Rivalry Week in college football turned into a whirlwind of surprises, leaving fans and teams alike reeling from the chaos both on and off the field. The excitement of the weekend was palpable, but it also brought a series of unexpected outcomes that shook up the landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
Mayhem spilled from the stands to the gridiron as some of the sport’s most prominent institutions fell victim to setbacks and stupors. Ohio State lost. Clemson tumbled. Miami faltered. Tulane cratered. These results not only left fans stunned but also created a ripple effect in the latest round of College Football Playoff polling. With conference championships approaching next week, the mayhem’s only just begun. When the dust settles, who knows where the country’s standout sides will land?
College Football Playoff rankings 2024
Who is in the College Football Playoff?
As the dust settles, here’s a look at the latest rankings:
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 1 | Oregon | 12-0 |
| 2 | Texas | 11-1 |
| 3 | Penn State | 11-1 |
| 4 | Notre Dame | 11-1 |
| 5 | Georgia | 10-2 |
| 6 | Ohio State | 10-2 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 10-2 |
| 8 | SMU | 11-1 |
| 9 | Indiana | 11-1 |
| 10 | Boise State | 11-1 |
| 11 | Alabama | 9-3 |
| 12 | Miami | 10-2 |
Despite being ranked No. 12, Miami is projected to miss the 12-team field in favor of No. 16 Arizona State, who is the projected Big 12 champion and the fifth-highest conference champion. The latest round of fixtures proved scornful for Miami, who currently finds itself on the outside looking in of playoff contention after dropping a tight contest to previously unranked Syracuse. CFP chair Warde Manuel revealed that teams not playing in conference championships, like Alabama, will not be re-evaluated for postseason consideration, as their resumes are complete.
That leaves the Hurricanes in a precarious position. Although they sit in the top-12 for now, they’ll surrender that placement to the winner of the Big 12 Championship game between No. 15 Arizona State and No. 16 Iowa State. The victor will be crowned the fifth-highest ranked conference champion. Ohio State, meanwhile, fell four spots in the rankings after its stunning defeat to unranked Michigan, representing the largest drop-off from this week’s reveals, aside from Miami.
First four teams out
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, here are the teams just outside the top 12:
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 13. | Ole Miss | 9-3 |
| 14. | South Carolina | 9-3 |
| 15. | Arizona State | 10-2 |
| 16. | Iowa State | 10-2 |
The clash between the Cyclones and Sun Devils just got that much more important. Whichever side wins will secure entry into the College Football Playoff as the fifth-highest ranked conference champion. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming championship week, as both teams vie for a coveted spot.
Rest of the top 25
The drama doesn’t stop with the top 12. Here’s how the rest of the top 25 shakes out:
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 17. | Clemson | 9-3 |
| 18. | BYU | 10-2 |
| 19. | Missouri | 9-3 |
| 20. | UNLV | 10-2 |
| 21. | Illinois | 9-3 |
| 22. | Syracuse | 9-3 |
| 23. | Colorado | 9-3 |
| 24. | Army | 10-1 |
| 25. | Memphis | 10-2 |
UNLV has it all left to play for on Saturday. If the Runnin’ Rebels can quell Ashton Jeanty’s impact and capture a momentous victory, they too would secure passage into the 2024 College Football Playoff. Given all the wounds they’ve inflicted upon themselves in recent months, such a result would prove especially seismic.
How new College Football Playoff format works in 2024
The new CFP format consists of 12 teams. Automatic bids are given to the top four conference champions, which are automatically seeded 1-4 regardless of Playoff ranking. The remaining eight spots will comprise at least six at-large bids and then the two highest-ranked remaining conference champions.
So, it could be seven at-large bids and then one more conference champion, or simply eight at-large bids. The CFP committee will determine the exact breakdown of the field. At the very least, this new format guarantees that at least one Group of 5 team makes the field.
College Football Playoff predictions
Here are The Sporting News’ latest CFP bracket projections ahead of championship week:
| Seed | Team | Record |
| 1. | Oregon | 12-0 |
| 2. | Texas | 11-1 |
| 3 | SMU | 11-1 |
| 4. | Boise State | 11-1 |
| 5. | Penn State | 11-1 |
| 6. | Notre Dame | 11-1 |
| 7. | Georgia | 10-2 |
| 8. | Ohio State | 10-2 |
| 9. | Tennessee | 10-2 |
| 10. | Indiana | 11-1 |
| 11. | Arizona State | 10-2 |
| 12. | Alabama | 9-3 |
As we gear up for the thrilling conclusion of the college football season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With conference championships on the horizon and the playoff picture still shifting, fans are in for an exhilarating ride. Will the top teams hold their ground, or will more surprises emerge as we head into the final stretch? Only time will tell!
