The University of Georgia Bulldogs punched their ticket to the expanded College Football Playoff conversation in new polling released this week, landing at No. 5 in the initial playoff rankings of the 2025 season released by the CFP Selection Committee.
The reveal, aired live on ESPN at 8 p.m., showcased a powerhouse start for the Southeastern Conference, with three of the top four spots claimed by SEC squads.
Georgia #5 in CFP Rankings
Ohio State edged out undefeated Indiana for the top spot, but Texas A&M (No. 3) and Alabama (No. 4) bookended the Big Ten duo, setting the stage for what could be the most SEC-heavy playoff field in history.
For Bulldog Nation, the No. 5 ranking is a validation of Kirby Smart’s gritty squad, now 7-1 after a hard-fought 24-20 victory over Florida last Saturday. Georgia’s lone blemish—a narrow 31-28 loss to Alabama on Oct. 4—hasn’t derailed their momentum, with the committee citing the Dawgs’ stout defense and road dominance as key factors in their placement.
“The SEC is the toughest league in the country, bar none,” Smart said in a pre-ranking press conference, making a fervent case for the conference’s depth. “Our guys have been battle-tested every week, and that’s what prepares you for something like this.”
While Smart’s comments came ahead of the reveal, they rang true as the committee rewarded the SEC’s grueling slate, slotting Ole Miss at No. 6 behind Georgia.The full top 25, based on games through Nov.
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State | 8-0 |
| 2 | Indiana | 9-0 |
| 3 | Texas A&M | 8-0 |
| 4 | Alabama | 7-1 |
| 5 | Georgia | 7-1 |
| 6 | Ole Miss | 8-1 |
| 7 | BYU | 8-0 |
| 8 | Texas Tech | 8-1 |
| 9 | Oregon | 7-1 |
| 10 | Notre Dame | 6-2 |
| 11 | Texas | 7-2 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 7-2 |
| 13 | Utah | 7-2 |
| 14 | Virginia | 8-1 |
| 15 | Louisville | 7-1 |
| 16 | Vanderbilt | 7-2 |
| 17 | Georgia Tech | 8-1 |
| 18 | Miami | 6-2 |
| 19 | Southern California | 6-2 |
| 20 | Iowa | 6-2 |
| 21 | Michigan | 7-2 |
| 22 | Missouri | 6-2 |
| 23 | Washington | 6-2 |
| 24 | Pittsburgh | 7-2 |
| 25 | Tennessee | 6-3 |
In Athens, the news sparked immediate jubilation. Sanford Stadium’s iconic hedges seemed to buzz with energy as local bars like The World Famous and Last Resort filled with red-and-black clad fans toasting the reveal. “We’ve been waiting for this moment,” said UGA senior Emily Hankerson, a nursing major hoisting a celebratory drink downtown. “No. 5 feels right— we’re locked in, but we’ve got work to do.”
Rankings Boost Athens, Smart Takes Measured Approach
Social media lit up with reactions, from@UGAfootballLive’s post declaring “Georgia checks in at No. 5” to fans debating bracket implications.
One projection circulating online has the fifth-seeded Bulldogs hosting a first-round clash against No. 12 Memphis, with a potential quarterfinal rematch against Alabama looming.
The expanded 12-team format guarantees the top four conference champions byes into the quarterfinals, while seeds 5-8 host on-campus games.
Georgia, fresh off a bye week, eyes a critical SEC matchup at No. 17 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15—a rivalry win could solidify their seeding and keep playoff dreams alive.
With two more rankings drops ahead (Nov. 12 and 19) before conference championships, Smart emphasized focus during Monday’s practice.
“Rankings are nice, but they’re just noise,” he told reporters. “We control what we can—win out, and the rest takes care of itself.”
For Athens, a town where football pulses like a second heartbeat, the No. 5 nod is more than a number. It’s a spark for the stretch run, fueling late-night debates at Jittery Joe’s and pre-game rituals on Lumpkin Street.
As the Dawgs chase a third national title in four years, the Classic City is geared up for the ride.