CFP Rankings Update: Georgia Reclaims No. 1

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 Week 12, we received our third official CFP rankings of the 2023-24 season. Here is the full list, as follows:

*Denotes 2022-23 CFP top-four 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 Week 12, let's have a look at the first 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: -230

In the eyes of the Georgia Bulldogs, two weeks away from the CFP top spot was two weeks too long. Notably, UGA chimed in at No. 2 in each of the prior College Football Playoff rankings this year. Fast-forward to now, and the Dawgs are back on their respective throne. After all, they are the two-time defending national champions (FanDuel Sportsbook has them at +250 odds to three-peat), having won 27 consecutive games.

Over the past weekend, Georgia did well to remind America just how dominant they can be. In that contest, the Bulldogs trounced the Mississippi Rebels between the hedges, defeating their SEC foe, 52-17. To make the victory sweeter for UGA, superstar tight end Brock Bowers returned after missing a month with an ankle injury. Bowers was sure to find the end zone versus Ole Miss, scoring once on three receptions.

At the moment, Georgia is yielding a favorable -230 price to qualify for the College Football Playoff. The Dawgs may be the top team in the CFP rankings, but those odds are only third-shortest in the market at FanDuel Sportsbook. However, keep in mind that UGA has one last formidable matchup this regular season; they head to Rocky Top this weekend to take on the No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes

Odds To Make the CFP: +150

After multiple weeks pacing the CFP poll, the Ohio State Buckeyes have fallen one spot to No. 2 in the rankings. However, I believe the recent movement to be more a testament to Georgia's overall prowess than a knock on Ohio State -- especially considering the Buckeyes dismantled the Michigan State Spartans last Saturday evening by a score of 38-3.

In that most recent outing, OSU was sure to highlight their Heisman hopeful in Marvin Harrison Jr., as the dynamic receiver scored three first-half touchdowns before Sparty managed any points at all. As it is now, Harrison has the shortest odds of any non-quarterback to win this season's Heisman Trophy: six-to-one at FanDuel Sportsbook.

As stated several times over the past month, Ohio State's current campaign really all comes down to the regular season finale at the archrival Michigan Wolverines. Two weeks from now, the oddsmakers seem to like Michigan in Ann Arbor, which is why the Buckeyes show +150 odds to make the CFP top four. Stay tuned, folks.

3) Michigan Wolverines

Odds To Make the CFP: -240

Along with Georgia, Michigan is coming off one of the most impressive wins of last weekend. Notably, the Wolverines were tasked with traveling to Happy Valley with head coach Jim Harbaugh currently banned from the sidelines. However, U-M dug deep, utilizing their big offensive line and explosive running game to outlast the Penn State Nittany Lions, 24-15.

Despite sitting at No. 3 in all College Football Playoff lists this year, many across the land view Michigan as the best overall team in FBS. The power rankings on numberFire are major proponents of the Wolverines (31.83), posting Michigan in their top spot.

U-M has two remaining games on the gridiron for the regular season: at the Maryland Terrapins and, of course, home in the finale versus Ohio State. Experts are expecting the Wolverines to win both upcoming contests, but remember, there will be no Harbaugh on the field. Does Coach Moore continue the ground-heavy attack if they get into trouble? Blake Corum's 18 rushing scores in 2023 lead the nation.

4) Florida State Seminoles

Odds To Make the CFP: -270

Seemingly cemented at the No. 4 position this season, the Florida State Seminoles are now 10-0 for the first time since 2014. Naturally, that was on the heels of their most recent national title, which came in 2013 under Jimbo Fisher and Jameis Winston. Back in the present, the 'Noles are again operating behind a high-flying offensive attack at 38.3 PPG (13th in FBS).

It is interesting to see FSU showing -270 odds -- the shortest price in the market at FanDuel Sportsbook -- to qualify for the upcoming CFP. The Seminoles have been viewed as the fourth-best team in the country for most of 2023, but they have the No. 5 Washington Huskies (also 10-0) nipping at their heels. Comparatively, Washington has three top-25 wins, whereas Florida State has just one this year. If Florida State slips up at all, the Huskies will almost certainly leap into the top four.

The 'Noles have a soft schedule to close out their regular season, taking on the North Alabama Lions (FCS) and Florida Gators to wrap up. That translates to not many more opportunities for dual-threat quarterback Jordan Travis and FSU to prove they belong in CFP's top four. Still, they will likely see the Louisville Cardinals in an ACC Championship game -- the Seminoles will need to make a statement there to stand pat.

Outside Looking In

5) Washington (+115 to make the playoff)

6) Oregon (-180)

7) Texas (+240)

8) Alabama (+160)

9) Missouri (n/a)

10) Louisville (+2000)

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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.