Ohio State has claimed the top spot in the first edition of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the 2023 season, released on Tuesday night. The two-time defending national champions, Georgia, follow closely in second place.
The rankings also revealed that Michigan, currently under an NCAA investigation for sign stealing allegations, secured the third spot, with Florida State and Washington rounding out the top five. Oregon, which holds one loss, is the highest-ranked one-loss team at sixth place, while Texas occupies the seventh position, one spot above Alabama.
CFP chair Boo Corrigan commented on the committee’s decision to rank Ohio State first, citing their victories over Penn State and Notre Dame as key factors. Corrigan stated, “We looked at it; Ohio State deserved to be No. 1.”
The rankings raised questions about how the committee would differentiate the five undefeated Power 5 teams. Strength of schedule emerged as a crucial factor in determining the order. Corrigan explained, “As a group, the 13 of us in the room, we felt this was the order for the top four slots.”
Notably, Ohio State has faced a significantly stronger schedule compared to Georgia, with wins over top-ranked opponents such as Penn State and Notre Dame. In contrast, Georgia’s strength of schedule is presently ranked at 100, according to ESPN metrics, and they are yet to secure a victory against a top 25 team. Similarly, Michigan’s schedule is even weaker, placing them at 111.
Nevertheless, these metrics are likely to change as both Georgia and Michigan face tougher opponents in the upcoming weeks. Georgia will confront No. 12 Missouri, No. 10 Ole Miss, and No. 17 Tennessee, while Michigan has matches against No. 11 Penn State and No. 1 Ohio State.
The highly anticipated rivalry game between Michigan and Ohio State could have substantial implications for the playoffs. Corrigan acknowledged the ongoing investigation surrounding Michigan’s alleged sign stealing, emphasizing that it is primarily an NCAA issue, and the focus of the CFP is to determine the top four teams.
The rankings also spotlighted Florida State and Washington, with the Huskies having a better victory over No. 6 Oregon. However, Washington faced recent difficulties against losing teams, which potentially influenced the committee’s assessment. Both teams have crucial matchups ahead that could enhance their strength of schedule.
In regards to the Seminoles, their lone top 25 victory thus far is against No. 14 LSU. Despite playing in a conference with only one other ranked team, No. 13 Louisville, Florida State’s position in the rankings remains unaffected. However, they have no remaining regular-season games against ranked opponents.
Corrigan emphasized that the committee’s decisions were influenced by numerous factors, including the presence of three new committee members. The priority remains ensuring the accuracy of the rankings and the committee’s confidence in their choices.
Additionally, the rankings highlighted Air Force as the only undefeated team eligible for postseason play. Air Force secured the 25th position, while Tulane, despite a loss, ranked one spot ahead in 24th place as the highest-ranked Group of 5 school.