Ohio State Grabs the No. 1 Spot in College Football Rankings, Outpacing Colorado Buffaloes and USC Trojans

The 2023 College Football Playoff’s inaugural rankings look different from what many had envisioned when the season commenced. With Deion Sanders taking over Colorado and promising stark change, NFL fans had hoped to witness miracles. However, the buffaloes have failed to hold on to their initial winning streak and a palace on the playoff top 25 ranking. 

While Chicago faltered, other teams fought it out to the top. After a thrilling 50-49 victory against Cal, the Trojans were left in a state of uncertainty following consecutive losses to Notre Dame and Utah, regarding their potential ranking. However, they managed to make it to the rankings. They are currently pleased with number 20 but have plenty of time to climb till the final list is released. 

Ohio State Buckeyes make it to the top 

Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0) have secured the top spot. This marks the first time since 2019, that Ohio State has claimed the top position in the CFP rankings. The committee’s decision was influenced by OSU’s significant victories over Notre Dame and Penn State, elevating them above their No. 3 ranking in the Associated Press and coaches polls. The Buckeyes extended their unbeaten streak with a 24-10 triumph over Wisconsin. Next, they are set to hit the road once again in Week 10, facing off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on November 4th at noon. Ohio State has a perfect track record against Rutgers, winning every matchup by a margin of at least three touchdowns.

In the first set of top-four rankings, Ohio State is followed by two-time defending champions Georgia at No. 2, archrivals Michigan at No. 3, and the Atlantic Coast Conference leaders, Florida State, at No. 4. The majority of teams that secure a spot in the top four slot in the initial CFP rankings ultimately advance to the playoff semifinals. Coach Prime might have grabbed a lot of eyes but failed to grab a spot in the list of the top 25 teams in college football. 

Colorado struggles for playoff eligibility

Colorado’s record now stands at 4-4, following a 28-16 loss to UCLA. After a strong 3-0 start, the Buffaloes have struggled, losing games to Oregon, Southern California, Stanford, and UCLA, with one win against Arizona State. The road ahead for Colorado seems daunting as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. They are set to face Oregon State, Arizona, Washington State, and Utah, and they need to secure at least half of these games to become eligible for a bowl appearance. 

READ MORE: Decade After Parting Ways with Coach Prime, Pilar Sanders’ Obvious Love Keeps the Flame of Colorado Football Alive

In a significant change near the top of the rankings, Florida State moved up to No. 4 after defeating Wake Forest, while Washington dropped to No. 5 due to a challenging game against Stanford, following a less impressive win over Arizona State the previous week. 

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