College Football Playoff rankings predictions: First top 25 projections led by

When the calendar hits November, it means it’s time to put away Halloween costumes and bring out the crystal balls. The first College Football Playoff rankings are here — and it’s time to make some fun predictions.

UPDATE: Click or tap here for the official College Football Playoff rankings

The first of six CFP top 25 reveals happens at 7 p.m. ET tonight on ESPN (here’s the full schedule; the second rankings are Nov. 8). Ahead of the announcement, here’s a prediction of how the committee could rank its top 25 teams. Note that these are my predictions and mine alone. I take a look at head-to-head results, schedule strength, games against ranked teams and more to help rank the teams how I think the CFP committee will do so. You can read the CFP committee’s official protocols here.

College Football Playoff rankings predictions: Top 25 projections

1. Georgia (8-0) — Here’s thinking the blowout nonconference win against Oregon counts for a lot, along with the overall dominance (mainly Mizzou aside).
2. Tennessee (8-0) — That 38-point drubbing of Kentucky could even lift the Vols to the top spot. Wins against the Wildcats, surging LSU on the road and, yes, Alabama, is a strong case for No. 1.
3. Ohio State (8-0) — The Buckeyes were tested for a long time, but OSU still came through with a 13-point road win against a ranked team in Penn State. An improving Notre Dame is also helping Ohio State’s case for the top spot.
4. Michigan (8-0) — The No. 4 spot in the initial rankings is maybe the most interesting, considering it’s a peek into what the committee values for that crucial final playoff spot. The Wolverines have just looked good, period, and that rout of Penn State stands out.
5. Clemson (8-0) — The Tigers might have slid into the fourth spot — they still could — but their wins over Wake Forest and Syracuse don’t look as great after those teams’ Week 9 losses.
6. TCU (8-0) — The Horned Frogs may be the last undefeated team in the poll, but TCU has come a long way since August. Just keep winning and wait for the other unbeaten teams to slip.
7. Alabama (7-1) — It would be a shock if the Tide weren’t the highest-ranked one-loss team, considering that defeat came on the road to Tennessee on the last play of the game. Next comes a key two-game stretch against LSU and Ole Miss.
8. Oregon (7-1) — The opening loss to UGA was ugly, but the Ducks have looked great since. Much of the remaining schedule isn’t easy, however, beginning Nov. 12 against Washington.
9. UCLA (7-1) — The Bruins didn’t have a hangover after losing to Oregon, taking care of business against Stanford, 38-13. Unless things get weird, UCLA should be 9-1 when it faces rival USC.
10. Ole Miss (8-1) — The Rebels regrouped after the 25-point loss to LSU by topping Texas A&M. Ole Miss doesn’t have really huge wins yet, but the Rebels get a visit from Alabama on Nov. 12.
11. USC (7-1) — 411 passing yards from Caleb Williams helped the Trojans outscore Arizona…