Get ready for some serious Tuesday night drama! The College Football Playoff rankings are about to shake things up, and we’re here to break down where Ohio State might land in the bracket. With just two weeks until the Selection Committee drops its first top 25, the anticipation is palpable. While the AP and coaches polls dominate early-season conversations, it’s the CFP rankings that truly matter—they’ll decide the 12-team postseason field. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will Ohio State secure a top spot, or will another team steal the spotlight?
Our team of Ohio State experts—Stefan Krajisnik, Stephen Means, and Andrew Gillis—has crunched the numbers and debated the matchups. Here’s their bold prediction for the top 12 and the resulting bracket. Spoiler alert: it’s not what you might expect.
Top 12 CFP Predictions:
1. Indiana (1.33)
2. Ohio State (1.67)
3. Texas A&M (3)
4. Georgia Tech (4.33)
5. Alabama (5)
6. Oregon (6.33)
7. Georgia (7.33)
8. BYU (7.67)
9. Vanderbilt (10)
10. Miami (11)
11. Ole Miss (11.33)
12. Virginia (11.5)
Just missing the cut? Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Louisville. But this is the part most people miss: The CFP’s new format no longer guarantees byes for the top conference champions, but the five highest-ranked conference champs still secure a spot. That means South Florida—ranked outside our top 12—could sneak into the postseason as the highest-ranked Group of Five champ. Here’s how our bracket shakes out:
Why Ohio State Isn’t No. 1 (Yet):
Ohio State has dominated the national polls since their Week 1 victory over Texas, but we’re predicting Indiana to claim the top CFP spot. Why? It’s all about the strength of schedule and quality of wins. According to ESPN’s College Football Power Index, Indiana’s victories—including a 53-point blowout of Illinois and a road win against No. 2 Oregon—carry more weight than Ohio State’s resume, which features a home win over No. 7 Texas and an 18-point victory over Illinois. Is the CFP Committee undervaluing Ohio State’s consistency, or is Indiana’s tougher schedule the real deal?
Food for Thought:
As we await the official rankings, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should the CFP prioritize strength of schedule over overall dominance? Let us know your take in the comments—we’re eager to hear if you agree or think we’ve got it all wrong. And don’t forget to check out our related coverage for deeper dives into Ohio State’s bye week, recruiting efforts, and defensive strategies. The debate is just getting started!
