College Football Rankings: Key Takeaways and Matchups

The updated college football playoff rankings dropped Tuesday night. The top 5 teams remain the same: Oregon is number one, followed by Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Indiana. The rest of the rankings stirred plenty of debate as conference play heats up.

BREAKING: Updated College Football Playoff Rankings🚨https://t.co/MyPK45wUwR pic.twitter.com/OA81I7wxjc

— On3 (@On3sports) November 20, 2024

Four Teams Hold Steady

The top four spots remain unchanged, with Oregon at No. 1, followed by Ohio State, Texas, and Penn State. These teams are on track to earn first-round byes. But conference championships in early December will determine whether they secure those spots.

The Ducks are coming off a nail-biting 16-13 win against Wisconsin, keeping their perfect season intact. Ohio State solidified its No. 2 position with a dominant 31-7 victory against Northwestern, while Texas defeated Arkansas and Penn State steamrolled Purdue.

How Things Look

If the rankings hold through conference championship weekend, here’s how the first round of the 12-team playoff would look:

• No. 12 BYU at No. 5 Ohio State
• No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Penn State
• No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 7 Indiana
• No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Norte Dame

As of right now, Oregon, Texas, Miami and Boise State would receive a bye week.

Key Upcoming Matchups Saturday

No. 5 Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State

This game can redefine the top of the rankings. Undefeated Indiana has been criticized for its weak schedule, but a win in Columbus would silence doubters and put it firmly in contention for a first-round bye.

Next Game Up 📌 pic.twitter.com/o0QUxCG7Ax

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 19, 2024

No. 18 Army at No. 6 Notre Dame

Army has been one of the season’s most surprising teams, earning its first top-25 ranking since 2020. A win against Notre Dame would solidify the Black Knights’ place in college football history. However, the Fighting Irish will look to protect their spot in the top 10 and secure a home playoff game.

https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1858514533058273304

No. 9 Ole Miss at Florida

Ole Miss is coming off a bye week, but before that, the Rebels beat Georgia in convincing fashion. Florida is coming off a big win over LSU, a team that Ole Miss lost to in October. The Gators can sneak a win against the Rebels and shake up the college playoffs.

Back to work. 🐊 pic.twitter.com/6WW3GJ8jsv

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 18, 2024

The Road Ahead

With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game feels like a playoff game. As teams fight for conference titles and the chance to secure their spot in the 12-team playoff, the excitement is only just beginning.

Buckle up, December football is going to be wild.