The latest College Football Playoff rankings have sparked heated debates, with major shakeups in the top 25 drawing criticism from fans and analysts alike. Despite Texas holding firm at No. 3, perennial powerhouse Georgia remains outside the top five, prompting questions about the committee’s evaluation process.
Under new chair Warde Manuel, the committee has defended its decisions, citing factors like strength of schedule, key performances, and head-to-head results. Yet, the placement of teams like BYU, which plummeted eight spots, and the four SEC programs at 8-2—Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee—continues to fuel controversy.
Why did Georgia’s strong win over Tennessee fail to elevate their ranking? And how did Notre Dame’s resurgence or Ole Miss’ leap without playing this week shape the conversation? With Selection Sunday fast approaching, the committee’s explanations leave much to be debated.
The Week 13 College Football Playoff rankings have highlighted the razor-thin margins and intense scrutiny the selection committee faces. Warde Manuel, the new chair, emphasized the difficulty in evaluating teams with different schedules and performances, calling it a “holistic” process. Despite the defense, fans are questioning whether Georgia’s two losses to top-25 teams should outweigh their dominant recent performances, including a decisive victory against Tennessee.
BYU’s Plunge Raises Eyebrows
BYU’s significant drop to No. 14 after a single loss to Kansas has raised questions about consistency in the rankings. The committee noted BYU’s string of close wins against unranked teams and their inability to sustain momentum against tougher opponents. However, critics argue that penalizing BYU so heavily while other teams with narrow victories remain steady reflects an inconsistent standard.
SEC Drama Unfolds
The SEC remains at the heart of the rankings debate, with Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee all tightly packed but distinctly ranked. Georgia’s No. 10 spot, behind Alabama and Ole Miss, sparked frustration among Bulldogs fans who believe their resume deserves higher recognition. Manuel explained that head-to-head results and strength of schedule played a critical role, with Georgia’s losses to Alabama and Ole Miss ultimately impacting their standing.
Alabama’s dominant wins in recent weeks, particularly against LSU, helped solidify their position near the top, while Ole Miss climbed two spots despite not playing in Week 12. Tennessee’s loss to Georgia further complicated the committee’s decisions, leaving the Volunteers as the lowest-ranked 8-2 SEC team.
Notre Dame and Arizona State Make Waves
Notre Dame continues to impress the committee with its resurgence after an early-season loss, propelled by standout performances from quarterback Riley Leonard. Meanwhile, Arizona State’s dominant win over Kansas State helped them crack the top 25 for the first time, despite earlier losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati.
Group of Five Representation Under the Microscope
Boise State’s No. 12 ranking positions them for a first-round bye under the new 12-team playoff format. The committee praised their consistent performance, led by star running back Ashton Jeanty. However, UNLV’s placement at No. 25, despite being third in the Mountain West standings, highlights the challenges of evaluating teams from smaller conferences. Quarterback Doug Brumfield’s dual-threat ability impressed the committee, but fans remain divided over their inclusion.
A Complex Process, Unclear Answers
Warde Manuel reiterated that the rankings are not solely determined by strength of schedule or single-game outcomes but by a comprehensive evaluation of team performances. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the controversy as fans eagerly await the final rankings on Selection Sunday.
With just three weeks left in the season, every game matters as teams jostle for position. Will Georgia find a path back into the top tier? Can BYU recover from their stumble? And how will the committee handle future upsets?
