On Tuesday, the first College Football Playoff rankings were released. Up until this point of the season, the AP Poll had been used as the primary rankings system. But from here on out, the CFP rankings will rule all.
The Indiana Hoosiers are 8-1 with their lone loss coming by four points to then No. 4 Ohio State. The CFP committee put Indiana in the No. 4 spot of Tuesday's rankings. It's high praise for Curt Cignetti's team, who has struggled in recent weeks. But nonetheless, entering a much-needed by week puts the Hoosiers in a great spot to go on another CFP run this postseason.
The Miami Hurricanes claimed the No. 1 spot. Georgia was No. 2 and Utah was No. 3, while Alabama followed Indiana to round out the Top-5.
Here is a look at the full Top-25 rankings:
1. Miami (FL)
2. Georgia
3. Utah
4. Indiana
5. Alabama
6. Kentucky
7. Texas
8. UCLA
9. BYU
10. Ole Miss
11. Notre Dame
12. Ohio State
13. Tennessee
14. LSU
15. Texas Tech
16. Wake Forest
17. Houston
18. Missouri
19. Iowa
20. USC
21. South Carolina
22. Arizona
23. Oregon
24. Florida
25. Boise State
Indiana earns high praise in first CFP rankings despite rocky stretch of narrow wins
If the playoff started today, Indiana's No. 4 ranking would earn them first round bye in the playoffs. The Hoosiers would then take on the winner of No. 5 Alabama and No. 12 Boise State.
Indiana suffered its only loss of the season came in Week 7 against Ohio State by a score of 19-15. Offense was hard to come by, which has been a common theme for Indiana over the last month and a half. In that span, the Hoosiers have escaped a multitude of upset bids. Indiana beat Northwestern 29-23, Nebraska 20-17, Michigan 13-6 in overtime, and Minnesota 23-16 in overtime. The Hoosiers have not been at their best, but they've come up with winning plays in the biggest moments.
Indiana's 2026 season has not been nearly as dominant as last year's season. But that doesn't matter. The Hoosiers are still finding ways to win close games, which is all that ultimately matters. The committee respected that, and has the Cream and Crimson in a prime position to compete for another National Championship this season.
But before talk of a CFP run get going too far, Indiana must take care of business throughout the rest of the regular season. IU's final three regular season matchups include vs No. 20 USC on November 14, at Washington, and vs Purdue. As the race for the Big Ten title heats up, the Hoosiers can build some serious momentum by earning wins in those matchups.
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