The College Football Playoff rankings provide a lot of things during their regular-season releases, bragging rights and insight to the possible postseason among them. In the end, only one ranking matters.
LIVE: Latest news on final College Football Playoff rankings
The selection show is right around the corner, and it determines what we've been waiting for all season: the playoffs.
While nothing is for certain, Georgia and Michigan's place in the CFP is as close as it can get. Even if either were to lose its respective conference title game, both programs have been at the top of the league all season and have been to two-straight CFPs. There's no denying their rightful places amongst the best of the best.
That leaves two teams left for selection, and the Pac-12 and ACC championship games will matter most. Can Washington defeat Oregon again for the conference finale? Can Florida State stave off Louisville without its star quarterback? Maybe Texas can find a way to sneak in there.
MORE: Watch the CFP selection show live with Fubo (free trial)
Things will go one of two ways ahead of the CFP selection show. Either everything falls into place as expected, or it will be all-out chaos for the committee.
The Sporting News has everything you need to know about selection Sunday, the final CFP rankings show of the 2023 college football season:
What time is the College Football Playoff selection show?
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
- Start time: Noon ET
The CFP announces its final rankings on Sunday, Dec. 3 at Noon ET. The four-hour event includes top 25 rankings, New Year's Six bowl games and the playoff team announcement.
MORE: College football bowl projections ahead of championship week
How to watch the CFP selection show
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN App, Fubo
The College Football Playoff selection show will be on ESPN. It can also be streamed on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Projected CFP rankings: Who are the top four teams in college football?
1. Georgia (12-0, 8-0 SEC)
2. Michigan (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten)
3. Washington (12-0, 9-0 Pac-12)
4. Florida State (12-0, 8-0 ACC)
Next two out:
1. Oregon (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12)
2. Texas (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)
MORE: Projecting Playoff teams, top 25 ahead of championship week
With the way it stands ahead of conference championship games, it seems the four remaining undefeated teams will make the CFP. They all could lose those games, of course, but Georgia and Michigan will have a strong case to make the playoffs no matter the results against Alabama and Iowa.
That leaves questions regarding Washington and Florida State. Oregon, the Huskies' opponent in the Pac-12 game, sits as the next team in with only one loss. If the Ducks can avenge Washington in the rematch, that would likely put them in contention for a semifinal spot.
The Seminoles are the most tenuous team in the top four due to the loss of Jordan Travis. If they win the ACC and stay undefeated, that should guarantee them a CFP bid. If Louisville upsets them, they're likely out, depending on other results. A Washington championship could very well knock Oregon out completely, giving Texas the final playoff spot. But if the Longhorns lose their final Big 12 game? It could go back to Florida State, Ohio State or even Alabama with an SEC victory.
Ahead of championship weekend, it feels like the CFP spots are secure. But the undefeated teams can still lose, and more than one upset can change everything.
