First 2023 CFP Rankings Unveiled: Race Heats Up

**CFP Committee Unveils First Rankings: Buckeyes Lead Undefeated Pack, Washington Stands Outside Top Four**

**ARLINGTON, Texas – November 1, 2023** – The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee released its highly anticipated inaugural rankings for the 2023 season this past Tuesday, October 31st, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the regular season. Five undefeated Power Five teams found themselves positioned at the top, but only four could secure a coveted spot in the initial playoff picture, sparking immediate debate.

Ohio State (8-0) earned the No. 1 overall ranking, demonstrating the committee’s high regard for their strength of schedule and impressive victories. Close behind were defending national champion Georgia (8-0) at No. 2, followed by Big Ten rival Michigan (8-0) at No. 3, and ACC standard-bearer Florida State (8-0) rounding out the crucial top four at No. 4.

The first major talking point emerged just outside that elite group, with the Pac-12’s undefeated Washington Huskies (8-0) landing at No. 5. Despite their perfect record, the Huskies currently find themselves on the outside looking in, highlighting the committee’s emphasis on perceived strength of schedule and quality wins among the top contenders.

Oregon (7-1), whose sole loss came in a thrilling head-to-head contest against Washington, was ranked No. 6. Trailing them were the Big 12’s Texas Longhorns (7-1) at No. 7 and the SEC’s Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) at No. 8. Texas’s early-season road victory over Alabama continues to hold significant weight, placing them ahead of the Crimson Tide despite identical records.

Boo Corrigan, NC State Athletic Director and chairman of the CFP selection committee, addressed the media following the rankings release, emphasizing the committee’s meticulous process. “Each week, we evaluate the full body of work,” Corrigan stated, alluding to the detailed analysis of common opponents, game control, and overall team performance.

The committee’s rationale was evident in several key placements. Ohio State’s No. 1 position was bolstered by commanding victories over then-No. 9 Notre Dame and No. 10 Penn State. Florida State also made a strong case for its top-four spot with early season wins against LSU and Clemson. While Michigan also boasts an undefeated record, its schedule to date has been perceived as less challenging compared to Ohio State’s, a point of discussion among analysts.

Rounding out the top ten were Ole Miss (7-1) at No. 9 and Penn State (7-1) at No. 10, both from formidable conferences.

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2023 regular season and conference championship games looming, the path to the four-team playoff is fraught with high-stakes matchups. Key upcoming games for the top contenders include:
* **Ohio State:** Faces tough road tests and the season-ending rivalry game against Michigan.
* **Georgia:** Has a challenging stretch including matchups against Missouri and Ole Miss, followed by a likely SEC Championship Game appearance.
* **Michigan:** Prepares for a significant test against Penn State before its crucial clash with Ohio State.
* **Florida State:** Will navigate its remaining ACC schedule before a potential conference championship.
* **Washington & Oregon:** Their Pac-12 championship aspirations will likely hinge on winning out and potentially meeting in a conference title game rematch.

The 2023 College Football Playoff Semifinals will take place on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. The CFP National Championship Game is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

As teams battle for positioning, every game carries immense weight. Undefeated Power Five champions are typically strong contenders, but with five currently in the mix, a compelling narrative will unfold as teams fight to avoid their first loss and secure a spot in college football’s most exclusive postseason tournament. The race for the ultimate prize has officially begun.