Ohio State Holds No. 1 as Alabama Plummets to No. 10 in CFP Rankings

The Ohio State Buckeyes stayed atop the College Football Playoff rankings for the second straight week, but the real story Tuesday wasn’t their undefeated record—it was the stunning collapse of the Alabama Crimson Tide. After a brutal 27-24 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on November 15, 2025, Alabama tumbled six spots to No. 10 in the third CFP rankings, released at 2:52 PM UTC on November 18, 2025. The drop isn’t just a bump in the road—it’s a seismic shift in the playoff landscape, and it’s rattling the entire SEC.

Who’s Up, Who’s Down

The top four remained locked in: Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0), Indiana Hoosiers (11-0), Texas A&M Aggies (10-0), and Georgia Bulldogs (9-1). That means four teams get first-round byes in the 12-team playoff bracket, a structure that’s reshaped the entire season’s strategy. But below them, chaos reigned. Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1) and Ole Miss Rebels (10-1) both climbed to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, while Oregon Ducks (9-1) and Oklahoma Sooners (8-2) rose to No. 7 and No. 8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2) held at No. 9, making their trip to Norman on December 1 a potential playoff decider.

Alabama’s fall was the biggest story. They were No. 4 just two weeks ago. Now, they’re staring at a must-win finish against Auburn and hoping for a miracle from other results. Even more telling? They’re now the third SEC team in the top 10, behind Georgia and Texas A&M. That’s not a dynasty—it’s a scramble.

Why Georgia’s Loss Didn’t Hurt Them

Here’s the twist: Georgia Bulldogs lost. And yet, they moved up. How? Because they beat Alabama—on the road, in a gritty, defensive slugfest. The committee doesn’t just look at wins. They look at *who* you beat, *when*, and *how*. Georgia’s loss to LSU in September now feels like a distant memory. Their performance against Alabama was the kind of statement that moves needles. As Brad Crawfords, analyst for CBS Sports HQ, put it during a November 18 broadcast: "Georgia’s performance against Alabama solidifies their position as the most deserving team for the No. 4 seed despite their single loss."

That’s the new reality: A loss to a top-tier team isn’t a death sentence—it’s a resume builder. Alabama’s loss to Georgia? It’s a black mark. Georgia’s win over Alabama? It’s a gold star.

The SEC’s Playoff Dilemma

The Southeastern Conference used to be the automatic playoff lane. But now? It’s a minefield. With Alabama at No. 10, and Texas Longhorns tumbling to No. 17 after a three-game slide, the SEC’s depth is being questioned. Only three teams from the conference made the top 10: Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama. But Alabama’s drop opens the door for a fourth—possibly Ole Miss or Tennessee Volunteers (No. 20). But the committee has been clear: conference championships matter. And right now, only Georgia and Texas A&M have clear paths to winning theirs.

"How many teams from the SEC can make the 12-team field?" Crawfords asked during his broadcast. "Alabama’s drop creates uncertainty. And if the committee sees two or three SEC teams with similar resumes, they’ll pick the ones with the better wins. That’s not bias—it’s math."

What’s at Stake in the Final Weeks

The next rankings drop on November 25, 2025. That’s when Oklahoma’s home game against Notre Dame will be re-evaluated. That’s when Texas Tech’s trip to Kansas State could make or break their top-five hopes. And that’s when Alabama’s fate against Auburn will be scrutinized under a microscope.

By December 7, 2025, the final bracket will be set. The top four get byes. Seeds five through 12 play on campus, meaning home-field advantage matters more than ever. Utah Utes (No. 12) hosting Texas Tech Red Raiders? That’s a potential playoff upset waiting to happen. BYU Cougars (No. 11) at Ole Miss Rebels? That’s a classic SEC vs. non-Power Five showdown with national implications.

And then there’s the wild card: Indiana Hoosiers. Eleven wins. No losses. A schedule that’s been criticized as soft. But the committee doesn’t care about perception—they care about results. If they finish 12-0, they’re in. And if they’re No. 2? They might be the most dangerous team in the bracket.

Historical Context: A First in the 12-Team Era

This is the first time since the 12-team format began that Alabama Crimson Tide has fallen outside the top eight in the third CFP rankings. In 2024, they were No. 3. In 2023, they were No. 2. In 2022, they were No. 1. This isn’t a fluke. It’s a signal. The old guard is losing its grip. New powers are rising. And the committee isn’t afraid to reward them.

Even Texas Longhorns, once a powerhouse, are now at No. 17 after losing three of their last five. The landscape has changed. The old rules don’t apply anymore.