The University of Georgia Bulldogs didn’t just move up in the College Football Playoff rankings—they made a statement. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 2:16 PM UTC, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee released its third rankings of the 2025 season, and for the first time this year, Georgia cracked the top four at No. 4. With a 9-1 record, they’re now the highest-ranked one-loss team in the nation. The twist? They lost to Tennessee in October, yet somehow leapfrogged teams with better records and more top-25 wins. Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about wins and losses anymore. It’s about who you beat, when, and how.
Top Three Hold Firm, Alabama Falls Hard
The top three remained untouched: Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0), Indiana Hoosiers (11-0), and Texas A&M Aggies (10-0) kept their spots. But the real drama came below. The Alabama Crimson Tide, once a playoff favorite, tumbled six spots to No. 10 after a shocking 23-21 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Tuscaloosa. That defeat didn’t just cost them a win—it shattered their aura. Even though Alabama had four wins over ranked opponents (more than Notre Dame’s one), the committee clearly valued Oklahoma’s road win and Georgia’s overall resume over Alabama’s depth chart.Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners surged three spots to No. 8, riding the momentum of their upset. And Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1) and Ole Miss Rebels (10-1) jumped to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. The committee’s message? Quality wins matter more than quantity. Georgia’s victory over Texas (7-3) and Tennessee (7-3) carried more weight than Alabama’s wins over lesser-ranked teams.
Georgia’s Path: A Tightrope Walk
The Georgia Bulldogs are now in the driver’s seat—but only barely. Their only loss came on October 11, 2025, to Tennessee, a team now ranked No. 20. That loss, once a liability, is now a footnote. Why? Because Georgia’s other wins include a dominant 35-10 takedown of the Texas Longhorns, who fell seven spots to No. 17 after that defeat. Georgia’s strength of schedule, defensive dominance, and late-season momentum are stacking up. They’ve won their last five games by an average of 21 points. That’s not luck. That’s execution.But here’s the catch: Georgia still needs help. If Indiana, Ohio State, or Texas A&M lose even one game before December, Georgia’s path opens wide. But if they stay perfect? The Bulldogs might have to beat the pants off a top-three team in the semifinal just to get to the title game. No pressure.
ACC Chaos and the Forgotten Contenders
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a mess. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-1) sit at No. 16—higher than Virginia (No. 19) and Miami (No. 11)—despite having fewer wins than both. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Georgia Tech a 35.3% chance to win the ACC, while Virginia sits at 32.7%. That’s not a typo. The committee sees Georgia Tech’s wins over ranked opponents like Florida State and North Carolina as more valuable than Miami’s wins over bottom-tier teams. But for Miami to even make the ACC title game, they need Virginia, Georgia Tech, and SMU to lose, and Duke to drop one game. It’s a long shot. A very long shot.And then there’s Notre Dame. At No. 9, they’re ahead of Alabama despite having just one top-25 win. The committee clearly trusts their schedule and their late-season wins. They’re not flashy, but they’re consistent. That’s what the committee likes.
What’s Next? The Final Countdown
The next rankings drop on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. That’s when things get real. If Georgia beats Georgia Tech this weekend, and Alabama loses to Auburn, the Crimson Tide could drop out of the top 10 entirely. Meanwhile, Oregon (No. 7) and Tennessee (No. 20) are lurking. One slip from any of the top four, and the entire bracket flips.The final four teams will be announced on December 1, 2025. The semifinals? December 31, 2025. One at the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida. The other at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington, Texas. That’s not just a game—it’s a legacy.
Who’s Out? BYU and the Near Misses
The Brigham Young University Cougars (9-1) are the first team out. They’re undefeated in conference play, but their non-conference schedule was a joke. No top-25 wins. No marquee games. That’s the reality check for mid-major teams: even a perfect record won’t save you if you didn’t test yourself.The committee isn’t just watching wins. They’re watching context. Who you played. Where you played. When you played. And how you won. Georgia didn’t just climb the rankings—they earned it. Alabama didn’t just fall. They were exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Georgia jump to No. 4 despite having one loss?
Georgia’s rise comes from a combination of strong wins over ranked opponents—including a 35-10 beatdown of Texas—and a tough schedule. The CFP committee values quality over quantity: Georgia’s wins against Texas and Tennessee carried more weight than Alabama’s victories over lower-tier teams. Their defensive consistency and late-season dominance also impressed voters.
Why is Alabama ranked lower than Notre Dame despite more top-25 wins?
Notre Dame’s single top-25 win came against a highly ranked USC team in a close, high-stakes game, while Alabama’s wins were mostly against mid-tier opponents. The committee also factored in schedule strength and momentum. Notre Dame’s recent wins showed resilience; Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma was a damaging blow that overshadowed their earlier victories.
What does Georgia need to make the playoff?
Georgia needs to win out, including their final game against Georgia Tech. But more importantly, at least one of the top three—Ohio State, Indiana, or Texas A&M—must lose. If all three remain undefeated, Georgia will be left out despite their strong resume. Their best shot is a collapse from one of the unbeatens.
When will the final playoff teams be announced?
The final CFP rankings will be revealed on December 1, 2025. The semifinals are set for December 31, 2025, at the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington. The selection committee’s final decision hinges on results from the final weekend of conference play and conference championship games.
Could Oklahoma make the playoff if they keep winning?
It’s unlikely. Even with a win over Alabama, Oklahoma’s two losses—including a blowout to Texas Tech—make them a long shot. The committee favors teams with fewer losses and stronger overall resumes. For Oklahoma to make it, they’d need three of the top four to lose, plus a dramatic collapse from other contenders. The odds are slim.
Why is Georgia Tech ranked higher than Miami?
Georgia Tech’s 9-1 record includes wins over ranked ACC teams like Florida State and North Carolina, while Miami’s wins are mostly against lower-tier opponents. The committee prioritizes strength of schedule and consistency. Miami’s path to the ACC title requires multiple upsets, while Georgia Tech’s resume speaks for itself—even if they’re not a household name.
