Miami ranked No. 1 in first CFP rankings ahead of Notre Dame clash — SkimNews
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- Miami is ranked No. 1 in the initial CFP rankings after an 8-0 start, earning a first-round bye and hosting Notre Dame this weekend in a game with major playoff implications
- Notre Dame is ranked No. 11 despite an 8-1 record, with the committee citing lack of a signature win and a weak schedule as reasons it trails Miami
- Indiana, the defending national champion, is ranked No. 4 despite no wins over ranked teams and three straight one-score victories, including two in overtime
- Alabama is ranked No. 5 despite back-to-back October losses, with the committee citing strength of schedule and a key win over Kentucky to justify its position over Tennessee
- Ohio State dropped to No. 12 after losing 30-18 at USC without injured quarterback Julian Sayin, with the committee noting the team didn’t look the same in his absence
- Boise State is the only Group of 6 team in the top 25 at No. 25, positioning it to enter the playoff bracket as the 12th seed if rankings hold
- CFP committee chair Hunter Yurachek stated there will be significant movement in the rankings, citing the season’s parity and upcoming high-stakes matchups
Why it matters: Miami gains a major advantage in the playoff race with the top seed and home-field edge, while Notre Dame must beat the Hurricanes to secure a spot, making one game decisive for two teams’ national title hopes. Indiana’s high ranking despite weak wins increases scrutiny on the committee’s criteria.
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