2025 CFP Rankings: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M Top 3

**Ohio State Claims No. 1 Spot in First 2025 CFP Rankings; Indiana Makes Historic Debut at No. 2**

IRVING, Texas – The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee unveiled its inaugural rankings for the 2025 season on Tuesday, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling chase for the national championship. The Ohio State Buckeyes emerged as the nation’s consensus top team, securing the coveted No. 1 seed, while the Indiana Hoosiers made a stunning, historic debut at No. 2, signaling a dramatic shift in the Big Ten landscape. Rounding out the top three is the Texas A&M Aggies at No. 3, solidifying their position as a formidable SEC contender.

The rankings, released live on ESPN, mark the beginning of weekly evaluations that will culminate in the final 12-team playoff field on Selection Sunday in December. With the expanded playoff format now fully implemented, the stakes for these initial rankings are higher than ever, offering a glimpse into which teams the 13-member committee views as legitimate title contenders.

Ohio State’s No. 1 ranking comes as little surprise to many pundits. The Buckeyes, currently undefeated with an impressive 8-0 record, have showcased a dominant blend of offensive firepower and a stifling defense through the first two months of the season. Their schedule has included decisive victories over two top-15 opponents, cementing their status as a national powerhouse. Sources close to the program indicate a seamless transition for their star quarterback, who has been instrumental in the team’s high-octane attack. Head Coach Ryan Day, when asked about the initial ranking, emphasized a focus on the task ahead. “It’s certainly an honor to be recognized, but these are just the first steps,” Day stated. “Our goal remains unchanged: to compete for championships, and that means taking every game one at a time.”

The biggest storyline of the evening, however, was undoubtedly Indiana’s unprecedented No. 2 placement. The Hoosiers, also sporting an unblemished 8-0 record, have defied all preseason expectations, securing their highest-ever ranking in program history. Under the guidance of their dynamic second-year head coach, Indiana has engineered a series of stunning upsets, including a memorable road victory against a perennial Big Ten East power and a dominant performance against a ranked Big Ten West foe. Their high-flying offense and opportunistic defense have captivated the college football world, leading to a palpable buzz around Bloomington. This marks a significant departure from Indiana’s historical standing in the sport, traditionally struggling to break into the upper echelons of the Big Ten.

“The committee was incredibly impressed with Indiana’s body of work thus far,” said CFP Committee Chair Boo Corrigan during the broadcast. “Their strength of schedule, combined with their consistent performance in crucial situations, really stood out. They’ve earned that No. 2 spot.”

Texas A&M’s No. 3 ranking positions them strongly in the SEC race. The Aggies, with a 7-1 record, have leaned on a stout defense and an increasingly potent ground game to navigate a notoriously challenging conference schedule. Their lone loss came in a tightly contested road game against a top-5 SEC rival, but their impressive wins, particularly a convincing victory over another top-10 opponent, have kept them firmly in the playoff picture. Head Coach Mike Elko expressed cautious optimism, noting, “We’re pleased with our trajectory, but in the SEC, you can’t afford to look past anyone. Every Saturday is a championship game.”

The 2025 CFP will feature a 12-team format, with the top four conference champions earning first-round byes and automatic qualification into the quarterfinals. Seeds 5 through 12 will compete in opening-round games hosted on the campuses of the higher-seeded teams. These initial rankings provide a crucial roadmap, but the committee will reconvene weekly, with subsequent rankings released every Tuesday evening, reflecting teams’ ongoing performances.

The next CFP rankings are scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, November 12. College football fans can follow the full rankings and playoff updates on the official College Football Playoff website, collegefootballplayoff.com, and via their social media channels. The final rankings and official playoff matchups will be revealed on Selection Sunday, December 8.