As college football fans eagerly await the revelation of the fourth College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of 2024, set to be unveiled tonight, November 26, there's palpable tension in the air. Last weekend was a game-changer, with seven ranked teams suffering unexpected defeats, setting the stage for significant shifts in the rankings.

Before the committee makes their announcement, let’s dive into some bold predictions about where the top 25 teams will find themselves. It’s essential to consider head-to-head matchups, strength of schedule, and performances against other ranked teams when making these assessments.

Projected Top 25 Rankings

1. **Oregon (11-0)** - The Ducks hold firm at the top after a scheduled bye week, maintaining their undefeated record. 2. **Ohio State (10-1)** - Following a top-five victory, Ohio State solidifies its position at No. 2. 3. **Texas (10-1)** - The Longhorns remain the highest-ranked team from the SEC after taking down Kentucky. 4. **Penn State (10-1)** - Despite a gritty win against Minnesota, Penn State stays put at No. 4. 5. **Notre Dame (10-1)** - After a dominant win over Army, the Fighting Irish may argue for a top-four spot, but will likely remain at No. 5 due to their ranked losses. 6. **Miami (Fla.) (10-1)** - The Hurricanes climb the rankings after a victory against Wake Forest, overtaking teams that suffered losses. 7. **Georgia (9-2)** - With a win against UMass, Georgia inches up in the rankings. 8. **Tennessee (9-2)** - A commanding shutout against UTEP has revived Tennessee's playoff hopes. 9. **Indiana (10-1)** - Despite their first loss, Indiana stays in the top 10, showcasing a solid season. 10. **Boise State (10-1)** - A narrow victory over Wyoming keeps Boise in the mix but just behind Indiana. 11. **SMU (10-1)** - SMU finally breaks into the playoff bracket amid shifting SEC standings. 12. **Alabama (8-3)** - The Tide remain the highest-ranking three-loss team, bolstered by their earlier win over South Carolina. 13. **Ole Miss (8-3)** - Despite their record, Ole Miss does have a crucial head-to-head win against South Carolina that secures their spot. 14. **Clemson (9-2)** - The Tigers see a rise in the rankings thanks to the misfortunes of others, yet still trail Alabama. 15. **South Carolina (8-3)** - A win keeps the Gamecocks in contention for a playoff spot. 16. **Arizona State (9-2)** - After defeating a top-ranked team, ASU looks to climb higher but remains cautious. 17. **Tulane (9-2)** - Despite a bye week, Tulane is expected to see a bump in their ranking. 18. **Iowa State (9-2)** - Surviving a tough matchup against Utah keeps Iowa State’s title hopes alive. 19. **Texas A&M (8-3)** - The Aggies hold a steady position, keeping their edge over Missouri. 20. **Missouri (8-3)** - A recent victory against Mississippi State is set to boost Missouri into the top 20. 21. **BYU (9-2)** - Back-to-back losses have been costly, knocking BYU down to the 20th spot. 22. **UNLV (9-2)** - UNLV rises after a convincing win against San Jose State. 23. **Illinois (8-3)** - The Illini maintain their ranking with an unexpected win over Rutgers. 24. **Colorado (8-3)** - Although they are likely to drop this week, Colorado remains competitive in the tough Big 12 conference. 25. **Syracuse (8-3)** - Pushing into the rankings, Syracuse has made a noticeable impact in the ACC with a win over UNLV.

First Teams Out

The committee is likely to be watching closely as Alabama, Ole Miss, Clemson, and South Carolina sit just outside the playoff bracket, each hoping for a chance to leap into contention.

Key Questions for the Season

- **What will happen to Indiana?** As one of the top contenders, much speculation surrounds their placement following a loss to Ohio State. Positioned among other two-loss teams, the committee's decision will be critical.

- **Three-loss teams: Are they still contenders?** With Alabama and Ole Miss holding three losses but significant victories against top opponents like Georgia, their playoff viability remains in question.

- **Will the Big 12 miss out?** With Arizona State as the standout from the Big 12, the conference faces uncertainty as its teams gear up for potential upsets ahead.

As the clock ticks down to the release of the rankings, fans are left considering the potential implications and the domino effect these outcomes will have on the championship landscape. Buckle up, because Week 14 is poised to provide some thrilling conclusions!