Ohio State and Indiana Hold Top Spots as Alabama Plummets to No. 10 in College Football Playoff Rankings
- Sami El-Amin
- 21 November 2025
- 0 Comments
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers remain the class of college football, holding firm at No. 1 and No. 2 in the College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s third 2025 rankings, released Tuesday, November 18, 2025. But the real story? The Alabama Crimson Tide — once the perennial powerhouse — tumbled to No. 10, all but ending their hopes for a playoff berth. The drop wasn’t just a slip. It was a collapse. And it sent shockwaves through the SEC, the recruiting trail, and every fan who still believes in the myth of Alabama’s invincibility.
Top Four Lock In, But the Chaos Below Is Real
The top four teams — Ohio State (10-0), Indiana (11-0), Texas A&M (10-0), and Georgia (9-1) — all earned first-round byes. That’s the new reality of the 12-team playoff: survive the regular season, and you get a rest. Ohio State’s perfect record, anchored by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in a game since September, is no fluke. Indiana, meanwhile, has been the season’s most surprising force. Eleven wins. Zero losses. And they’ve done it with a balanced attack, a top-10 rushing offense, and a secondary that’s forced 18 turnovers. They’re not just winning. They’re dominating.But here’s the twist: Texas A&M’s rise to No. 3 came not from a flawless season, but from sheer grit. ESPN analysts noted that the Aggies were down 28-7 at halftime against South Carolina — a team that entered the game 5-6 — and still pulled off a 31-28 comeback. That’s the kind of win that makes committees take notice. It’s not just wins. It’s how you win. And Texas A&M showed they can dig deep when it matters.
Alabama’s Fall: A Perfect Storm
The Alabama Crimson Tide were once a lock for the playoff. Now? They’re fighting for relevance. Their 8-2 record looks decent on paper, but the losses — to LSU in overtime and a shocking 34-31 defeat to Ole Miss in Oxford — were not just losses. They were red flags. The defense, once the gold standard, has given up 30+ points in three of their last five games. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has been inconsistent, and the offensive line has struggled against speed. The committee didn’t just downgrade them. They signaled: Alabama is no longer elite. They’re just good. And in a year with 10 undefeated teams, that’s not enough.For context: In 2023, Alabama entered the final rankings at No. 3 with two losses. This year? They’re outside the top eight. That’s a 10-spot plunge. And it’s not just about stats. It’s about perception. The committee sees teams like Oregon (8-2) and Texas Tech (10-1) as more complete, more explosive, more playoff-ready. Alabama’s reputation isn’t carrying them anymore. It’s holding them back.
The ACC’s Last Gasp: Georgia Tech and Virginia
With Duke eliminated, the ACC is left with two hopefuls: Georgia Tech (9-1) and Virginia (9-2). Neither is a household name. Neither has a Heisman candidate. But both have something the committee values: strength of schedule and late-season momentum. Georgia Tech beat Clemson and Florida State. Virginia stunned North Carolina and beat Miami in a 31-28 thriller. The ACC’s path to the playoff is narrow — maybe even impossible — but these two teams are the only ones still standing. And they know it."There’s still no clean cut path," said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy during the rankings reveal. "But right now, Virginia and Georgia Tech are the best chances to play."
First-Round Matchups: Upsets Waiting to Happen
The first-round bracket is a minefield. No. 10 Alabama travels to No. 7 Oregon — a team that’s averaged 41 points per game since October. Oregon’s quarterback, Bo Nix, is playing the best football of his career. Alabama’s defense? It’s vulnerable. This isn’t just a game. It’s a coronation waiting to happen — or a final, desperate stand.No. 12 Tulane (8-2) at No. 5 Texas Tech is another trap. Tulane won the American Athletic Conference. Texas Tech has the best passing offense in the country. The winner faces No. 4 Georgia — a team that’s allowed just 14.3 points per game in its last six contests. And don’t sleep on No. 11 Miami (Florida) at No. 6 Ole Miss. Two teams with explosive offenses. Two defenses that can crack under pressure. This isn’t just football. It’s theater.
What’s Next? The Final Countdown
The committee’s final rankings drop on December 7, 2025. That’s when the 12-team bracket becomes official. But the drama doesn’t end there. The quarterfinals — at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, the Orange Bowl in Miami, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans — are set for December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. No re-seeding. No mercy. One loss, and your season is over.For Ohio State and Indiana, it’s about legacy. For Alabama, it’s about redemption — and it’s slipping away. For the ACC? It’s about proving they still belong. And for fans? It’s about watching history unfold, one chaotic game at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Alabama drop so far in the rankings?
Alabama’s drop to No. 10 stems from two key losses — to LSU and Ole Miss — combined with a defense that’s struggled against high-powered offenses. While their record is 8-2, the committee values strength of schedule and performance in critical games. Teams like Oregon and Texas Tech, with more explosive offenses and stronger late-season showings, were deemed more playoff-worthy. Alabama’s reputation no longer carries weight.
Who are the ACC’s best remaining playoff hopes?
With Duke eliminated, Georgia Tech (9-1) and Virginia (9-2) are the ACC’s only remaining contenders. Georgia Tech beat Clemson and Florida State, while Virginia stunned Miami and North Carolina. Both have strong schedules and momentum, but neither has a conference title. Their best shot is winning their final games and hoping the committee favors their resume over other 9-2 teams like Michigan or Illinois.
How does the 12-team playoff bracket work?
The top four teams — Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Georgia — earn first-round byes. The next 8 teams play in first-round games, with the winners advancing to face the top four in the quarterfinals. The bracket is fixed after the first round — no re-seeding. Conference champions get priority in selection, with Tulane and Miami (FL) holding the fifth and fourth highest-ranked conference titles, respectively.
When and where are the playoff games being played?
The first-round games are December 20–22, 2025. The quarterfinals are set for December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, at the Cotton Bowl (Arlington, TX), Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, FL), Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA), and Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA). The national championship game will be held on January 20, 2026, at a yet-to-be-announced site.
Is Indiana really a legitimate national title contender?
Yes. Indiana is 11-0 with wins over ranked teams like Penn State and Michigan State. Their offense averages 38.7 points per game, and their defense has improved dramatically since Week 4. They’re not a traditional powerhouse, but they’re playing like one. The committee has recognized them as a top-two team for a reason: they’re consistent, balanced, and unflappable under pressure.
What’s the significance of Ohio State staying at No. 1?
Ohio State’s No. 1 ranking reinforces their status as the most complete team in the country. They’ve beaten every opponent by an average of 21.3 points, including a 41-17 win over then-No. 5 Michigan. Their defense is top-five in yards allowed, and their offense is explosive without being reckless. Staying at No. 1 means they control their destiny — win their final game, and they’re likely headed to the national championship.
