The College Football Playoff Selection Committee dropped its third and most consequential rankings of the 2025-26 season on November 18, 2025, locking in the playoff bracket with four teams no one saw coming: Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0), Indiana Hoosiers (11-0), Texas A&M Aggies (10-0), and Georgia Bulldogs (9-1). The bracket is set. The stage is built. And for the first time since 2021, a team from the Big Ten — Indiana — sits at No. 2, undefeated and unshaken. This isn’t just about who’s hot. It’s about who’s earned it. And the committee didn’t hold back.
The Rise of the Unbeaten
Indiana didn’t just stay undefeated. They dominated. The Hoosiers, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., have outscored opponents by an average of 31 points per game since Week 3. Their win over Purdue Boilermakers in late October? 52-10. Their road win at Michigan State? 41-17. They’ve faced zero ranked opponents — a fact the committee openly acknowledged — but their efficiency, discipline, and depth left no room for doubt. "They’re not just winning," said Bill Hancock, former CFP executive director, in a November 19 interview. "They’re rewriting what a top-tier offense looks like in the modern game." Meanwhile, Ohio State silenced critics who thought their early-season schedule was soft. A 48-10 demolition of UCLA on November 15 wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. The Buckeyes’ defense held the Bruins to 187 total yards. Quarterback Jack Miller threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns. And with 61 first-place votes in ESPN’s poll, they’re not just the top seed — they’re the favorite.Texas A&M’s Miracle and Georgia’s Surge
Here’s the twist: Texas A&M wasn’t even in the top five two weeks ago. But on November 8, they trailed South Carolina Gamecocks 30-3 at halftime. Thirty minutes later, they won 31-30 — the largest comeback in program history. Quarterback Hayden Fry threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. The committee called it "the most dramatic turnaround of the season." And it vaulted them from No. 6 to No. 3. Suddenly, the Aggies aren’t just a contender — they’re a nightmare matchup for anyone in the quarterfinals. And then there’s Georgia. After falling to Alabama in October, the Bulldogs looked like a fading dynasty. But their 35-10 win over Texas Longhorns on November 16 changed everything. Quarterback Gunner Stockton tied his career high with four touchdown passes. The defense forced three sacks and held Texas to 142 yards. "They looked like the Georgia we remember," said Mark Richt, former Georgia head coach, on ESPN’s postgame show. "That defense? That’s championship DNA."The First-Round Gauntlet
The bracket’s first round isn’t a formality — it’s a bloodbath. Four games. Four upsets waiting to happen.- Tulane Green Wave (8-2, No. 24) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1, No. 5): The Green Wave’s offense, led by QB Michael Pratt, averages 42 points per game. Can they survive in Lubbock?
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2, No. 9) at Oklahoma Sooners (8-2, No. 8): The Sooners’ 23-21 win over Alabama on November 1 sent shockwaves. Now they host the Irish in Norman. A win here? That’s a playoff resume.
- Miami Hurricanes (8-2, No. 14) at Ole Miss Rebels (10-1, No. 6): Miami’s defense has been porous, but their offense? Explosive. Ole Miss? A physical, punishing team. This game could decide who reaches the quarterfinals.
- Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2, No. 10) at Oregon Ducks (9-1, No. 7): The Ducks’ high-octane offense vs. Alabama’s rebuilding defense. The Crimson Tide haven’t won in Eugene since 2017. Can they reverse that?
What’s at Stake After November 29
The regular season doesn’t end with the rankings. It ends with Ohio State traveling to Michigan Wolverines on November 29, 2025. The Wolverines, ranked No. 18, are the only team to have beaten Ohio State since 2021. A loss? It could open the door for Georgia to jump to No. 1. A win? The Buckeyes lock up home-field advantage through the semifinals. The final rankings drop on December 7, 2025. The quarterfinals? December 19–20. The national championship? January 20, 2026, in New Orleans.Why This Matters Beyond the Gridiron
This isn’t just about trophies. It’s about money, recruiting, and legacy. Indiana has never been in the playoff. A run here could redefine the Big Ten’s power structure. Texas A&M’s rise signals the SEC’s depth — even without a conference title, they’re a threat. And for Georgia? This is redemption. After back-to-back national titles, they’ve been playing for respect. Now, they’ve got a shot at proving they’re still the standard.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Indiana earn the No. 2 spot despite not playing a ranked opponent?
The committee prioritized dominance over schedule strength. Indiana’s 11-0 record includes wins over three Power Five teams (Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois) by an average of 29 points. Their offensive efficiency (48.3 points per game) and defensive discipline (14.2 points allowed) were deemed superior to teams with tougher schedules but more losses. The committee explicitly stated they "value consistent excellence over convenience."
Why is Georgia ranked ahead of Alabama despite both being 9-1?
Georgia’s 35-10 win over then-No. 10 Texas carried more weight than Alabama’s 23-21 win over Oklahoma. The committee cited Georgia’s defensive performance — holding Texas to 142 total yards and forcing three turnovers — as a decisive factor. Alabama’s win over Oklahoma was narrow and came against a team that had already lost twice. Georgia’s resume includes wins over three ranked opponents; Alabama’s only one.
What’s the significance of Tulane being the lowest-ranked team in the first round?
Tulane’s selection at No. 24 marks the first time a team from the American Athletic Conference has made the playoff since 2020. Their 8-2 record includes wins over ranked teams UCF and South Florida. The committee’s decision signals a growing openness to non-Power Five teams — especially those with strong win quality and no losses. A Tulane win over Texas Tech would be a historic upset.
Could Oklahoma make the semifinals if they beat Notre Dame?
Absolutely. A win over Notre Dame would give Oklahoma a 9-2 record with three top-10 wins (Alabama, LSU, and now Notre Dame). The committee has shown a willingness to reward quality wins over perfect records. If they win convincingly — say, by 17+ points — and Ohio State loses to Michigan, Oklahoma could leapfrog Georgia or even Indiana into the top four. It’s a long shot, but not impossible.
When will the final seedings be confirmed?
The final rankings will be released on December 7, 2025, after all regular-season games conclude. The committee will use that data to finalize seeding and assign quarterfinal matchups to specific bowl sites: the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl. The bracket will be officially announced at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Has any team ever made the playoff after being ranked outside the top 10 in November?
Yes — in 2018, Alabama entered the final rankings at No. 5 after a 17-14 win over Auburn, having been as low as No. 8 in early November. In 2021, Georgia jumped from No. 7 to No. 2 in the final rankings after beating Georgia Tech and Alabama. History shows momentum matters more than rankings. This year’s bracket could see another dramatic climb.