CFP Rankings 2026: College Football Playoff Top 25
The College Football Playoff rankings start in early November and run weekly until Selection Day (Dec 6, 2026). As soon as they are out, this page shows the projected 12-team field, seeds, byes and first teams out.
The first CFP rankings of the season come out in early November. The projected field appears here as soon as they do.
The College Football playoff picture is recalculated after every game from the full standings, so seeds, magic numbers and games back are always current. Check the tiebreaker rules for how close races are settled, and the projected bracket to see what today’s seeds would produce.
College Football playoff picture FAQ
How many teams make the College Football Playoff?
Twelve: the champions of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC, the highest-ranked team from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Sun Belt, and the seven highest-ranked remaining teams.
Who gets a first-round bye?
The four highest-ranked teams in the final CFP rankings, whether or not they won their conference (straight seeding, used since 2025).
Can Notre Dame make the playoff?
Yes. As an independent it cannot win a conference title, but it qualifies automatically if it finishes in the top 12 of the final rankings.
When is Selection Day?
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026, when the committee releases the final rankings, the 12-team field and the bracket.
How often are the CFP rankings released?
Weekly on Tuesday nights from early November, then the final rankings on Selection Day.