The College Football Playoff selection committee unveiled the first Top 25 rankings of the 2026 season on Tuesday, November 3. The unveiling, broadcast on ESPN, comes during a season characterized by significant team shuffling and multiple different programs holding the number one spot in previous polls.
The initial rankings place Miami at number one with an 8–0 record, followed by Georgia at number two and Utah at number three. Indiana holds the number four spot with an 8–1 record, while Alabama is ranked fifth at 6–2.
Among the undefeated teams in all of FBS, UCLA remains at number eight with an 8–0 record under first-year coach Bob Chesney. Other notable positions in the top ten include Kentucky at number six, Texas at number seven, BYU at number nine, and Ole Miss at number 10.
The rankings revealed several controversial placements, including Ohio State at number 12 and Wake Forest at number 16. Analysts noted that at number 12, Ohio State would be the first team out if the bracket were determined today, as Boise State is ranked at number 25.
Other teams appearing in the top 25 include Notre Dame at number 11, Tennessee at number 13, LSU at number 14, Texas Tech at number 15, Houston at number 17, Missouri at number 18, Iowa at number 19, USC at number 20, South Carolina at number 21, Arizona at number 22, Oregon at number 23, and Florida at number 24.
The selection committee for the College Football Playoff includes several athletic directors and former coaches. Members include committee chair Hunter Yurachek, the Arkansas athletic director, and Utah athletic director Mark Harlan. Other members include Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen, former Michigan State and Cincinnati coach Mark Dantonio, Appalachian State athletic director Doug Gillin, former sports writer Ivan Maisel, former Auburn and UCF coach Gus Malzahn, Middle Tennessee State athletic director Chris Massaro, former Arizona State player Randall McDaniel, former Oregon State and Nebraska coach Mike Riley, former Cal and Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford, former Mississippi player Wesley Walls, and Virginia athletic director Carla Williams.
These weekly rankings serve as a preview for the official selection of the playoff field, which is scheduled for Selection Sunday, Dec. 6, at noon ET.
