When the College Football Playoff Selection Committee unveiled its third rankings of the 2025 season on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the college football world held its breath — and then let out a collective sigh. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) stayed at No. 1, Indiana Hoosiers (11-0) clung to No. 2, and Texas A&M Aggies (10-0) didn’t budge at No. 3. But the real story? Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2), once the perennial powerhouse, tumbled to No. 10 after a shocking loss to LSU. That’s not just a drop — it’s a wake-up call.
The Top Three Hold Steady — But the Rest Is Chaos
For the first time in years, three teams enter the final stretch of the season undefeated and ranked in the top three. Ohio State hasn’t looked this dominant since 2014, with quarterback C.J. Stroud’s successor, freshman phenom Jalon Daniels, throwing for 32 touchdowns and only one interception. Indiana? They’re playing like a team possessed — averaging 47 points a game, led by Heisman candidate running back Jalen Hood-Schifino. And Texas A&M, under Jimbo Fisher, has finally cracked the code: defense + explosiveness = national contender.
But behind them? A free-for-all. Georgia Bulldogs climbed to No. 4 after throttling Auburn, while Texas Longhorns — once the preseason favorite — cratered to No. 17 after three losses in four weeks. That’s a seven-spot tumble. Seven. One loss might be a fluke. Three? That’s a collapse.
Alabama’s Fall: A Perfect Storm
It wasn’t just the loss to LSU. It was how they lost. Down 28-14 at halftime, Alabama’s offensive line looked like it was playing in quicksand. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, who had been a Heisman frontrunner, threw two picks and fumbled twice. The defense, once the backbone of Nick Saban’s legacy, gave up 512 yards. And the crowd? At Bryant-Denny Stadium, they started chanting for the backup QB.
“We didn’t execute when it mattered,” said defensive coordinator Pete Golding after the game. “That’s not a talent issue. That’s a mental one.”
Now, Alabama faces Oregon Ducks (9-1) in the first round — a brutal matchup. Oregon’s defense ranks second nationally in sacks. Their quarterback, Bo Nix, has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 28 TDs. If Alabama loses? They’re done. No at-large bid. No New Year’s Six. Just another offseason of soul-searching.
The New Contenders: Who’s Rising?
Five teams entered the rankings for the first time this week — and three of them are from the American Athletic Conference. Tulane Green Wave (8-2), Houston Cougars (8-2), and Arizona State Sun Devils (7-3) all cracked the top 25. That’s not a fluke. It’s a sign the old guard is crumbling.
Miami Hurricanes (8-2) jumped two spots to No. 13 — the highest-ranked conference champion outside the Power Four. Their win over Florida State was a statement: Miami’s back. And they’re not just playing for a bowl. They’re playing for a shot at the national title.
Meanwhile, Brigham Young University Cougars (9-1) — the first team out — are quietly furious. They’ve beaten two top-10 teams this year. Yet they’re sitting at home while teams with two losses are getting the nod. “It’s not fair,” said head coach Kalani Sitake. “We’ve earned this.”
The Bracket: A Minefield for the Top Four
Here’s the brutal truth: the top four aren’t safe. They’re targets.
- No. 12 Tulane at No. 5 Texas Tech — a shootout waiting to happen. Tulane’s offense averages 41 points. Texas Tech? 44.
- No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 8 Oklahoma — a classic showdown. Both teams have played in the playoff before. One’s got history. The other’s got momentum.
- No. 11 Miami at No. 6 Ole Miss — the Rebels’ home crowd will be deafening. But Miami’s got the better QB.
- No. 10 Alabama at No. 7 Oregon — the game of the first round. Winner goes to Indiana. Loser? Done.
The winner of Alabama-Oregon will face Indiana — the only undefeated team left in the country. That’s a nightmare matchup for any team, let alone one coming off a three-loss season.
What’s Next? The Final Countdown
The committee will release its final rankings on December 7, 2025 — just 19 days from now. That’s when the 12-team playoff bracket becomes official. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be played on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
But here’s what no one’s talking about: the committee’s bias. Three of the 13 members are from the SEC. Two are from the Big Ten. The rest? Mostly from the ACC and Big 12. No one from the AAC. No one from the Mountain West. And yet, three AAC teams made the top 25. That’s not just luck. That’s a shift.
The old order — Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia — is still standing. But it’s cracking. And this year? The new kids are ready to take over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Alabama drop so far despite still having an 8-2 record?
Alabama’s drop to No. 10 wasn’t just about their record — it was about the quality of their losses. They lost to LSU by 17 points and were outplayed in key moments. The committee values strength of schedule and how teams perform under pressure. Alabama’s losses came against ranked opponents, but their performance was inconsistent. Meanwhile, teams like Tulane and Miami, though with fewer wins, had more dominant wins over top-25 teams, which swung the vote.
Can Indiana still make the playoff if they lose one game?
Yes — but only if they win their remaining games against Purdue and Michigan State, and if the teams ahead of them lose. Indiana’s schedule is the toughest in the Big Ten. If they finish 12-1 and beat a top-10 Michigan team, they’ll likely stay in the top four. But if they lose to Michigan and Ohio State wins out, Indiana could drop to No. 5 — and risk missing the playoff entirely. Their path is narrow, but still open.
Why are teams from the AAC suddenly ranked?
The AAC has improved dramatically this year. Tulane and Houston have elite quarterbacks, strong offensive lines, and coaching staffs that have learned from the Power Five. Tulane beat LSU, and Houston defeated Arizona State in a high-stakes game. The committee has signaled it’s now prioritizing wins over conferences. No longer are automatic bids given to Power Five teams — performance matters more than pedigree.
What’s the significance of the committee’s 13-member structure?
The committee’s composition — 13 members, mostly athletic directors and conference commissioners — means there’s inherent bias. Three are from the SEC, two from the Big Ten, and only one from the AAC. Critics argue this skews rankings toward traditional powerhouses. But this year, even with that structure, teams like Tulane and Miami broke through. That suggests the committee is finally listening to results, not reputation.
How does the 12-team playoff format change the stakes?
The 12-team format means more teams have a realistic shot — but also more pressure on the top four. Unlike the old four-team model, where being No. 4 was a gift, now the top four must win their quarterfinals on the road. A No. 10 team like Alabama can still reach the title game — if they beat Oregon, then Indiana, then the winner of Ohio State’s game. The margin for error is razor-thin.
When will the final rankings be announced, and how do they affect the matchups?
The final rankings will be released on December 7, 2025, and they’ll lock in the entire 12-team bracket. The top four teams get a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the quarterfinals. The rest are seeded 5-12 and play on the road. That’s why Alabama’s drop to No. 10 is so devastating — they now have to win two road games just to reach the semifinals, and they’ll likely face Oregon and then Indiana — two of the most dangerous teams left.