Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Notre Dame lead first College Football Playoff rankings

It’s no surprise Alabama is at No. 1 in the first College Football Playoff rankings.

The defending national champions lead No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 LSU, and No. 4 Notre Dame in the top four in Tuesday’s rankings. Either Alabama or LSU will likely fall out of the top four next week as they meet Saturday in Baton Rouge.

Another big top 10 game in the SEC happens in Lexington on Saturday when No. 9 Kentucky plays No. 6 Georgia.

LSU came in at No. 3 ahead of undefeated Notre Dame likely because of its wins over No. 6 Georgia, Auburn and Miami. The Tigers from Auburn and Hurricanes were ranked at the start of the season but are not currently ranked. Notre Dame beat No. 5 Michigan to open the season.

Central Florida, undefeated at 7-0, came in at No. 12. The Knights are once again a longshot to make the playoff barring a bunch of teams ahead of them losing again.

Full rankings

1. Alabama, 8-0
2. Clemson, 8-0
3. LSU, 7-1
4. Notre Dame, 8-0
5. Michigan, 7-1
6. Georgia, 7-1
7. Oklahoma, 7-1
8. Washington State, 7-1
9. Kentucky, 7-1
10. Ohio State, 7-1
11. Florida, 6-2
12. UCF, 7-0
13. West Virginia, 6-1
14. Penn State, 6-2
15. Utah, 6-2
16. Iowa, 6-2
17. Texas, 6-2
18. Mississippi State, 5-3
19. Syracuse, 6-2
20. Texas A&M, 5-3
21. NC State, 5-2
22. Boston College, 6-2
23. Fresno State, 7-1
24. Iowa State, 4-3
25. Virginia, 6-2