Nov 5, 2024 - Sports

Oregon Ducks take top spot in College Football Playoff ranking

Kale Williams

A large University of Oregon flag is seen flying on the field in a packed football stadium. — The Oregon Ducks hope to ride their winning momentum into the College Football Playoffs as a top seed. Photo: Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Oregon Ducks football squad is riding high — owners of an undefeated record, the No. 1 ranking in the country and, now, the top spot in the first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings this year.

Why it matters: As the name implies, the ranking determines the seeding for the college football playoffs, which get underway in late December.

The top four seeds get a bye for the first round and are automatically moved into the quarterfinals.

Context: This season marks the significant expansion of the playoff field — 12 teams instead of four — and the first in which the Ducks compete in the Big Ten Conference.

Yes, but: This is just the first of the weekly rankings released by the CFP selection committee. The Ducks will need to keep winning to stay in the top four.

What's next: Oregon goes up against Maryland at home in Eugene on Saturday, where they'll take the field as overwhelming favorites.

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Oregon Ducks take top spot in College Football Playoff ranking

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