Mark Schlabach Nov 3, 2026, 07:21 PM ET

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Senior college football writer

Author of seven books on college football

Graduate of the University of Georgia

Miami wasn't included in the College Football Playoff selection committee's top 10 until the final rankings last season, but the unbeaten Hurricanes are No. 1 in the initial rankings released Tuesday night.

Miami was followed by Georgia, Utah, Indiana and Alabama in the top five. Kentucky, Texas, UCLA, BYU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Ohio State round out the 12 teams in the rankings.

Since five conference champions are guaranteed to make the 12-team bracket, No.…