CBS Sports has released its prediction for the first College Football Playoff Rankings of the 2026 season, which the CFP Selection Committee will unveil on Tuesday night. The projection places undefeated Miami (8-0) at the top, followed by Georgia (7-1), Utah (8-0), and a surprising Kentucky (7-1) rounding out the top four.
The predicted top 25 reflects new committee members Jeff Tedford and Gus Malzahn, as well as new metrics such as strength of conference. Miami's position is considered secure unless the Hurricanes lose to Notre Dame this weekend. Georgia is seen as the best team in the SEC, while Utah leads the Big 12 race. Kentucky's strong resume includes a 2-1 record against top-25 opponents and the nation's No. 2 strength of record.
Other notable placements include BYU (7-1) at No. 5, UCLA (8-0) at No. 6, Indiana (8-1) at No. 7, and Notre Dame (7-1) at No. 8. Texas (6-2) and Alabama (6-2) sit at Nos. 9 and 10 respectively. The prediction also includes a projected bracket: first-round games on Dec. 18-19 would feature Boise State at BYU, Ohio State at UCLA, Texas at Indiana, and Alabama at Notre Dame. Quarterfinal matchups are slated for Dec. 30 and Jan. 1 at neutral sites.
