The first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2021 season finally dropped on Tuesday night, and the only thing we know for certain is how little faith to put in them.
Until 2020, no team placed No. 1 in the first rankings of the year went on to win the championship that season. Alabama broke that streak in 2020 because of course it did — however there were fewer games played due to the pandemic. We also know inclusion in the first rankings are far from a guarantee that the committee will feel the same way in a few weeks.
Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Auburn and Penn State have each seen its name listed among the top four in the first rankings only to miss the playoffs entirely. In fact, at least one of the initial teams included among the top four of the first CFP rankings of the year have failed to reach the national semifinal — with 2020 again serving as the only exception.
With seven new members serving on the playoff committee this year, chaos could be at an all-time high. Then again, there are still plenty of teams who seemingly control their own destiny and can make it nearly impossible for the committee to deny them a spot.
Here’s a look at the top-6 teams featured in the the first College Football Playoff rankings of 2021 and just how much of a challenge they — and bettors — can expect in Week 11.
All odds via Tipico Sportsbook.
