The latest College Football Playoff rankings have effectively ended Texas’s playoff hopes while leaving Miami on the bubble, with Tulane emerging as the top Group of 5 contender. Released on November 18, 2025, the rankings saw Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M maintain the top three spots, while Georgia climbed to No. 4 after a strong performance.
Texas’s dramatic fall to No. 17 follows a 35-10 loss to Georgia, eliminating the Longhorns from contention despite their preseason No. 1 ranking. With three losses, including this decisive defeat, Texas has no viable path to the 12-team playoff, even with a potential win over rival Texas A&M in their finale. This marks a significant downturn for a team once favored to compete for the national championship.
Miami, positioned at No. 13, remains in a precarious state, needing victories and help from other teams to secure a playoff berth. The Hurricanes’ head-to-head win over Notre Dame could be pivotal if both teams finish with similar records, but the committee has not yet deemed them comparable. Miami must defeat Virginia Tech and Pitt in their remaining games and hope for losses by teams like Alabama, BYU, or Utah to move into the top 10.
In the Group of 5 race, Tulane has taken the lead as the flavor of the week, entering the rankings at No. 24. The Green Wave’s schedule strength, featuring games against Ole Miss, Duke, and Northwestern, gives them an advantage over contenders like James Madison and North Texas. Tulane controls its destiny for the American Conference championship, with a win in their final games securing a spot.
The committee’s decisions highlight the ongoing debate between the ‘best’ and ‘most deserving’ teams, exemplified by Notre Dame at No. 9 ahead of Alabama at No. 10. Notre Dame is favored for its strong recent play, while Alabama boasts a resume with four wins against top-25 opponents. Committee chair Hunter Yurachek noted that head-to-head results and conference championships will be key factors in close comparisons.
Other bubble teams include BYU and Utah in the Big 12, and Vanderbilt in the SEC, each with paths to the playoff but requiring specific outcomes. The upcoming rivalry weekend could introduce chaos, with games like Ohio State vs. Michigan and Alabama vs. Auburn having major implications. The committee’s projections show a potential bracket with first-round byes for the top four teams and competitive matchups for the at-large spots.
As the season concludes, the playoff landscape remains fluid, with critical games set to determine the final field. The committee’s final rankings on Selection Day will reflect the outcomes of these contests, potentially rewarding teams that peak at the right time. College football fans can expect a thrilling finish to the 2025 season.
