Full Breakdown
College Football Rankings: AP Poll Update Ahead of Championship Week
12/1/2025, 11:08:36 PM
Overview of the Current Rankings
The latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 college football poll, released on November 30, 2025, sees Ohio State and Indiana maintaining their positions as the top two teams for the seventh consecutive week. Both teams finished the regular season undefeated at 12-0 and are set to face off in the Big Ten Championship Game. Georgia and Oregon have moved up to third and fourth, respectively, while Texas Tech has achieved its highest ranking in 17 years, sitting at fifth.
Key Rankings and Changes
The AP Top 25 rankings are as follows:
1. Ohio State (12-0)
2. Indiana (12-0)
3. Georgia (11-1)
4. Oregon (11-1)
5. Texas Tech (11-1)
6. Ole Miss (11-1)
7. Texas A&M (11-1)
8. Oklahoma (10-2)
9. Notre Dame (10-2)
10. Alabama (10-2)
11. BYU (11-1)
12. Miami (10-2)
13. Vanderbilt (10-2)
14. Texas (9-3)
15. Utah (10-2)
16. Virginia (10-2)
17. USC (9-3)
18. Michigan (9-3)
19. James Madison (11-1)
20. North Texas (11-1)
21. Tulane (10-2)
22. Arizona (9-3)
23. Navy (9-2)
24. Georgia Tech (9-3)
25. Missouri (8-4)
Texas A&M fell from third to seventh after a loss to Texas, marking its first drop from the top five in two months. The Longhorns, meanwhile, moved up to 14th following their victory over A&M.
Upcoming Championship Games
Several key matchups are set for the conference championship weekend, including:
- Big Ten Championship: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Indiana
- SEC Championship: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 10 Alabama
- Big 12 Championship: No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 11 BYU
- ACC Championship: No. 16 Virginia vs. Duke
These games will not only determine conference champions but also significantly impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the rankings, there are concerns regarding the exclusion of teams like Texas, which, despite a strong finish, faces challenges due to its three-loss record. Head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed confidence in his team's playoff potential, arguing that their performance against ranked opponents should warrant consideration.
Official Statements & Responses
The AP poll reflects a consensus among voters who prioritize strength of schedule and recent performance. The committee's upcoming decisions will be crucial, especially for teams like Texas A&M and Miami, who are vying for at-large bids in the CFP.
What's Next
The final CFP rankings will be released on December 7, 2025, following the championship games. The outcomes of these matchups will play a pivotal role in shaping the playoff field and determining which teams secure a spot in the coveted 12-team bracket.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the stakes are high for all teams involved, making championship weekend a critical juncture in the season.
