As the holidays near, we’re officially entering the most exciting part of the college football season. The first College Football Playoff rankings release will drop on Tuesday.
There are just four weekends left in the regular season, which means it’s crunch time for championship-hopeful programs. This first rankings release will reveal much about how the committee views each team as we head into the final stretch of the season.
So, where will the top dogs fall in the rankings? Experts project solid placements for Miami, Utah and UCLA as they’re the only remaining undefeated teams. Georgia, Notre Dame, BYU, Indiana and Kentucky should all be in the running, but in what order?
There’s only one way to find out.
Here’s everything you need to know about the College Football Playoff rankings release, including a full schedule of selection shows during the 2026 season.
When are the College Football Playoff rankings released?
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 3
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The first set of College Football Playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 3. A new set of CFP rankings will be released every Tuesday before the final list drops on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Where to watch CFP rankings release: TV channel, live stream
The College Football Playoff committee will release the new rankings each week on ESPN. Cord-cutters can stream the selection show on Fubo or DIRECTV, which both offer free trials for new users.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
CFP rankings release schedule 2026
| Date | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Nov. 3 | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Nov. 10 | 9 p.m.* | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Nov. 17 | 9 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Nov. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Dec. 6 | Noon | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
*Approximate start time between State Farm Champions Classic basketball games
College Football Playoff game schedule 2026-27
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Dec. 18 | CFP first round | 8 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Dec. 19 | CFP first round | Noon | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |
| CFP first round | 3:30 p.m. | TNT, TruTV, DIRECTV | |
| CFP first round | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, TruTV, DIRECTV | |
| Dec. 30 | CFP quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, TruTV, DIRECTV |
| Jan. 1 | CFP quarterfinal (Cotton Bowl) | TBD | TBD |
| CFP quarterfinal (Rose Bowl) | TBD | TBD | |
| CFP quarterfinal (Peach Bowl) | TBD | TBD | |
| Jan. 14 | CFP semifinal (Orange Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, TruTV, DIRECTV |
| Jan. 15 | CFP semifinal (Sugar Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |
| Jan. 25 | CFP national championship | 7:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo, DIRECTV |
College football AP top 25 rankings
Rankings as of Nov. 2
- Miami (FL)
- Georgia
- Utah
- Notre Dame
- UCLA
- Indiana
- BYU
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Texas
- Ohio State
- Ole Miss
- Texas Tech
- Wake Forest
- LSU
- Tennessee
- Houston
- USC
- Missouri
- Boise State
- Iowa
- New Mexico
- South Carolina
- Arizona
- Florida
