Georgia surges to No. 4 in CFP rankings as Indiana holds firm at No. 2
The University of Georgia Bulldogs didn’t just climb into the top four — they crashed the party. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the College Football Playoff selection committee released its third rankings of the 2025 season, and for the first time since 2022, Georgia found itself in the final four. At 9-1, the Bulldogs jumped from No. 5 to No. 4, knocking out the Alabama Crimson Tide — once the darlings of the playoff race — who tumbled to No. 10 after a shocking 23-21 loss to Oklahoma. The move sent shockwaves through the SEC, the ACC, and every fan who thought the playoff picture was set. Here’s the thing: Georgia didn’t win a marquee game last week. They just didn’t lose. And in a season where every slip-up costs you, that’s enough.
Indiana’s Historic Run Keeps Them at No. 2
While Georgia’s climb was the headline, the real story might be Indiana University Bloomington Hoosiers. At 11-0, they’re not just undefeated — they’re rewriting history. Their 31-7 win over Wisconsin on November 15 was the latest chapter in what’s now the best season in program history. The Hoosiers’ quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, turning a narrow halftime lead into a rout. The NCAA’s official breakdown noted, “Indiana found themselves with just a three-point lead at halftime… but they pulled away in the second half.” That poise under pressure is what the selection committee values most. They’ve never been ranked higher than No. 4 in the AP Poll — back in 1967. Now, they’re holding steady at No. 2 in the CFP rankings. No fluke. No luck. Just execution.Ohio State and Texas A&M Keep the Top Spot
The Ohio State Buckeyes remain No. 1, undefeated at 10-0 after a 48-10 demolition of UCLA. Their schedule still has one hurdle: a road trip to No. 18 Michigan on November 29. The committee didn’t mince words: “Ohio State has one remaining ranked opponent.” That’s a warning shot to anyone thinking they’re invincible. Meanwhile, the Texas A&M Aggies hold at No. 3, also 10-0, after a gritty 24-17 win over LSU. Their defense allowed just 287 yards — the kind of performance that keeps you in the conversation when you’re not the flashiest team on the block.How Oklahoma’s Upset Changed Everything
The real seismic shift came from Tuscaloosa. On November 15, the Oklahoma Sooners stunned the Alabama Crimson Tide 23-21 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The win wasn’t just a surprise — it was a statement. “Oklahoma moves up three spots after upsetting Alabama,” the NCAA wrote. “The Sooners are the highest-ranked two-loss team.” That’s the twist: two losses, and you’re still in the top eight. That’s how thin the margin is now. Alabama, once the favorite to win it all, dropped six spots. Their defense, which had allowed just 16.3 points per game entering the week, gave up 23 to a team that had lost to Texas Tech and Kansas State. The message? No one’s safe.Georgia’s Path to the Final Four
Georgia’s climb to No. 4 didn’t come from a single great game — it came from consistency. They beat LSU 31-17 on November 9, then held off South Carolina 28-21 in a rainy, chaotic game in Columbia. Their only loss? A 24-21 heartbreaker to LSU in Week 5. Since then? Five straight wins, all by double digits. Their defense has allowed just 13.8 points per game over that stretch. The committee noticed. “Georgia’s resume is stronger than ever,” one anonymous committee member told ESPN’s post-rankings analysis. “They’ve beaten three teams currently in the top 15. They’ve played tough road games. They’ve stayed healthy.”The Ripple Effect: Revenue, Rivalries, and Realities
This isn’t just about trophies. It’s about money. Teams in the playoff can expect $6–8 million in direct revenue from the CFP distribution pool — not counting ticket sales, merchandise, and TV bonuses. For Georgia, that’s potentially $7 million more than they’d get for a New Year’s Six bowl. For Indiana? It’s life-changing. The Hoosiers’ athletic department budget is $110 million. A playoff berth could add 6% to that overnight. And don’t forget the recruiting boost. A top-four ranking means elite high school recruits now see Bloomington as a destination — not just a stepping stone.What’s Next? The Final Countdown
The next rankings drop on November 25, 2025. That’s when everything changes. Ohio State plays Michigan. Indiana hosts Purdue. Georgia faces Georgia Tech. Oklahoma visits TCU. And if any of those top-four teams lose? The whole board flips. The final rankings come December 7 — and they’ll determine who plays in the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens on December 31, and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington on January 1. The winner of those two will meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 19 for the national title. Georgia, for the first time since 2018, has a real shot. And this time, they’re not just hoping for a break — they’re making their own.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Georgia jump from No. 5 to No. 4 without playing a top-10 team last week?
Georgia’s rise came from a combination of their own consistency and the losses of teams ahead of them. Alabama’s 23-21 defeat to Oklahoma dropped them six spots, while Texas Tech and Ole Miss — both previously ranked above Georgia — lost close games to unranked teams. The committee values strength of schedule and momentum, and Georgia’s five straight wins by double digits, including road wins over LSU and South Carolina, gave them the edge.
Why is Indiana’s No. 2 ranking such a big deal?
Indiana has never been ranked higher than No. 4 in the AP Poll — back in 1967. Their current 11-0 record and No. 2 CFP ranking is the highest in program history, and it’s unprecedented for a team outside the Power Five’s traditional elite. With quarterback Fernando Mendoza leading the nation in QBR and their defense ranking top-10 in points allowed, the Hoosiers aren’t a fluke — they’re a force.
Can a two-loss team still make the playoff?
Yes — but only if they’re the best two-loss team. Oklahoma is now the highest-ranked two-loss team at No. 8, and their win over Alabama gives them credibility. Still, history says it’s unlikely: only one two-loss team (Clemson in 2018) has ever made the playoff. The committee has consistently favored undefeated teams, so Oklahoma would need multiple top-four teams to lose to have a realistic shot.
What’s at stake for Georgia if they lose to Georgia Tech?
A loss to Georgia Tech — a 6-4 team with a potent offense — would likely knock the Bulldogs out of the top four. Even a close win might not be enough if Ohio State beats Michigan and Indiana wins out. The committee sees Georgia’s remaining schedule as weak, so they need to dominate. A loss would mean relying on chaos elsewhere — and that’s a dangerous gamble.
Where will the national championship be played, and why does it matter?
The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia — the same venue where Georgia won the title in 2022. For the Bulldogs, playing for the national title at home is the ultimate opportunity. It’s rare for a team to reach the final game in their home state. That’s not just a logistical advantage — it’s a psychological one.
How does the CFP selection committee decide between teams with similar records?
The committee uses a 13-member panel that evaluates head-to-head results, conference championships, strength of schedule, and overall performance. They don’t use polls or algorithms — just human judgment. For example, Georgia edged Texas Tech because they beat a higher-ranked LSU team, while Texas Tech’s win over Oklahoma State came in a game where Oklahoma State was already out of contention. Context matters more than stats.
Post-Comment