College Football Playoff rankings favor SEC teams over coaches poll
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 4, 2026, 1:41 AM
Last updated Nov 4, 2026
The initial College Football Playoff rankings released on November 3 highlight a preference for SEC teams, with Alabama and Kentucky ranked in the top six. This contrasts sharply with the US LBM Coaches Poll, where Notre Dame and Ohio State are positioned outside the top 10. The committee's rankings show significant boosts for many SEC teams, with 10 earning improvements compared to their coaches poll placements, while four teams from the Big Ten dropped in ranking. The disparity raises questions about the playoff selection criteria moving forward.
- •Miami ranks first in CFP; Georgia second.
- •Alabama is ranked ninth in CFP, up from its previous position.
- •Ohio State drops to 12th in CFP from a higher spot in Coaches Poll.
- •Four Big Ten teams experience declines in CFP rankings.
- •The SEC dominates with significant improvements in rankings.
- 1:41 AMYahoo Sports — First CFP rankings prove committee loves the SEC compared to coaches poll
"The College Football Playoff selection committee gave SEC teams higher ranked spots compared to the US LBM Coaches Poll.
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