College Football Playoff Bracketology: September 7

Each week, teams will be fighting for position in an effort to make the College Football Playoff. The teams will be ranked each week, but what matters most is who they have played and defeated already on the field. Here is College Football Playoff Preseason Bracketology: September 7.

Note: This will be updated following each week of games during the season.

First Round Byes

1. Oregon Ducks (1-0)*

Oregon was tested by Boise State, but came away with the win. Hopefully, they are rewarded for scheduling tough, something a lot of teams didn’t do. They get a solid win in week 1 and were projected to be great in the preseason, so they get the No. 1 spot in the first in-season bracket. 

This week: at Oklahoma State Cowboys (0-1)

2. LSU Tigers (1-0)*

LSU dominated Clemson 51-3. They passed the eye test and also beat what is expected to be a solid power conference team. The big win gives them a good spot in this bracketology, but they will be tested by better competition down the road. 

This week: vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (1-0)

3. Ole Miss Rebels (1-0)

While the Rebels didn’t play their greatest game, they still defeated a top-25 team in Louisville in the opener. They get credit for scheduling and winning that big game and opening things up in the top four. 

This week: vs. Charlotte 49ers (0-1)

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0)

Notre Dame pulled away from Wisconsin in the second half to get a win over a power conference team. The Fighting Irish looked like one of the best teams in the country during the second half. 

This week: vs. Rice Owls (1-0)

First Round Hosts

5. Miami Hurricanes (1-0)*

The Hurricanes had a good performance on the West Coast and defeated Stanford. Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney seem to have a good connection and the team could be better than last season.

This week: vs. Florida A&M Rattlers (FCS) (1-1)

6. Virginia Cavaliers (1-0)

Virginia didn’t play in week 1, but did defeat NC State in week 0. The Cavaliers are coming off of a great season and got a win over a solid program to put them in the first rankings. 

This week: vs. Norfolk State Spartans (FCS) (1-1)

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0)*

The Red Raiders defeated Abilene Christian in week 1, which isn’t really bolstering their resume, but they are projected to be the Big 12 champs.

This week: at Oregon State Beavers (0-1)

8. Colorado Buffaloes (1-0)

In a crazy game that was won on a blocked field goal, Colorado defeated Georgia Tech on the road. It was a solid win for Coach Prime, who had a rough season in 2025. 

This week: vs. Weber State Wildcats (FCS) (1-1)

Last Four In

9. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0)

North Carolina got a big win over TCU in week 0 and did not play in week 1. While they aren’t projected to make the CFP, the early win puts them in these rankings.

This week: vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers (FCS) (1-1)

10. UCLA Bruins (1-0)

In a late-night game against Cal, the Bruins pulled away to get the Bob Chesney era kicked off with a win. The Bruins look much improved and have a solid win to start the season.

This week: vs. San Diego State Aztecs (1-0)

11. Houston Cougars (1-0)

Houston played Oregon State in week 1 and were able to control the game for the most part. The Cougars are coming off a solid season and seem to be on the right path again this season.

This week: vs. Southern Jaguars (1-1)

12. Memphis Tigers (2-0)*

In week 0, Memphis defeated UNLV, another group of six CFP contender. The Tigers beat Arkansas State in week 1, making them 2-0 and a frontrunner for the group of six CFP spot for now. 

This week: at Boise State Broncos (0-1)

First Four Out

Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)

If these rankings were based on talent on the field, Ohio State would be ranked highly. They took care of business against Ball State in week 1, but will need a better win or more time undefeated to move into the rankings.

This week: at Texas Longhorns (1-0)

Texas Longhorns (1-0)

Texas had a solid showing against Texas State in week 1. The eye test looks good, but now they’ll be tested in week 2. 

This week: vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)

Georgia Bulldogs (1-0)

Georgia destroyed Tennessee State. It went as expected and the Bulldogs look the part of a championship team. 

This week: vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-1)

Indiana Hoosiers (1-0)

Indiana didn’t look their best in the first half, but then pulled away from North Texas. Given their light schedule to start, Indiana will likely take a while to jump into the field.

This week: vs. Howard Bison (FCS) (1-1)

First Four Out- Group of Six Spot

Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-0)

Tulsa defeated an Oklahoma State team that had some hype before the season. The win over a power conference team is impressive and they could be competing in the American with Memphis. 

This week: at Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-1)

Delaware Blue Hens (1-0)

Delaware defeated Merrimack in their first game, really pulling away in the second half. The Blue Hens should be able to compete in the C-USA this season.

This week: at Vanderbilt Commodores (1-0)

North Dakota State Bison (2-0)

North Dakota State has started off their FBS era with a 2-0 record. Their wins are over Jacksonville State and Fordham, but it looks like the Bison could be a team to watch this season in the group of six. 

This week: at Air Force Falcons (1-0)

New Mexico Lobos (1-0)

New Mexico notched a victory over Central Michigan in week 1, controlling the game. Jason Eck has done a good job with the Lobos and they look like a MWC contender. 

This week: vs. Mercyhurst Lakers (FCS) (0-2)

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