The third set of College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for 2024 is set to be released on Tuesday, November 19, marking the midpoint of the final stretch of the regular season. This ranking is significant as it will help clarify which teams are in strong contention for playoff spots. As fans await the official release, predictions about how the top 25 teams will be ordered are already circulating, with analysts considering factors like head-to-head results, strength of schedule, and games against ranked opponents.
The projections for the upcoming CFP rankings are based on several key factors. Head-to-head results are a critical consideration, as teams with victories over highly ranked opponents will likely rise in the rankings. Strength of schedule is another important factor, with teams that have faced tougher competition earning a boost. Additionally, wins over ranked teams are highly valued, as they demonstrate a team’s ability to compete at a high level and increase their chances of making the playoff.
While these projections provide an early view of how teams might be ranked, they are not official. The committee may weigh additional factors or interpret the criteria differently. Nevertheless, these predictions offer an insight into the current playoff race, as teams continue to battle for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Predictions for the Third CFP Top 25 Rankings – November 2024
Note: These rankings are based on results as of Sunday, Nov. 17.
1. Oregon (11-0) – Last week: 1
Oregon narrowly edged out Wisconsin, but they remain undefeated and keep their place atop the rankings.
2. Ohio State (9-1) – Last week: 2
The Buckeyes defeated Northwestern and should maintain their spot at No. 2.
3. Texas (9-1) – Last week: 3
Texas held off Arkansas, and they should stay as the top-ranked SEC team.
4. Penn State (9-1) – Last week: 4
With a dominant win over Purdue, Penn State remains in the top four.
5. Indiana (10-0) – Last week: 5
Indiana had a bye week, and no other top-10 team had a big enough win to surpass them.
6. Notre Dame (9-1) – Last week: 8
With losses from BYU and Tennessee, Notre Dame is a clear candidate to move up.
7. Miami (Fla.) (9-1) – Last week: 9
Miami stays ahead of the two-loss SEC teams after their solid ranking last week.
8. Georgia (8-2) – Last week: 12
After a convincing win over Tennessee, Georgia may re-enter the top 10. Their victory over Texas gives them the edge over other two-loss SEC teams.
9. Tennessee (8-2) – Last week: 7
Despite their loss to Georgia, Tennessee’s head-to-head victory over Alabama keeps them in the top 10.
10. Alabama (8-2) – Last week: 10
Alabama’s position remains unchanged. Although their recent wins are losing some luster, they stay ahead of Ole Miss.
11. Ole Miss (8-2) – Last week: 11
Ole Miss remains in the playoff picture despite having a bye week. Still, they are currently outside of the playoff bracket.
12. BYU (9-1) – Last week: 6
After a tough loss to Kansas, BYU will drop below its previous ranking but remains a strong contender.
13. Boise State (9-1) – Last week: 13
Boise State’s loss to Oregon remains a better result than BYU’s defeat, and the Broncos stay ranked.
14. SMU (9-1) – Last week: 14
SMU remains a playoff bubble team, maintaining its position after a win over Boston College.
15. Texas A&M (7-2) – Last week: 15
A win over New Mexico State doesn’t significantly affect Texas A&M’s ranking, keeping them at No. 15.
16. Colorado (8-2) – Last week: 17
With Kansas State’s recent loss, Colorado could break into the top 12 if they continue winning.
17. South Carolina (7-3) – Last week: 21
South Carolina moves ahead of Clemson after a win over Missouri.
18. Clemson (8-2) – Last week: 20
Clemson barely defeated Pitt, allowing South Carolina to surpass them in the rankings.
19. Arizona State (8-2) – Last week: NR
Arizona State’s impressive victory over Kansas State, where they led 24-0, earns them a spot in the top 20.
20. Army (9-0) – Last week: 24
Army moves into the top 20 after losses by ranked teams ahead of them, though a lack of notable wins keeps them lower than Arizona State.
21. Kansas State (7-3) – Last week: 16
Kansas State drops after back-to-back losses, though their wins over Colorado and Tulane keep them ranked.
22. Tulane (8-2) – Last week: 25
A shutout victory boosts Tulane’s ranking, but their loss to Kansas State limits their rise.
23. Iowa State (8-2) – Last week: NR
Iowa State returns to the rankings after a win, correcting their earlier exclusion.
24. Missouri (7-3) – Last week: 23
Despite three losses, Missouri stays ranked due to their tough schedule and losses to only ranked opponents.
25. Illinois (7-3) – Last week: NR
Illinois enters the rankings at No. 25 with a solid 7-3 record from the Big Ten.
Teams Just Missed
Ole Miss, SMU, Texas A&M, and Colorado will remain outside of the playoff picture.
Key CFP Questions Ahead:
How will the committee rank two-loss SEC teams?
Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss all have two SEC losses. The order in which they are ranked will have lasting implications, as none of them will face ranked teams in the regular season’s final weeks.
How far does BYU drop?
BYU’s first loss to Kansas could drop them below their previous No. 6 ranking, but their wins over SMU and Kansas State will help preserve a relatively high rank.
Who’s on the rise?
With multiple ranked teams falling, we could see new faces in the rankings, potentially leading to matchups that can influence playoff positioning.
Stay tuned as the College Football Playoff rankings continue to evolve through the final weeks of the regular season.
