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CFP bracket must reward best teams, not best records. This isn't rocket science

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 20:47 GMT by USA Today

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CFP Selection Committee Releases First Bracket Rankings, Revealing Projections Based on Wins, Schedule Strength, and More

On Tuesday, the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee released its inaugural ranking of the 2025‑26 CFP bracket, setting the stage for the long‑awaited postseason. The announcement, which arrived amid the nation’s growing excitement for college football, placed Alabama at the top of the leaderboard, followed by Ohio State, Georgia, and Michigan. The list, which lists the top 25 teams and includes a projected bracket layout, also revealed how the committee measured each team’s performance—wins, schedule strength, and other metrics that guide their selection process.

The 2025‑26 CFP Ranking

In the new ranking, Alabama claims the number‑one spot with a record of 10‑0, a perfect season that has positioned it as the most dominant team early in the season. Ohio State is ranked second (9‑1), boasting a strong defense that has outscored opponents by an average of 17 points per game. Georgia sits at number three (8‑2) and has posted impressive victories against high‑ranking conference opponents. Michigan follows at number four (8‑2), while other notable positions include Clemson (7‑3) at number five, Texas (7‑3) at number six, and Washington (6‑4) at number seven.

The bracket layout indicates that the top four teams will host the national semifinals: Alabama will host the winner of the matchup between the third‑ and fourth‑seeded teams, while Ohio State will host the winner of the first‑seeded vs. second‑seeded pairing. The committee’s choice of host sites reflects not only the teams’ records but also their geographic location, facilities, and fan base.

Metrics Used by the Committee

The selection process, explained by the committee, incorporates a combination of objective data and subjective judgment. Key metrics include:

1. Wins and Losses – The most basic measure, but the committee weighs wins against conference champions and teams that have won multiple games in a row.
2. Schedule Strength – A team’s opponents’ win‑loss record and the difficulty of their schedule are considered to adjust raw win totals.
3. Quality Wins – Victories over other ranked teams carry more weight, and the committee gives preference to teams that have defeated at least one opponent ranked in the top 25.
4. Head‑to‑Head Results – Direct matchups between ranked teams are given significant consideration, especially if one team is an outright conference champion.
5. Championship Games – Winning a conference championship is a decisive factor in the committee’s evaluations.
6. Net – A composite metric that balances a team’s offensive and defensive performance over the season.

In addition to these factors, the committee also accounts for injuries, weather conditions, and the performance of the team’s key players when making final judgments.

The CFP Selection Process Explained

The CFP selection committee is a group of 13 individuals—heads of athletic departments from across the country, including the President of the College Football Playoff, who serves as chair. The committee meets weekly to review the latest games, update rankings, and eventually announce the final list of four teams that will compete in the playoff.

The committee’s public methodology, available on the CFP’s official website, outlines that each member ranks the top 25 teams every Thursday during the season, following the release of all regular‑season games. The committee’s rankings are compiled using a points system: a first‑place vote awards 25 points, second place 24 points, down to one point for a 25th‑place vote. These points are summed across all committee members to produce the weekly ranking list.

What the Rankings Mean for the Season

With Alabama at the top, the 2025‑26 season is poised to feature a high‑stakes showdown between the Crimson Tide and Ohio State in the first semifinal. However, the committee’s methodology suggests that the postseason is still far from decided. For example, Washington, ranked seventh, has shown remarkable improvement since the start of the season and could potentially leap into the top four if they secure a win in the upcoming rivalry game against USC.

Moreover, the rankings hint at potential surprises. Clemson and Texas, both at 7‑3, may be poised for a late‑season surge that could see them claim a berth in the semifinals. The committee’s emphasis on “quality wins” and “strength of schedule” means that a team’s late‑season record could have a more pronounced effect than their overall win total.

Conclusion

The first CFP bracket rankings have set the tone for the 2025‑26 college football season, showcasing how the selection committee balances raw data with a deeper evaluation of team performance. Alabama’s dominant 10‑0 start and Ohio State’s near‑perfect defense have earned them the top two seeds, while teams like Clemson, Texas, and Washington are already on the radar as potential late‑season disruptors. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to watching the committee refine its rankings each week, ultimately culminating in a dramatic postseason that promises to deliver thrilling matchups and memorable moments for college football enthusiasts nationwide.