2025 College Football Playoff Penultimate Rankings and Bracket Unveiled by ESPN
On December 2, 2025, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee released its fifth and penultimate Top 25 rankings of the season, setting the stage for the final playoff picture ahead of the decisive December 7 announcement. The rankings were broadcast live on ESPN, bringing intense anticipation and debate among fans and analysts alike.
Top Teams Dominate the Leaderboard
The race for the College Football Playoff remains fierce, with Ohio State and Indiana both undefeated and holding the top two spots at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. Georgia (11-1) climbed back into the top four, currently sitting at No. 3, while Texas Tech and Oregon, both with 11-1 records, secured spots at No. 4 and No. 5. Ole Miss, despite a recent coaching change, rose to No. 6, reflecting the committee’s confidence in their strong performance through the season.
Rounding out the top 10 are Texas A&M at No. 7, Oklahoma at No. 8, Alabama at No. 9, and Notre Dame at No. 10. Notably, BYU holds the No. 11 position with an 11-1 record, sparking conversation about its at-large playoff chances should they defeat Texas Tech in their upcoming matchup. The ranking nuance is critical as conference champions automatically qualify, sometimes affecting overall seeding logic.
Bracket Projection Highlights
The current bracket projection, based on these rankings, includes several compelling matchups. The top four seeds—Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia, and Texas Tech—are set to receive first-round byes. First-round contests will take place on campus December 19 and 20, featuring:
- No. 12 Tulane (American Conference Champion) at No. 5 Oregon
- No. 9 Alabama visiting No. 8 Oklahoma
- No. 11 Ole Miss (fourth highest-ranked conference champion) at No. 6 Georgia
- No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 Texas A&M
Winners from these matchups will advance to face the top seeds in the quarterfinals, creating a highly anticipated pathway to the semifinals.
Bubble Teams and Conference Considerations
The Committee’s adherence to conference champion spots means some teams with strong records but no conference titles, like Michigan (9-3) and Houston (9-3), remain outside the playoff picture. The American Conference’s Tulane currently leads as the top Group of 5 team, with North Texas (11-1) threatening to take that spot depending on upcoming results. Meanwhile, the ACC faces scrutiny as Virginia (10-2) might secure a playoff spot if they win out, potentially bumping other bubble teams.
Final Rankings and Playoff Preview
The final CFP rankings and official playoff matchups will be revealed Sunday, December 7, starting at 11 a.m. EST on ESPN. This will solidify the playoff field and bowl game assignments, intensifying the excitement as teams prepare for the postseason battles.
Fans and analysts are closely watching the metrics and committee decisions, weighing team records, strength of schedule, and championship outcomes. The dynamics of the 2025 college football season promise a thrilling conclusion as the nation tunes in for the College Football Playoff.