College Football Playoffs 2025-26 Bracket Elimination Scenarios in Week 15 After Poll

There was some movement among the top teams following the release of the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday.

Texas A&M dropped from No. 3 to No. 7 following a loss to Texas on Friday, while the Longhorns’ win boosted them from No. 16 to No. 13.

Texas Tech moved up to No. 4 as the Aggies fell, putting the Red Raiders in position to potentially secure a first-round bye in the CFP.

Miami is among the schools looking to avoid playoff elimination, as the Hurricanes weren’t able to advance to the ACC Championship Game despite being the highest-ranked ACC team in the CFP rankings.

Now, Miami’s lone hope of clinching a playoff berth is securing a spot as one of the seven at-large bids.

Alabama sits at No. 9, but has a much clearer path towards a CFP appearance. A win over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game would automatically qualify the Crimson Tide for the playoff.

A loss would keep Alabama on the CFP bubble and leave the school’s playoff outlook up to the selection committee, though.

Notre Dame won its 10th consecutive game and owns the No. 10 position in the latest CFP rankings, as head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad finished the regular season at 10-2.

While the Fighting Irish have a loss to Miami on their 2025 résumé, their recent success has still consistently kept them above the Hurricanes in the playoff rankings.

The Big 12 Championship Game could complicate the bottom of the playoff field, as No. 11 BYU faces No. 4 Texas Tech. The Cougars would automatically qualify for the CFP by winning a conference title, which could lead to two Big 12 schools advancing considering the Red Raiders’ success this year.

If BYU and Texas Tech both grab playoff spots, Alabama or Notre Dame could be on the outside looking in.