1. Ohio State (10-0) – Last Week: 1
It’s been an easy stretch for the Buckeyes, but Michigan now looms in a massive showdown in one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports.
2. Indiana (11-0) – Last Week: 3
Indiana started slow against Wisconsin on Saturday, but once they picked it up, they never slowed down and cruised to another win.
3. Texas A&M (10-0) – Last Week: 2
The Aggies are having one of their best seasons in program history. Down 30-3 at halftime to South Carolina, they stormed all the way back, holding the Gamecocks scoreless in the second half. Two missed field goals and a defensive touchdown against their own offense nearly doomed them, but Marcel Reed rallied the team, and Mike Elko’s squad remains undefeated.
4. Georgia (9-1) – Last Week: 5
Georgia dominated Texas with another signature win. While Texas A&M may be undefeated, Georgia looks like the most complete and strongest team in the SEC.
5. Texas Tech (10-1) – Last Week: 6
The Red Raiders cruised to another easy win. At this point, a rematch with BYU in the Big 12 Championship feels inevitable.
6. Ole Miss (10-1) – Last Week: 7
Ole Miss battled hard against Florida and prevailed. With two weeks to go, unless they find themselves in the SEC Championship, the Rebels are in prime position to secure a College Football Playoff berth.
7. Oregon (9-1) – Last Week: 8
Oregon handled Minnesota with ease. A massive matchup with USC awaits next week.
8. Oklahoma (8-2) – Last Week: 11
Brent Venables finally gets his signature win as Oklahoma’s head coach with a huge road victory against Alabama. As long as the Sooners avoid a late-season slip, they’re in strong position for a College Football Playoff spot.
9. Notre Dame (8-2) – Last Week: 9
A massive road win over Pitt felt like the statement victory Notre Dame needed to show the committee they can win in tough environments and on unfavorable terms.
10. Alabama (8-2) – Last Week: 4
Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma doesn’t hurt their overall playoff standing. The Tide have done enough to be a lock. While they blew a chance at a first-round bye, their spot in the field shouldn’t be affected by the loss.
11. BYU (9-1) – Last Week: NR
BYU keeps grinding out wins and remains alive in the Big 12 Championship race. They’ll need to beat Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship game to earn a CFP bid.
12. Vanderbilt (8-2) – Last Week: 12
Vandy was idle this week. They host Kentucky before finishing the season against Tennessee. If the Commodores win out, they should be in the CFP top 12. Right now, they’re just outside, but this team absolutely looks the part.