by: James Fletcher III 21 hours ago jdfletch3
As the 2025 college football season moves into November, teams across the country have built their resumes and learned how early results hold up or fall apart given subsequent performances. For those with outstanding records and big wins, that means a place inside the College Football Playoff Top 25 and a path toward the 12-team CFP bracket at the conclusion of the regular season.
The four conference champions from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC, along with the highest ranked conference champion from the Group of Five are guaranteed a spot in the field, but not a first-round bye. The remaining seven bids will be filled by seven at-large qualifiers who can be slotted according to their ranking.
A slight shift from last seasons format, this brings added clarity to the process throughout the season and ensures the top teams will benefit from their resume. Those who finish between 5-12 will participate in the first round, hosted by the higher seed before subsequent rounds are played at traditional bowl sites.
Through 10 weeks of data, here is how the selection committee ranked the Top 25 teams with a chance to earn their spot in the new 12-team College Football Playoff. As the resumes continue to shift, the rankings will reflect the latest landscape.
1. Ohio State
Ohio State brings an undefeated record into the first College Football Playoff rankings, solidly placing them above the field in the debut Top 25. The Buckeyes continue to roll behind the consistent approach of Ryan Day and solid results on both sides of the ball.
2. Indiana
Indiana is backing up an incredible 2024 season which ended in a CFP bid with an even more impressive 2025 record. As Curt Cignetti commits to the present and future of the Hoosiers program, they continue to rise into a national contender which could make a run at the ultimate prize.
3. Texas A&M
Texas A&M controls their own destiny within the SEC at this point as the only undefeated team left in the conference. Mike Elko has things rolling for a program which has overcome multiple tests already this season and shows no signs of slowing down.
4. Alabama
Alabama faced a variety of questions following a Week 1 loss but has now turned things all the way around and rattled off some of the most impressive wins in the country so far. Kalen DeBoer appears to have the offense rolling with solid defense behind it.