the exciting day of games.

In Herbstreit’s rankings, he doesn’t explain any of the logic behind any one pick. Instead, he just listed his top four teams and the next two out. So, figuring out his logic is all based on an educated guess as to what appeals to him about a given team.

Check out Kirk Herbstreit’s College Football Playoff and the next two teams out, here:

1. Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs are looking to win their third national championship in a row this season. However, it seemed that Georgia was struggling at times early in the season against competition that many saw as lesser than the Bulldogs. That all changed in Week 6 against Kentucky.

Hosting a ranked and unbeaten Wildcats team, the Bulldogs came out early and dominated early in the game. By the end, it was a blowout and Georgia made it clear that they’re still one of the best teams in the country and a real College Football Playoff contender.

2. Michigan Wolverines

The next team that Kirk Herbstreit had on his list of College Football Playoff teams was Michigan. This isn’t a huge surprise, after the Wolverines made the Playoff the last two seasons. This year, Jim Harbaugh and Michigan are hoping to make it again but find a way to get over the hump.

There is a problem when judging Michigan to this point in the regular season, though. The strength of schedule hasn’t tested Michigan, yet. Eventually, it will test the Wolverines. For now, though, they’re ranked second.

3. Washington Huskies

The Washington Huskies have been one of the most exciting teams this season. Playing their final season in the Pac-12, Washington has been phenomenal, especially on the offensive side of the ball. That’s likely why Kirk Herbstreit has so much respect for this team.

It’s hard not to be impressed with the Huskies’ offense. Led by quarterback Michael Penix, who has thrown for more yards than any other quarterback in the country the Huskies are averaging 46 points per game. Add several potential NFL wide receivers and Washington is a real threat.

4. Florida State Seminoles

Florida State came into the 2023 season with high expectations for itself. Still, it had to answer the question nationally about whether or not it could get over the hump. September wins against LSU and Clemson, which admittedly are less impressive as the season goes on, seemed to have given everyone an answer. The Seminoles are a real Playoff threat.

Florida State still has a couple more tests to pass this season. That’s going to include a potentially difficult ACC Championship Game. For now, though, the Seminoles are right in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot.

5. Oregon Ducks

For now, Kirk Herbstreit has the Oregon Ducks on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff picture. That’s despite having an explosive offense led by an experienced quarterback. Still, there’s plenty of time for Oregon to move up in these rankings.

Next weekend, Oregon and Washington will play. That’s a rivalry game that will have both College Football Playoff and Pac-12 implications. Winning that game would be huge and likely move the Ducks up. However, a loss would be a major setback.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

At this point in the season, Ohio State is unbeaten with a marquee win on the road against Notre Dame. Still, Kirk Herbstreit is a couple slots out of the College Football Playoff picture, according to Kirk Herbstreit. It’s hard to guess his reasoning, but a few slow starts to games for the Buckeyes likely contributed to it.

Ultimately, the expectation at Ohio State is to make the College Football Playoff. Eventually, the Buckeyes will have their shot to prove they’re worthy of a spot this season, as they were last season. In particular, Ohio State will get tested against Penn State and Michigan.

There is still plenty of time for things to change, but about halfway through the season, that’s how Kirk Herbstreit sees things shaking out.