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SEC led by Alabama and Ohio State lead CFP rankings release winners and losers

The initial 2026 College Football Playoff rankings place Miami at the top, bolstered by an undefeated record despite a weaker strength of schedule compared to several one and two-loss programs. The SEC dominates the field with nine total teams ranked, including Alabama at number five, which represents a significant boost for the two-loss Crimson Tide.

Other notable rankings include Georgia at second, Utah at third, Indiana at fourth, and Boise State rounding out the list at twenty-fifth. Committee chair Hunter Yurachek highlighted Alabama's road victory over Mississippi State as a key factor in their favorable positioning, potentially providing the team with a safety net for their upcoming game against LSU.

Meanwhile, Miami prepares for a critical test this Saturday against eleventh-ranked Notre Dame.

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