College Football Playoff Top 25: Penultimate 2024 CFP rankings revealed

The College Football Playoff Top 25 reveal show on ESPN has set the tone by releasing the penultimate rankings ahead of the bracket reveal on Sunday. The latest snapshot of what the selection committee believes is sure to spark controversy after a Saturday filled with upsets.

In the first year of the new format, the four highest-ranked conference champions will receive the top-four seeds, granting them a bye to the Quarterfinals hosted at one of the New Years Six bowl venues. The remaining eight bids will be filled by seven at-large qualifiers, and the fifth-highest ranked conference champion. The higher-seeded teams will host the lower-seeded teams in the first round.

For those reasons, the College Football Playoff Top 25 is not necessarily reflective of the final bracket.

With just the conference championship games left to play, here is how the selection committee ranked the Top 25 teams with a chance to earn their spot in the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

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Oregon closes the season as college football’s only undefeated team, now preparing for the Big Ten Championship which could provide them with the No. 1 overall seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Penn State

Steve Sarkisian (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Texas closes their first SEC season as the top-ranked team from the conference, now holding a chance to face Georgia in the title game. A first-round bye will be on the line in the College Football Playoff.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Georgia

Penn State took advantage of the rivalry slip-up by Ohio State, finding a spot in the Big Ten Championship against Oregon with a chance to potentially earn a first-round bye and climb further up the final rankings.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Oregon

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. (Chad Weaver/Blue & Gold)

Despite suffering an early loss to Northern Illinois, Notre Dame rebounded well this season and closed out as one of the top teams in the country. The Fighting Irish are now likely to host a first-round game.

Upcoming schedule: N/A

Georgia finds its way into the SEC Championship against Texas with the opportunity to continue their climb back up the CFP rankings. They can also earn a first-round bye with a win, despite two losses on the resume.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Texas

Ohio State HC Ryan Day vs. Indiana. He is 1-3 against Michigan despite being born on third. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAYNETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State lost The Game again under Ryan Day, turning up the heat on the Buckeyes while knocking them out of the running for the conference title or a first-round bye. They will likely still host a game at home.

Upcoming schedule: N/A

Tennessee has effectively locked itself into the College Football Playoff ranked here with most of the country done playing games until the selection committee meets again. The only remaining question is whether the Volunteers could host a first-round game.

Upcoming schedule: N/A

SMU HC Rhett Lashlee. (Matt Visinsky / On3)

In their first season in the ACC, SMU has earned a spot in the conference title game against Clemson. Their position – win or loss – will be one of the most heavily debated topics in college football.

Upcoming schedule: vs. Clemson

The surprise story of college football, first-year coach Curt Cignetti has them positioned to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers closed the season strong to solidify their spot in the rankings.

Upcoming schedule: N/A

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Boise State remains the highest ranked Group of Five team in the country but must now close the deal by winning the Mountain West Conference title. If they can, a first-round bye could be in play.

Upcoming schedule: vs. UNLV

In the first year under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has seen ups and downs while remaining in the mix. The roller coaster continued with a rivalry game win surrounded by other upsets which change the bubble.

Upcoming schedule: N/A

Oct 26, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal looks on after the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami will miss the ACC Championship after suffering an upset loss against Syracuse in the final week of the regular season. The Hurricanes fate now sits in the hands of the selection committee over the final weeks.

Upcoming schedule: N/A

CFP Top 25 Rankings

13. Ole Miss

14. South Carolina

15. Arizona State

16. Iowa State

17. Clemson

18. BYU

19. Missouri

20. UNLV

21. Illinois

22. Syracuse

23. Colorado

24. Army

25. Memphis

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