4 Takeaways From the First CFP Rankings Release of 2025
The college football world held its breath Tuesday night as the first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of 2025 were revealed. As always, there were surprises, debates, and plenty of speculation about who will ultimately make the coveted four-team playoff. Let’s break down four key takeaways from this initial ranking.
1. The Top Four Isn’t Set in Stone After the First CFP Rankings Release
While the teams occupying the top four spots – let’s say for the sake of example, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, and Florida State – are undoubtedly in a strong position, history tells us that the CFP rankings are far from final at this stage. One loss can drastically alter a team’s trajectory, and there are still several crucial matchups remaining on the schedule. Expect significant movement in the weeks to come, especially with conference championship games looming large. Remember, even a team ranked outside the top ten has a mathematical shot if chaos reigns supreme.
2. Strength of Schedule Matters More Than Ever in the CFP Rankings
The committee consistently emphasizes strength of schedule, and this year appears to be no different. Teams with impressive wins against ranked opponents are rewarded, while those with padded records against weaker competition may find themselves lower than expected in the initial CFP rankings. The committee’s evaluation process also considers injuries and other extenuating circumstances, but ultimately, quality wins are the key to climbing the ladder. The committee also takes into account teams that may have suffered questionable calls; just ask Dabo Swinney.
3. The “Eye Test” Still Plays a Role
Despite the increasing reliance on data and analytics, the “eye test” remains a significant factor in the CFP selection process. The committee members watch the games, assess team performance, and consider factors that may not be fully captured by statistics. This subjective element can lead to some head-scratching rankings, but it also adds an element of intrigue to the selection process. Are they a team that just barely scrapes by, or are they a team that dominates all aspects of the game? The intangibles matter.
4. Conference Championships Hold Immense Weight
Winning a conference championship is a major feather in a team’s cap. A victory in a high-profile conference title game can solidify a team’s playoff chances and potentially leapfrog them over other contenders. Conversely, an unexpected loss in a conference championship can be devastating, potentially knocking a team out of the playoff picture altogether. The pressure is on, and the stakes are incredibly high as teams vie for conference supremacy and a shot at the national championship. And let’s not forget those teams that are trying to find new identities, like the Giants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The first CFP rankings are typically released in early November, with subsequent rankings released weekly until Selection Sunday.
The CFP committee considers a variety of factors, including record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and conference championships. They also use the “eye test” to evaluate team performance.
Yes, it is possible for a team with two losses to make the CFP, although it is less likely. A team with two losses would need to have a strong strength of schedule and impressive wins against ranked opponents. It also benefits them to be one of the most talked about teams.
Winning a conference championship is very important and can significantly boost a team’s playoff chances. It demonstrates that a team is the best in their conference and can provide a crucial victory over a quality opponent.
The CFP committee does not release tied rankings. Each team is ranked individually from 1 to 25.
