Alabama Climbs to No. 2 in Latest College Football Playoff Projections

In a surprising shift in college football’s postseason landscape, the University of Alabama is now projected to ascend to the second spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. This comes despite their recent matchup against Mercer, a game not typically seen as influential for playoff seeding.

As Ben Kercheval of CBS Sports notes, «Alabama’s projected rise is attributed to their anticipated victory in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship.» Alabama is forecasted to replace the University of Texas, which faced challenges in its playoff bid despite a win over Arkansas. Concerns have been raised about Texas’s ability to triumph against formidable opponents like Texas A&M and Alabama away from home, factors which could jeopardize their spot as SEC champions.

The projections also hint at further complexities in the race, especially with the University of Colorado storming into the picture as potential Big 12 champions. Colorado’s current momentum suggests they need only two more victories to secure a place in the title game. On the other hand, Brigham Young University (BYU) finds itself ousted from contention, as an at-large berth appears unlikely if they fail to win the remainder of their schedule.

As sports analyst Bill Connelly from ESPN points out, «The playoff picture remains mutable with two weeks left before championship matchups. Key games, such as Ohio State‘s face-off against Indiana in the Big Ten, are set to provide more clarity.» In the SEC, decisive outcomes are not expected until after Week 14, with the ACC and Big 12 similarly navigating through unresolved standings.

Alongside Alabama’s prospects, further intrigue surrounds the College Football Playoff as historical agreements involving legacy Pac-12 schools continue to influence bowl arrangements through the 2025 season.