The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first Top 25 rankings of the 2026 season on Tuesday, sparking immediate debate over the placement of several teams and the influence of a new strength-of-conference metric.
SEC benefits from new metric
The SEC lobbied for new metrics over the past two years, and the strength-of-conference rating appeared to lift the conference significantly. All six two-loss SEC teams are ranked higher than in the AP and coaches polls. Two-loss Alabama (No. 5) and Texas (No. 7) sit above undefeated UCLA (No. 8), and the SEC boasts the highest-ranked two- and three-loss teams with Alabama and South Carolina (No. 21). If a 24-team playoff started today, nine of 16 spots would go to SEC teams.
Notre Dame slighted at No. 11
Notre Dame debuted at No. 11, seven spots lower than in the AP poll, the largest discrepancy in the initial rankings. Committee chairman Hunter Yurachek cited the lack of a signature win, noting the loss to BYU and the Cougars' subsequent loss to UCF. The Irish face No. 1 Miami this week with zero margin for error.
Alabama overrated at No. 5
Alabama's resume includes a road win at Kentucky and a win at Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs were without quarterback Kamario Taylor and went winless in October. Six teams ranked below Alabama have better records against the CFP Top 25.
Ohio State left out at No. 12
Ohio State, which defeated reigning national champion Indiana (now No. 4) on the road without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, sits at No. 12 as the first team out. Yurachek said the committee never compared Indiana and Ohio State head-to-head.
UCLA vs. Utah and New Mexico omission
Undefeated UCLA ranks eighth while undefeated Utah is third, despite UCLA's stronger strength of schedule (77th vs. 83rd). New Mexico, ranked 22nd in the AP poll, is the only AP-ranked team absent from the CFP Top 25, despite its only loss coming by a touchdown on the road to SEC member Oklahoma.
