CFP Rankings Update: Florida State Returns to No. 4

There are certain charms emphasized in college football that truly make it the special game that it is: small towns, proud communities, boisterous university bands and of course, the AP Top 25.

However, in the CFP -- or College Football Playoff -- era, it is all about landing one of those coveted top-four spots. And on Tuesday of championship weekend, we received our fifth official CFP rankings of the 2023-24 season. Here is the full list, as follows:

*Denotes 2022-23 CFP qualifier

In some seasons (or entire epochs, even), the top teams don't offer much parody. But 2023 has already shown to be a year where the competition feels a little closer together.

Entering this week's slate, let's have a look at the latest set of College Football Playoff rankings, placing focus on the contenders.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

CFP Rankings

1) Georgia Bulldogs

Odds To Make the CFP: -590

In the final week of the regular season, the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs gave us a brief scare. The Dawgs made the short trip west to Atlanta to romp with the rival Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, where G.T. was actually the first side to score. After the opening quarter, the Jackets had a 10-7 lead.

Naturally, it was then that UGA stopped playing with their food, outscoring Tech 24-10 over the subsequent three quarters. Running back Kendall Milton had a particularly productive game in "Clean, Old-Fashion Hate," churning out 156 rushing yards (on 8.7 yards per carry) with two scores.

In Tuesday's CFP rankings, Georgia held sturdy in their top spot. With the weight of back-to-back national titles on head coach Kirby Smart and Dawgs, they are highly likely to return to the College Football Playoff (-590 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook). However, UGA must take care of business in the approaching SEC Championship Game versus the Alabama Crimson Tide. Yes, there is a world where Georgia gets left out of the CFP.

The Bulldogs have pummeled opponents over the past two years, winning each of their last 29 games. Still, their most recent loss came in this same game against the Tide back in 2021. Should Georgia lose this weekend in Atlanta, along with all other undefeated teams winning, the Dawgs might be bounced out of the top-four in favor of the Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes, or Alabama.

2) Michigan Wolverines

Odds To Make the CFP: -6000

Despite Michigan being subject to multiple investigations in 2023, perhaps no program is higher right now than the Michigan Wolverines. Go ahead, cue "Mr. Brightside" -- I'll allow it.

Notably, U-M is coming off a statement victory in "The Game" versus archrival Ohio State. With the recent win at the Big House, Michigan essentially cemented its place in the CFP. Right now, no school shows better odds to qualify for the playoffs. Additionally, head coach Jim Harbaugh is no longer under suspension; he'll be back on the sidelines for the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Of course, Indy loves them some Harbaugh.

Whether at the books or in the media, no one is really giving the Iowa Hawkeyes a shot versus U-M this weekend. Between all conference championship games on Friday and Saturday, the Wolverines (-4000 ML) are -- by far -- the largest favorite of the weekend; Texas (-710 ML) would be the next closest, as the 'Horns are expected to run away with the Big 12 title.

Transparently, this seems to be the best Michigan football team of the millennium. Tailback Blake Corum (FBS-leading 22 TDs in 2023) is the energy leader on offense behind a top-notch O-Line, while mike 'backer Junior Colson rallies the defense: a unit that has allowed just 10.2 PPG this year. As you'd imagine, that defensive clip is tops in the nation.

3) Washington Huskies

Odds To Make the CFP: +285

As the only school within the CFP's top-four with plus-money odds in the to-make-the-playoff market, the 12-0 Washington Huskies are ready to go "all in" this Friday night in Sin City (the 21-year old version of myself gets hyped at the sentence). For UDub, their postseason hopes are intrinsically tied to the upcoming Pac-12 Championship Game in Las Vegas.

Like we have all done before, Washington will be seeing an old friend in Vegas: the Oregon Ducks. Six weeks ago, these Pacific Northwest rivals squared off in Seattle -- where the Huskies narrowly earned a home victory. However, it did take Oregon missing a late field goal for UDub to grab to the win. Regardless, FanDuel Sportsbook has the Ducks as a two-score favorite (9.5 points) for Friday night.

The national support for Washington seems to be wavering after their last three games, all of which relied on late heroics from star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. UDub has not won by more than a single score since November 4th. In last week's Apple Cup versus the Washington State Cougars, Husky kicker Grady Gross saved the day with a buzzer-beating field goal -- Gross was rewarded with a scholarship immediately following the rivalry win.

I have believed UO to be the best team in the Pac-12 from the start of 2023, but that is not to say that Washington can't win this Friday. Oregon should be favored here, but 9.5 points seems a little ambitious. Either way, don't ask me to do anything that night -- I'm locked into Ducks-Dawgs.

4) Florida State Seminoles

Odds To Make the CFP: -152

Last Saturday, the Florida State Seminoles did well to vanquish the Florida Gators despite FSU not having their best player. Of course, the 'Noles will be without dual-threat quarterback Jordan Travis for the rest of the way -- he went down with a season-ending leg injury two weeks ago against North Alabama.

Like all other teams featured here, the Seminoles have played to an undefeated 12-0 record. Their most recent victory in Gainesville pushed FSU back into the CFP top four after they fell to No. 5 for just one week following Travis' injury. Regardless, Florida State must truck on. Fast-forward to now, and the 'Noles are preparing for the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte.

Standing in the way of FSU's fifth conference crown since 2005 is the Louisville Cardinals. For the Cards, this will be their initial appearance in the ACC title game. A loss for Florida State will certainly oust them from playoff consideration.

Since Travis' injury on November 18th, the Seminoles have leaned on their big offensive line along with tailback Trey Benson (who is averaging a stellar 6.1 yards per carry). Junior Tate Rodemaker steps in at quarterback, and he has been efficient (five touchdowns to no interceptions) in spot work this year. Entering this weekend, Rodemaker -- along with the rest of the 'Noles -- will have the weight of Tallahassee on their shoulders.

Outside Looking In

5) Oregon (-355 to make the playoff)

Likely Needs: Win Pac-12 Championship

6) Ohio State (+1800)

Likely Needs: Losses from ALA, MICH, WASH, FSU, TEX

7) Texas (+142)

Likely Needs: Win Big-12 Championship + losses from ALA, WASH, FSU

8) Alabama (+205)

Likely Needs: Win SEC Championship + losses from WASH, FSU, TEX

9) Missouri (N/A)

10) Penn State (N/A)

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.