Ohio State Tops First College Football Playoff Rankings of 2025

The first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2025 season have placed Ohio State at No. 1, continuing the Buckeyes’ dominance from last year’s national championship run. The team’s undefeated record and strong statistical performance have made them the early favourite to repeat, but not without controversy.

Some analysts argued that Indiana deserved the top spot instead, citing a tougher schedule and several high-profile wins. The Hoosiers’ rise has been one of college football’s biggest stories this season, sparking debate among fans and pundits about whether résumé or raw talent should weigh more heavily in the rankings.

Despite those arguments, the CFP committee sided with the reigning champions, keeping Ohio State atop the poll. The Buckeyes have outscored opponents by wide margins and continue to showcase one of the most complete rosters in the country.

However, with several ranked matchups still ahead, both Ohio State and Indiana will have opportunities to strengthen their cases before the playoff picture is finalized in December.

1. Urban Meyer Defends the Committee’s Decision

Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer addressed the ongoing debate during a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast, supporting the committee’s choice to keep his former program at No. 1. Meyer, who led the Buckeyes to a national title during his tenure, argued that talent and execution ultimately justify the decision. “Ohio State has better players at the end of the day,” Meyer said. “And that’s not a disrespect to IU at all. Just watching the NFL Draft, Ohio State — it’s going to be ridiculous again.” Meyer acknowledged Indiana’s disciplined play, noting that the Hoosiers “don’t make mistakes,” but maintained that Ohio State’s depth and top-end talent separate them from the rest of the pack. “At the end of the day, they got it right,” he said. While Meyer’s commentary reflects his ties to the Buckeyes, his assessment aligns with the prevailing view among national analysts — that Ohio State’s roster strength and sustained success justify its top ranking, at least for now.

2. Balancing Talent and Deservedness

The debate between “best team” and “most deserving team” has long been central to College Football Playoff discussions. Critics of the initial rankings argue that the system should reward results over reputation, emphasizing quality wins and strength of schedule rather than perceived talent or program prestige. Indiana’s résumé this season has drawn attention for that reason. The Hoosiers have defeated multiple ranked teams and navigated one of the nation’s toughest schedules without a loss. In contrast, some of Ohio State’s victories have come against lesser opponents, prompting questions about fairness in the ranking process. Supporters of the Buckeyes counter that the team’s dominance — both statistically and visually — speaks for itself. They argue that consistent excellence and elite performance should not be penalized simply because of preseason expectations or historical success. Ultimately, the selection committee seeks a balance between the two philosophies, though the process remains subjective. As the rankings evolve each week in November, results on the field will determine whether Ohio State maintains its grip on the top spot.

3. What History Suggests About Early Rankings

While being ranked No. 1 in the first CFP rankings is an encouraging sign, history shows that early positioning does not guarantee postseason success. Since the playoff format began, only two teams — Alabama in 2020 and Georgia in 2021 — have gone on to win the national title after debuting atop the initial rankings. That statistic underscores how fluid November can be in college football. Injuries, upsets, and conference championship results often reshape the playoff landscape, reminding teams that early praise can quickly fade. For the Buckeyes, the challenge now shifts from earning recognition to defending it. Upcoming games against ranked opponents will test whether their dominance can hold under playoff-level scrutiny. As for Indiana, the Hoosiers remain very much in contention. With a strong finish and continued consistency, they could close the gap and force the committee to reconsider its order before the final rankings are released.