2023 College Football Playoff First Top 25

**Ohio State Leads Initial College Football Playoff Rankings; Top Four Features Undefeated Powers**

**DALLAS, TX – October 31, 2023** – The College Football Playoff Selection Committee unveiled its first Top 25 rankings of the 2023 season Tuesday night, placing undefeated Ohio State at the coveted No. 1 spot. They lead a formidable top four comprised entirely of unbeaten teams, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable final stretch of the regular season.

Following the Buckeyes in the crucial top four are No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Michigan, and No. 4 Florida State. All four teams maintain perfect records through the first nine weeks of the season, making every remaining game a high-stakes affair in their quest for a playoff berth.

Just outside the initial playoff picture, undefeated No. 5 Washington and No. 6 Oregon represent a strong Pac-12 contingent, both eyeing an opportunity to climb into the top four. Their presence highlights the strength of the conference this season and sets up potential championship game drama that could significantly impact the final rankings.

A notable point of discussion emerged further down the list, with No. 7 Texas positioned one spot ahead of No. 8 Alabama. This ranking is particularly intriguing given that Alabama defeated Texas head-to-head in a significant Week 2 matchup in Austin. The committee’s decision suggests a focus on a team’s overall body of work and strength of schedule beyond a single early-season result, a common characteristic of CFP evaluations. Rounding out the top ten are No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 10 Penn State.

The road to the College Football Playoff is filled with critical matchups that will undoubtedly reshape these rankings. One of the most anticipated games of the season, a clash between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan, looms in late November. The outcome of that rivalry game, along with other key conference matchups and championship games, will carry immense weight for the selection committee.

This marks the 10th season of the College Football Playoff, which ultimately selects the four best teams in the nation to compete for the national title. The selection committee will continue to update its rankings weekly, culminating in Selection Day on Sunday, December 3, 2023. On this pivotal day, the final four teams will be chosen, and the New Year’s Six bowl matchups will be announced.

The College Football Playoff Semifinals are scheduled for January 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. The journey will culminate in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, set for Monday, January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. As the season progresses, every snap will be under intense scrutiny as teams battle to solidify their standing in the playoff race.