Buckeyes Reign Supreme: Ohio State Claims Top Spot in 2025 College Football Playoff Rankings
The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are here, and they’ve already sparked excitement and debate among fans. Released Tuesday evening, the initial rankings place Ohio State (8-0) at the coveted No. 1 spot, a position that feels both familiar and hard-earned for the defending national champions. But here’s where it gets controversial: the Buckeyes are trailed closely by fellow Big Ten powerhouse Indiana (9-0) at No. 2, a team that’s been quietly dominating this season. Could this be the year the Hoosiers finally break through? Or will Ohio State’s experience and depth prove too much to handle?
The SEC, as always, flexes its muscle with the next four teams in the rankings. Texas A&M (8-0) sits at No. 3, followed by perennial contender Alabama (7-1) at No. 4, Georgia (7-1) at No. 5, and Ole Miss (8-1) rounding out the top six. But this is the part most people miss: while the SEC dominates the top, the Big 12’s BYU (8-0) and Texas Tech (8-1) are nipping at their heels at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively. These two teams face off in Lubbock this Saturday, and the outcome could shake up the rankings significantly.
Oregon (7-1) from the Big Ten lands at No. 9, a surprising placement given their No. 6 ranking in the human polls. Meanwhile, Notre Dame (6-2), an independent program, secures the No. 10 spot, proving once again that they’re a force to be reckoned with. The ACC’s highest-ranked team, Virginia (8-1), sits at No. 14, leaving fans wondering if the conference can make a late-season push.
Here’s the full CFP rankings as of 11/4/25:
- Ohio State (8-0)
- Indiana (9-0)
- Texas A&M (8-0)
- Alabama (7-1)
- Georgia (7-1)
- Ole Miss (8-1)
- BYU (8-0)
- Texas Tech (8-1)
- Oregon (7-1)
- Notre Dame (6-2)
- Texas (7-2)
- Oklahoma (7-2)
- Utah (7-2)
- Virginia (8-1)
- Louisville (7-1)
- Vanderbilt (7-2)
- Georgia Tech (8-1)
- Miami (6-2)
- USC (6-2)
- Iowa (6-2)
- Michigan (7-2)
- Missouri (6-2)
- Washington (6-2)
- Pittsburgh (7-2)
- Tennessee (6-3)
What Does This Mean for Ohio State?
As OSU head coach Ryan Day aptly pointed out, these early rankings are largely irrelevant for the Buckeyes. Their path to the CFP is clear: win out, and they’ll secure the No. 1 seed. The next three weeks look like a cakewalk, with matchups against struggling Big Ten teams Purdue, UCLA, and Rutgers. These aren’t just bottom-tier conference opponents—they’re among the weakest teams in the nation. However, the real test comes on November 29th, when Ohio State faces arch-rival Michigan. While a CFP spot will likely be locked up by then, ending a four-game losing streak to the Wolverines is a priority for the Buckeyes.
Interestingly, Texas (7-2) at No. 11 could play a subtle role in Ohio State’s favor. After a shaky start, the Longhorns have shown signs of life, with wins over Oklahoma and Vanderbilt boosting their resume—and, by extension, the Buckeyes’, given their shared opponents. But here’s a thought-provoking question: does Ohio State even need the help? And if Texas continues to climb, could they become a dark horse contender for a CFP bid?
For now, the initial CFP rankings are more fun than functional for Ohio State fans. But as the season unfolds, every game, every ranking, and every upset will matter. What’s your take? Do the Buckeyes deserve the top spot, or is there another team you think could challenge them? Let us know in the comments!
