Projected College Football Playoff Rankings for Week 13

As of Sunday, November 17

1. Oregon (11-0) - Oregon remains at the top after narrowly defeating Wisconsin. Their perfect season keeps them firmly in the playoff picture.

2. Ohio State (9-1) - With a solid victory over Northwestern, Ohio State should maintain their No. 2 position.

3. Texas (9-1) - After overcoming Arkansas, Texas continues to lead the SEC hierarchy as the highest-ranked team from the conference.

4. Penn State (9-1) - Penn State secured a definitive win against Purdue, solidifying their place in the top four.

5. Indiana (10-0) - Despite a bye week, Indiana remains at No. 5, as other top contenders failed to gain significant ground.

6. Notre Dame (9-1) - The Fighting Irish are poised to climb after two ranked teams, BYU and Tennessee, lost.

7. Miami (Fla.) (9-1) - Miami retains a higher ranking over two-loss SEC teams, keeping them in the playoff talk.

8. Georgia (8-2) - After a substantial win over Tennessee, the Bulldogs return to the top of the pack among two-loss SEC teams.

9. Tennessee (8-2) - Tennessee’s previous wins, especially over Alabama, continue to uphold their ranking despite recent losses.

10. Alabama (8-2) - The Tide are expected to hold steady at No. 10 with a slightly diminished resume.

11. Ole Miss (8-2) - Despite a bye week, Ole Miss remains in contention but drops lower due to the performance of conference champions.

12. BYU (9-1) - The Cougars hold on to the playoff picture simply due to their strong previous performances, despite a recent loss.

13. Boise State (9-1) - With wins over ranked teams waning, Boise State will likely hover just outside the optimal spots.

14. SMU (9-1) - SMU’s position remains shaky, despite a recent win, keeping them close to playoff consideration.

15. Texas A&M (7-2) - A lackluster victory over New Mexico State keeps A&M in the mix but not moving up the ranks.

16. Colorado (8-2) - After their victory against Utah, Colorado could rise higher if they maintain momentum.

17. South Carolina (7-3) - Following a crucial win against Missouri, South Carolina moves up and overtakes rival Clemson.

18. Clemson (8-2) - Clemson slips after a hard-fought win, allowing their in-state rival to leap over them.

19. Arizona State (8-2) - With a stunning win against Kansas State, Arizona State is expected to break into the rankings.

20. Army (9-0) - Army is now in the top 20 due to the fall of several ranked teams but lacks a notable signature victory.

21. Kansas State (7-3) - After consecutive losses, Kansas State must rely on earlier successes to remain in the rankings.

22. Tulane (8-2) - Tulane's shutout victory will elevate them, although past losses limit their potential rise.

23. Iowa State (8-2) - The Cyclones are back in the ranking after a recent victory, correcting their previous exclusion.

24. Missouri (7-3) - Keeping their place amidst the rankings due to facing tough opponents, while still aiming for a stronger finish.

25. Illinois (7-3) - Illinois earns a spot thanks to a solid overall record in the competitive Big Ten.

Bracket Projection Insights

First Teams Out: Ole Miss, SMU, Texas A&M, and Colorado are on the playoff's edge but currently miss the cut.

Key Questions As We Move Forward

1. How Will the Committee Rank the Two-loss SEC Teams? - With teams like Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss all sustaining two losses, ranking them could present a conundrum for the committee.

2. How Damaging is BYU’s Loss? - Following a surprising loss to Kansas, BYU's standing is in question, leading to speculation about how far they might drop in rankings.

3. Who are the Dark Horses in the Rankings? - With several teams losing ground, the door is open for newcomers to enter the playoff conversation, setting up exciting matchups ahead.

As the regular season nears its end, each game counts as teams look to solidify their playoff aspirations. Buckle up for a thrilling finish as the race for the College Football Playoff intensifies!