Subjectivity seemed to rule the first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2025 season. Why is vibes-based analysis making the difference?

Notably, the first group of 25 teams in the College Football Playoff Rankings did not include a Group of Six program. According to the selection committee, Memphis of the American Conference is the highest-ranked school outside of the Power Four and, as such, it snagged a spot as the 12-seed in the projected bracket.

The first College Football Playoff poll of the 2025 season was released Tuesday. Check out the Top 25 and where Oklahoma is ranked.

Alabama football is ranked No. 4 in the first official College Football Playoff Rankings of the football season. The Crimson Tide is 7-1 after winning seven straight games.

A full breakdown of this high-stakes Week 1 matchup between two Tigers: key players to watch, betting lines, and top picks for Clemson vs. LSU.