College Football Playoff Rankings 2022: Final Top 25 projections

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Oregon State Head Coach Jonathan Smith and Oregon head coach Dan Lanning talk before the game as the No. 9 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 21 Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.Ncaa Football Uo Vs Osu Rivalry Game University Of Oregon At Oregon State /

Dan Lanning’s first season at Oregon has to be considered a success since the Ducks were in the Pac-12 title hunt until the very end of the year. Had they not lost to Oregon State, they would have been in the title game but they blew a huge lead. The Bo Nix resurgence has been fun to watch.

Oregon State has exceeded expectations this season and the Beavers will finish the regular season ahead of rival Oregon in the rankings. Who could have seen that coming? The Beavers aren’t going to get a New Year’s Six spot because of USC, Washington, and Utah all ranked ahead of them but a top-15 finish is nothing to scoff at.

I’ve been really impressed with Florida State this season and the job that Mike Norvell has done. He really coached his way off the hot seat and the Seminoles will end the regular season as a top-15 team. Playoff next year?

Washington is obviously going to remain in the same spot but there’s a small shot the Huskies move up with the USC loss but the committee won’t drop them that much for losing in the Pac-12 title game. Let me get this off my chest, though: Michael Penix Jr. should be in the Heisman conversation.

James Franklin and the Nittany Lions bounced back quite nicely from a disappointing 2021 season to win 10 regular-season games as their only losses came against No. 2 Michigan and No. 5 Ohio State — both teams should be in the playoff this year. I hate to penalize the Nittany Lions for not playing, but they have to make way for Utah, Clemson, and Kansas State. Do I think this is fair? No, but it is what it is.

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