Georgia Climbs to No. 4 in CFP Rankings After Dominant Win Over Texas
The Georgia Bulldogs aren’t just climbing the College Football Playoff rankings—they’re sprinting. After a commanding 35-10 victory over the Texas Longhorns on November 15, 2025, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, the Bulldogs surged to No. 4 in the third CFP rankings released on November 18, 2025. It wasn’t just the win that moved them up—it was the dominoes that fell behind them. Alabama Crimson Tide, once a lock for the top four, tumbled to No. 10 after a shocking loss to the Oklahoma Sooners on November 14, opening the door for Georgia to vault past them. The top three? Unshaken. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0), Indiana Hoosiers (11-0), and Texas A&M Aggies (10-0) held firm, setting up a tense final stretch for the final four spots.
How Georgia Got Here—and What’s Still at Stake
Georgia’s rise wasn’t accidental. The Bulldogs have won six straight games since their lone loss to LSU in September. Their 35-10 demolition of Texas wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. They controlled the line of scrimmage, held the Longhorns to 212 total yards, and forced three turnovers. Coach Kirby Smart called it "the most complete performance of the season," and the College Football Playoff Selection Committee clearly agreed. But here’s the thing: Georgia’s path to the SEC Championship Game isn’t guaranteed. They finished SEC play at 7-1, tied with Texas A&M and Alabama. To earn a spot in Atlanta, they need either a Texas A&M loss, an Alabama loss, or a superior conference opponent winning percentage tiebreaker. That’s not luck—it’s math."It’s not about what we do anymore," said Dawg Nation reporter Chris Kirby. "It’s about what happens in College Station and Auburn." Texas A&M hosts Texas on November 28. Alabama faces Auburn the same day. One slip-up by either, and Georgia’s in. Two? They’re still in—but now they’re the favorites.
The Ripple Effect: Oklahoma’s Breakout and Alabama’s Fall
The real story behind Georgia’s climb? Oklahoma Sooners. Their 31-24 upset of Alabama wasn’t just a win—it was a seismic shift. Led by head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma’s defense held Alabama to just 178 yards and forced two critical turnovers. That win pushed the Sooners to No. 8, leapfrogging both Notre Dame and Texas. "They didn’t just win a game," said CBS Sports analyst. "They rewrote the entire playoff landscape with a single game." Alabama’s fall to No. 10 was a brutal reminder of how thin the margin is in this new 12-team playoff era. Their eight-game winning streak under Kalen DeBoer is over. Now, they must beat Auburn on November 29 to even have a shot at an at-large bid. "If they lose," added the analyst, "they’re watching the playoffs from home. No second chances."
Georgia’s Final Hurdles and the Path to the Semifinals
Georgia’s regular season isn’t over. They host the Charlotte 49ers on November 22 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta—a tune-up. Then comes the real test: the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on November 29 at Sanford Stadium. It’s the 127th edition of the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry. Georgia has won the last six meetings, but Tech always brings chaos. A slip here, and Georgia’s playoff hopes could unravel.But even if they win out, Georgia’s fate hinges on others. The College Football Playoff Selection Committee will release its next rankings on November 25. The final field? Determined on December 7. The top four seeds get a first-round bye. Georgia, at No. 4, is already in that conversation. If they stay there, they’ll host a quarterfinal game on December 20—likely against the winner of No. 5 Texas Tech and No. 12 North Texas Mean Green.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Beyond Atlanta
This isn’t just about Georgia. It’s about the new playoff structure. Since 2024, the top four teams get byes. The five highest-ranked conference champs get automatic bids. The rest? At-large. That means even a 10-2 team like Oklahoma can jump over 9-2 teams with better records. It’s chaos—and it’s brilliant. Fans don’t just watch games anymore. They calculate win probabilities, conference tiebreakers, and strength-of-schedule metrics. Every snap matters.And the stakes? Higher than ever. The semifinals will be held at the Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington, Texas, and the Peach Bowl in Atlanta on December 31. The national title game? January 19, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Georgia’s last national title came in 2022. They’re one win away from a repeat. But they’re not thinking about that yet.
"We’re just trying to win the next game," said Coach Smart. "Everything else? That’s for the committee to worry about."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Georgia still make the SEC Championship Game without winning the SEC?
Yes. Georgia finished SEC play at 7-1, tied with Texas A&M and Alabama. If both A&M and Alabama lose their final games, Georgia qualifies for the SEC Championship via tiebreaker rules based on conference opponent winning percentage. Even if they don’t win the division, a top-four CFP ranking still gives them a first-round bye in the 12-team playoff.
Why did Oklahoma’s win over Alabama move them ahead of Notre Dame and Texas?
Oklahoma’s strength of schedule improved dramatically after beating Alabama, the then-No. 1 team. Their win over the Crimson Tide gave them a higher-quality victory than Notre Dame’s wins over teams ranked outside the top 15. Texas, despite being 9-2, lost to Georgia and Texas A&M—two teams now ranked higher than Oklahoma. The committee values head-to-head results and overall resume depth.
What happens if Georgia wins out but Texas A&M beats Texas?
Georgia still gets into the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed if they finish 11-1. Texas A&M’s win over Texas would give them the SEC West title, but Georgia’s higher national ranking (and better overall resume) would still earn them a top-four seed. The committee prioritizes overall performance over conference title wins when determining the top four.
Is Georgia’s defense good enough to compete for a national title?
Absolutely. Georgia’s defense has allowed just 13.4 points per game over their last six wins, including holding Texas to 10 points and Alabama to 24 in their earlier meeting. They lead the nation in tackles for loss and have four players with double-digit sacks. If their offense continues to protect the ball, they’re as dangerous as any team left in the field.
When will we know if Georgia makes the playoff?
The final College Football Playoff rankings will be announced on December 7, 2025, live on ESPN. That’s when the four playoff teams are confirmed, along with the full 12-team bracket. Georgia’s fate will be decided based on their final record, strength of schedule, and how other top teams perform in their final games.
How does the 12-team playoff format change the game compared to the old 4-team system?
The 12-team format, introduced in 2024, gives more teams a realistic shot. The top four get byes, and five conference champions get automatic bids. That means teams like Oklahoma (8-2) or Texas Tech (10-1) can now make the field even without winning their conference. It rewards consistency over perfection and makes every game in November meaningful—not just the final weekend.
