The College Football Playoff Selection Committee released its third rankings of the 2025 season on November 18, 2025, and the top three spots remain locked in by undefeated powerhouses: Ohio State (10-0), Indiana (11-0), and Texas A&M (10-0). For the third week straight, the Buckeyes sit at No. 1, the Hoosiers hold firm at No. 2, and the Aggies cling to No. 3 — all with first-round byes locked in. But the real story? Georgia clawed its way up from No. 5 to No. 4, and Tulane, at No. 24, became the first Group of Five team to punch a ticket into the 12-team playoff field. This isn’t just about who’s hot — it’s about who’s still alive.
The Top Four: A Tale of Perfection and Pressure
Ohio State didn’t just stay on top — they stayed flawless. The Buckeyes haven’t lost a game since last season, and their schedule, featuring wins over ranked opponents like Michigan and Penn State, has the committee nodding in approval. Indiana? They’re not just winning — they’re dominating. Eleven wins, zero losses, and a schedule that’s quietly become one of the toughest in the country. Texas A&M, meanwhile, has been the quiet powerhouse, with a defense that’s allowed fewer than 17 points per game since September. And Georgia? The Bulldogs didn’t just move up — they made a statement. After a narrow win over LSU and a dominant performance against Florida, they leapfrogged Alabama and Texas Tech, proving they’re still a national title threat despite their one loss to South Carolina.
The Shockers: Alabama Falls, Texas Tumbles
Here’s the twist: Alabama dropped from No. 4 to No. 10. One week after being considered a playoff lock, the Crimson Tide’s 8-2 record — including a loss to LSU and a shaky win over Arkansas — suddenly looks vulnerable. Their strength of schedule? Solid. Their margin of victory? Not so much. Meanwhile, Texas plummeted from No. 10 to No. 17 after a shocking 31-28 loss to TCU. That defeat didn’t just cost them ranking points — it cost them credibility. The Longhorns now need help from others just to stay in the conversation.
Tulane’s Historic Run: The Group of Five Breakthrough
Let’s be clear — Tulane at No. 24 is a big deal. In the old four-team playoff era, a team from the American Athletic Conference would’ve had zero shot. But now? The 12-team format, adopted in 2024, guarantees the top five conference champions a spot. And with Tulane leading the AAC at 9-2, they’re not just hoping — they’re projected to win the conference title. CBS Sports confirmed they’re the highest-ranked Group of Five team in the field, and the committee’s rules give them a direct path. No upsets needed. Just one more win. That’s the beauty — and the pressure — of the new system.
First-Round Matchups: The Bracket Takes Shape
The projected first-round matchups are already forming. According to ESPN’s analysis, Ohio State would host Notre Dame at home, while Georgia would face Tulane at Texas Tech’s home field in Lubbock. Meanwhile, Texas A&M would play Miami (FL) at Ole Miss’s Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. That’s the brutal reality for teams ranked 5–8 — you get to host, but you’re also the first obstacle for a team with nothing to lose. And for Tulane? Playing in Lubbock isn’t a home game — but it’s better than flying to Columbus.
What’s Next? Three More Rankings, One Final Cut
The committee has three more updates before Selection Day on December 7, 2025. The next rankings drop on November 25, 2025, followed by December 2, and then the final reveal. Every game matters now. Ohio State plays Michigan next week. Indiana faces Purdue. Texas A&M takes on LSU. Georgia plays Georgia Tech. And Tulane? They host South Florida. One slip — and the whole landscape shifts. The committee’s methodology hasn’t changed: win-loss record, strength of schedule, head-to-head, common opponents, and conference championships. But what’s changed? The stakes. Every loss is a death sentence. Every win is a lifeline.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Format Works
The 12-team playoff, introduced in 2024, was meant to be fairer. And so far, it is. No more debate about whether a 12-1 team from the Big Ten deserves a shot. No more leaving out undefeated Group of Five teams. Now, the best teams get rewarded — and the best conference champs get in. The system still favors Power Five teams, sure. But Tulane’s presence proves it’s not impossible. This isn’t just about who wins — it’s about who survives. And right now, the Green Wave are surviving better than most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tulane make the playoff as a Group of Five team?
Tulane earned the final spot by being the highest-ranked non-Power Five team at No. 24 and is projected to win the American Athletic Conference. The 12-team format guarantees the top five conference champions a berth, and with Tulane leading the AAC at 9-2, they’re on track to claim that automatic bid. Even if they lose their final regular-season game, they’d still likely win the conference title in the AAC Championship Game.
Why did Alabama drop so far in the rankings?
Alabama’s drop from No. 4 to No. 10 came after a loss to LSU and a lackluster win over Arkansas. While their overall record is still strong (8-2), their margin of victory has shrunk, and their strength of schedule doesn’t match the top four. The committee values dominance — and Alabama’s recent performances haven’t shown it. They now need help from other teams to climb back in.
What’s the difference between a first-round bye and hosting?
The top four teams — Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Georgia — get a first-round bye, meaning they don’t play until the second round. Teams ranked 5–8 (Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oklahoma) host first-round games but must play immediately. That’s a huge advantage: rest, home-field advantage, and avoiding the pressure of an early elimination game.
Can a team outside the top 12 still make the playoff?
No. Only the top 12 teams in the final rankings make the field. But conference champions outside the top 12 can still qualify if they’re among the top five conference champions. That’s why Tulane, at No. 24, is in — they’re projected to win the AAC. If a Group of Five champion falls outside the top 12, the committee picks the highest-ranked champion — not the highest-ranked team overall.
When is Selection Day, and what happens then?
Selection Day is December 7, 2025. That’s when the final 12-team bracket is announced, including matchups, hosts, and byes. The committee’s final rankings determine everything: who plays whom, where, and when. No more speculation — just the official bracket. It’s the culmination of six weeks of rankings and dozens of games.
How does the committee decide between teams with similar records?
The committee looks at head-to-head results first, then strength of schedule, then results against common opponents. They also weigh conference championships and overall performance trends. For example, Georgia jumped Alabama because they beat a higher-ranked LSU team and have a stronger overall schedule. It’s not just wins — it’s how, when, and against whom you won.