First 2023 CFP Rankings: Dawgs Behind Buckeyes
Unbeaten Georgia is still in the running for a national championship three-peat, and it may be No. 1 on the AP top 25, but the College Football Playoff Selection Committee placed the Dawgs behind Ohio State in its first 2023 CFP rankings. The rankings were released after most of the nation’s top teams completed their eighth of 12 regular season games.
The committee ranked the top contenders for the four-team playoff and those with a chance at the New Year’s Six bowls.
During ESPN’s Tuesday night reveal show, the committee provided the first glimpse at how they view each Top 25 based on the latest results and ongoing power struggles among key storyline builders. As the season heats up, the committee looks at each data point for evenly matched teams and weighs the value of certain wins and losses.
The eight undefeated teams entering Week 10 are Air Force, Georgia, Florida State, Liberty, Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, and James Madison. (The Dukes, however, are not bowl eligible while transitioning from FCS.)
After an exciting start to the season and plenty of surprises, take a look at the initial top 25:
1. Ohio State (8-0)
Ohio State saw multiple changes on offense but has continued to roll behind wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and a collection of other playmakers. However, an improved defense has stolen the show and allowed Ryan Day to preach the toughness of his team.
After beating Penn State recently, the Buckeyes will face its next big challenge against Michigan in the final week of the regular season. Whichever team wins is likely the Big Ten East champion.
2. Georgia (8-0)
Georgia has a chance to cement its place in college football history with a third national championship in as many years. Despite multiple injuries to top players — including tight end Brock Bowers — the Bulldogs have continued their dominant run through the regular season.
With three consecutive games against Top 25 teams on the schedule, Georgia will have a golden opportunity to boost its resume ahead of the postseason.
3. Michigan (8-0)
Michigan has continued its run of dominance on the field this season, already overcoming a Jim Harbaugh suspension and now looking to block outside noise about another NCAA investigation.
The gold standard of the Big Ten the past two seasons, Michigan still has games against Penn State and Ohio State left to cement its spot as one of the top teams in college football ahead of the CFP.
4. Florida State (8-0)
Florida State continues its rise back towards the top of college football, taking care of business early in the season with wins over LSU and Clemson. Now, through the toughest stretch of its schedule, the Seminoles must keep its focus to keep their postseason hopes alive in the ACC and CFP.
5. Washington (8-0)
Washington has — based on the current CFP rankings — the best win in the country over Oregon. Michael Penix asserted himself as a Heisman Trophy front-runner with big performances in the biggest games of the season and proved the Huskies offense can run up the score on anyone.
However, with three straight games against Top 25 opponents ahead, there is plenty time left to write the story of Washington’s season.
6. Oregon (7-1)
Oregon tops the list of one-loss teams based on its high-powered offense and stout defense which allowed the Ducks to dominate Utah in their biggest game since dropping the showdown against Washington.
With challenging games still ahead, their hopes for a Pac-12 bid and CFP berth are far from gone at this point.
CFP Top 25 Rankings
7. Texas (7-1)
8. Alabama (7-1)
9. Oklahoma (7-1)
10. Ole Miss (7-1)
11. Penn State (7-1)
12. Missouri (7-1)
13. Louisville (7-1)
14. LSU (6-2)
15. Notre Dame (7-2)
16. Oregon State (6-2)
17. Tennessee (6-2)
18. Utah (6-2)
19. UCLA (6-2)
20. USC (7-2)
21. Kansas (6-2)
22. Kansas State (6-2)
23. Oklahoma State (6-2)
24. Tulane (7-1)
25. Air Force (8-0)