The 12 Teams Ranked 1–12
1. 
Indiana Hoosiers (13–0)
One of the biggest surprise stories in college football in a long time. Even though last year Indiana had a super easy schedule in 2024 and the one tough game they had in the regular season was against Ohio State where they lost by 23 points, fast forward to 2025 and Indiana is the best team in all of college football. They dominated their inferior opponents, beat Oregon on the road, and then beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State had looked unstoppable all year long until they faced Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers in Indianapolis.
1. 
Ohio State Buckeyes (12–1)
The Buckeyes dominated all year long until they lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State is led by freshman QB Julian Sayin and sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. They will be waiting for their opponent at the Cotton Bowl Classic.
3. 
Georgia Bulldogs (12–1)
Georgia might be ranked third, but they have the best football team coming into the College Football Playoff and the best head coach in Kirby Smart. This team is led by QB Gunner Stockton. Georgia will be waiting for their opponent down in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Sugar Bowl.s.
4. 
Texas Tech Raiders (12–1)
Texas Tech looks like a CFP lock at this point, but there’s still work to do. They face a resurgent West Virginia team that started slowly but has picked things up late in the season.
5. 
Oregon Ducks (11–1)
Oregon put together another strong season under Dan Lanning and looks like one of the most complete teams in the field. The Ducks will host 12-1 James Madison this coming,
6. 
Ole Miss Rebels (11–1)
Ole Miss enters the playoff with plenty of talent, but the loss of Lane Kiffin may loom large over their first-round matchup. The Rebels will host Tulane on Saturday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi, in a game where focus will be critical.
7. 
Texas A&M Aggies (11–1)
Texas A&M started the season 11-0 before losing to their rivals Texas. Despite the setback, the Aggies remain one of the toughest teams in the field. Texas A&M has a game Saturday morning against Miami at Kyle Field in College Station.
8. 
Oklahoma Sooners (10–2)
This is Oklahoma’s first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019. Brent Venables finally seems to be figuring it out as Oklahoma’s head coach. The Sooners will face Alabama on Friday night, a team they already beat 23-21 just over a month ago.
9. 
Alabama Crimson Tide (10–3)
Alabama’s inclusion in the CFP is controversial after getting smacked by Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, dropping their third loss, yet getting in over Notre Dame. Alabama will have to prove they belong when they play Oklahoma on Friday night.
10. 
Miami Hurricanes (10–2)
Miami started strong by beating Notre Dame on opening night, but had some hiccups along the way. The Hurricanes will play Texas A&M on Saturday morning at Kyle Field in College Station.
11. Tulane Green Wave 11-2
Tulane beat two Power 4 teams this season in Northwestern and ACC champion Duke. As a smaller program getting into the CFP, Tulane will look to shock the world when they play Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi.
12. James Madison Dukes 12-1
James Madison recently made the jump to the FBS, making this a remarkable achievement for the program. The Dukes will travel to Eugene to face Oregon on Saturday night. No one is really giving James Madison a chance to win, but the question is can they upset Oregon in Eugene.
First Round Matchup Predictions
Friday Night
8 Alabama @ 9 Oklahoma
Prediction: Alabama wins 27-19
Saturday Morning
10 Miami @ 7 Texas A&M
Prediction: Texas A&M wins 33-24
Saturday Afternoon
11 Tulane @ 6 Ole Miss
Prediction: Ole Miss wins 27-10
Saturday Night
12 James Madison @ 5 Oregon
Prediction: Oregon wins 45-17
National Championship
Matchup:
3 Georgia vs 1 Indiana
Prediction:
Georgia defeats Indiana 20-17