BYU and Utah: Playoff Rankings Stability Amid Changes

BYU Cougars remain at No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings after securing a road victory against Cincinnati on November 22, 2025. This marks the second consecutive week that BYU has held this position, just outside the top 10.

Meanwhile, the Utah Utes have dropped a spot to No. 13 following a chaotic win over Kansas State. Three 2-loss teams are positioned ahead of BYU, including Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Alabama. The Miami Hurricanes, the highest-ranked team from the ACC, leapfrogged Utah to claim the No. 12 spot.

According to the rankings, if the College Football Playoff were to commence today, BYU would be the first team left out of the playoff bracket, with the ACC champion and Group of 5 representative Tulane surpassing them.

Texas Tech remains at No. 5, having defeated both BYU and Utah earlier in the season. Other Big 12 teams include No. 20 Arizona State and No. 25 Arizona. BYU has a significant opportunity ahead; they can secure a place in the Big 12 championship game with a win over UCF this weekend or an Arizona State loss.

Achieving victory in Arlington would grant them an automatic bid to the playoffs. As the season approaches its conclusion, the competition among these teams intensifies, highlighting the precarious nature of playoff rankings.

The Cougars are looking to capitalize on their current momentum to break into the playoff picture, while the Utes aim to rebound from their slip in the rankings. The implications of each game are critical as teams vie for the coveted playoff spots and potential championship opportunities.