CFP releases first 2026 rankings with Miami at No. 1
The gist
The College Football Playoff committee ranked Miami No. 1, Georgia No. 2 and Utah No.
The first of six weekly rankings sets the bracket picture before Week 11 upsets reshape it.
How it unfolded
- Sep 8, 2026The CFP issues a statement on its evaluation of potential playoff expansion to 24 teams.
- Oct 19, 2026Reporting describes the 24-team expansion format and fallout, with quarterfinals and semifinals staying in the six CFP bowl games.
- Nov 3, 2026The selection committee releases its first rankings: Miami No. 1, Georgia No. 2, Utah No. 3, Indiana No. 4, Alabama No. 5.
Key terms
- College Football Playoff
- An annual single-elimination tournament determining the national champion of NCAA Division I FBS college football.
- SEC
- An annual preseason media event for the Southeastern Conference, a U.S. college athletic conference based in Birmingham, Alabama.
- AP Poll
- A weekly ranking of the top 25 American college teams in football or basketball, voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters.
Source: Wikipedia