The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee released its first top-25 rankings of the 2025 season Tuesday night, affirming the popular consensus by placing the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes at the No. 1 spot. The ranking grants the defending national champions the inside track for a coveted first-round playoff bye.
The full initial rankings saw a pair of Big Ten and SEC teams occupying the top four, with Indiana (9-0) placing second, followed by Texas A&M (8-0) at third, and Alabama (7-1) at fourth.
Committee Justification: Eye Test and Analytics
The committee’s decision to place the 8-0 Buckeyes over undefeated teams like Indiana and Texas A&M came down to a combination of resume quality and analytical dominance. Committee Chair Mack Rhoades highlighted several key factors that separated Ohio State from its zero-loss peers:
1. Quality Win over Top-Tier Opponent: The committee heavily factored in Ohio State’s season-opening victory over Texas, which entered the season ranked No. 1 in both major polls and currently sits at No. 11 in the CFP ranking. That win, secured early in the season, remains the strongest victory on the Buckeyes’ schedule.
2. Statistical Consistency: Rhoades pointed to Ohio State’s overall statistical profile, citing high marks in both “relative total offense” and “relative total defense.” The Buckeyes’ defense, which entered the week allowing less than one touchdown per game, was a major separator, particularly when comparing Ohio State’s complete performance against the defensive metrics of Texas A&M.
3. Dominance Over Inferior Teams: While Indiana could boast a marquee win over Oregon, the committee appeared to reward Ohio State for their consistent, decisive victories against a full slate of opponents, suggesting the Buckeyes present the more complete, dominant team when assessing the “eye test.”
SEC Contenders and the Top Four
The ranking immediately sets the stage for a tight race among the top contenders. The selection committee broke with the AP Poll by placing Indiana ahead of undefeated Texas A&M, a decision Rhoades justified by pointing to the Aggies’ lower statistical defensive performance.
The first four teams—Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Alabama—are currently positioned to receive a first-round bye in the expanded 12-team playoff bracket, highlighting the committee’s early favor for the established powerhouse conferences.
While the rankings are released weekly through December, Tuesday’s announcement provides the first critical look at the committee’s philosophy, which clearly favors the balanced, dominant resume built by Ryan Day’s defending champions.
