The First CFP Rankings: Ohio State, Georgia Lead the Way

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

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 (which has already begun with "MACtion"), 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) Ohio State Buckeyes

Odds To Make the CFP: +110

Somewhat surprisingly, the Ohio State Buckeyes take the top spot of the 2023's initial CFP rankings after not landing higher than No. 3 on the AP poll all season. However, when you consider that OSU may very well have the two most impressive wins of any school here (over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions), it is tough to talk them off the top.

Head coach Ryan Day has a confident bunch in Columbus -- and rightfully so. Between offense, defense and special teams, they are built comprehensively strong. Star receiver and Heisman candidate Marvin Harrison Jr. (18.5 YPC in 2023) leads the O while defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (8 TFL) anchors the D.

On ESPN's current CFB power index (FPI), the Buckeyes (27.5 FPI) are seen as the best team in the nation. Surrendering just 10.0 PPG (second in FBS), Ohio State has been flat-out dominant. Still, despite currently holding the top spot in yesterday's announcement, OSU shows the longest price (+110) among any of the top-four teams to make it to the playoff, per the CFB playoff odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Ironic ... or is it? If the Buckeyes take care of business down the stretch, it will all come down to the regular season finale at the archrival Michigan Wolverines.

2) Georgia Bulldogs

Odds To Make the CFP: -210

Out in Athens, I'd imagine the Georgia Bulldogs are feeling just a tad disrespected right about now. As current back-to-back national champions, UGA has not lost a single football game since the 2021 SEC Championship Game versus the Alabama Crimson Tide. So, what's with the brief demotion?

An argument can be made that Georgia is still without a glowing win in 2023. They have successfully turned the quarterback reigns over from Stetson Bennett to Carson Beck, scoring 40.5 PPG this year, but the dominance we have become accustomed to seeing from the Dawgs has lost some of its bite.

Over their most recent four games, they've allowed 18.25 PPG, which is a bit up from UGA's clip of just 12.25 PPG through the previous two seasons. With so many of their top defensive players being selected in the NFL Draft (especially by the Philadelphia Eagles), staying reloaded is an active task for UGA.

The intensity is about to turn up for head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. Over their next three games, they face all ranked opponents in the Missouri Tigers, Mississippi Rebels and Tennessee Volunteers. For the regular-season finale, Georgia will see the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

3) Michigan Wolverines

Odds To Make the CFP: -150

There always seems to be something going on surrounding the football team in Ann Arbor. Well, regardless of any extracurricular storylines, the Michigan Wolverines are playing their best football of the current epoch. Sitting at an undefeated 8-0, Michigan chimes in on the first CFP at No. 3 overall. Can they climb up any further from here?

The Wolverines have been guided by hyper-efficient quarterback play from Heisman hopeful J.J. McCarthy. The junior signal-caller has tossed 18 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions in 2023 while displaying the highest QBR (93.8) in the country.

There are whispers of this being the final season of head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm of his alma mater. Certainly, if that is the case, the Wolverines will be looking to send him out with a bang. Michigan definitely has the talent to go all the way; according to the SP+ rankings, the Wolverines (29.2 rating) are the top overall team in FBS.

With four games left on the regular-season schedule, Michigan's CFP fate rests with contests at Penn State and versus Ohio State. There, the Blue & Maize will look to make the ultimate statement.

4) Florida State Seminoles

Odds To Make the CFP: -250

Chiming in at No. 4 on the first College Football Playoff rankings of 2023, the Florida State Seminoles actually have the shortest odds at FanDuel Sportsbook to qualify for the playoff (-250). Largely, that is due to the fact that FSU does not have a remaining regular-season contest versus a ranked opponent.

The Seminoles have been ferocious in the current campaign. Like the three schools above, Florida State has played to an 8-0 record, vanquishing all who approach. They are led by dual-threat quarterback Jordan Travis, who has already accounted for 24 total touchdowns (including 6 rushing) this year. With a 64.8% completion clip and just two picks, Travis is a gifted a thrower and runner.

At a -250 number, the 'Noles seem to be a sure thing to be one of the four playoff teams, but their odds to win the national championship are much longer at +550. That could suggest a lack of faith in FSU when pitted against the best from outside their conference. Either way, head coach Mike Norvell and Florida State will surely welcome the challenge.

So far, the Seminoles have quality wins over the LSU Tigers, Duke Blue Devils and at the Clemson Tigers. Does FSU have more to offer in 2023?

Outside Looking In

5) Washington (+155 to make the playoff)

6) Oregon (+165)

7) Texas (+200)

8) Alabama (+250)

9) Oklahoma (+310)

10) Ole Miss (+3500)

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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.