The first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2026 season are set to be released Tuesday night by the CFP Selection Committee. CBS Sports has projected the initial top 25, placing undefeated Miami at No. 1.
The predicted top four includes Miami (8-0), Georgia (7-1), Utah (8-0), and Kentucky (7-1). Kentucky's resume features a 2-1 record against top-25 opponents and the nation's No. 2 strength of record.
BYU (7-1) sits at No. 5 with the best win over Notre Dame but also the worst loss to UCF. UCLA (8-0) at No. 6 has a weak schedule but remains undefeated. Indiana (8-1) at No. 7 is noted for a weaker resume and failing the "eye test."
Notre Dame (7-1) at No. 8 faces a perilous playoff path if it loses to Miami this weekend. Texas (6-2) at No. 9 holds a head-to-head win over Ohio State (6-2) at No. 11. Alabama (6-2) at No. 10 has quality losses to Georgia and Tennessee.
The projection also includes a bracket based on the predicted rankings, with first-round matchups on Dec. 18-19 and quarterfinals on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1 at various sites. Boise State (7-1) is the highest-rated Group of Six team at No. 23, earning an automatic bid.
