As the college football landscape barrels toward conference championship weekend, the debate over how the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee will rank its top teams continues to heat up. Georgia and Texas, two programs with compelling cases, could see their fates intertwined depending on the outcomes of the upcoming conference championships. Michigan athletic director and CFP committee member Warde Manuel addressed the possibility of the rankings flipping should Georgia emerge victorious in the SEC Championship
The Georgia Bulldogs, currently ranked No. 2 behind Michigan, face the Texas Longhorns, who hold the No. 3 spot, in a highly anticipated SEC Championship matchup. Georgia’s dominance under head coach Kirby Smart, coupled with their two national titles in the last two seasons, has cemented them as a powerhouse in college football.
Despite their consistent success, the Bulldogs were edged out of the top spot by Michigan in recent weeks, likely due to a combination of schedule strength and key victories by the Wolverines. However, if Georgia defeats Texas in convincing fashion, many believe the committee will have little choice but to elevate them back to No. 1.
Manuel acknowledged this possibility during a recent interview, noting that the CFP rankings are fluid and designed to reward teams for performance throughout the season, especially in high-stakes games like conference championships.
“Georgia’s track record speaks for itself,” Manuel said. “The SEC Championship is a critical factor in the evaluation process, and any team that wins that game—particularly against a top-tier opponent like Texas—deserves serious consideration for the top ranking.”
The Longhorns have been one of the most dynamic teams in the nation this year, showcasing an explosive offense under quarterback Quinn Ewers and a stout defense led by standout linebacker Jaylan Ford. Their resume includes a marquee road win against Alabama and an undefeated regular season in the SEC.
However, Texas’s position at No. 3 has raised questions about how the committee views their body of work compared to Georgia. Manuel suggested that while a loss to Georgia could affect Texas’s ranking, the quality of the game and the overall performance would be key factors in the committee’s deliberations.
“Texas has put together an incredible season,” Manuel said. “A close, competitive game against Georgia wouldn’t necessarily hurt their standing significantly. We’re not just looking at wins and losses but also how teams play in those pivotal moments.”
A potential flip in the rankings could have significant implications for the CFP semifinals. If Georgia moves to No. 1 with a win, Michigan would likely retain the No. 2 spot, leaving Texas and the current No. 4 team, Washington, to battle for the third and fourth seeds.
For Georgia, reclaiming the top spot would mean a likely matchup against the No. 4 team, which could be perceived as a more favorable draw. Conversely, Texas would face Michigan, a team that has looked dominant all season.
Manuel emphasized the importance of objectivity in the committee’s process, reassuring fans and analysts that the rankings are based on data, performance, and context rather than preconceived narratives.
“Our goal is to evaluate the entirety of a team’s season, not just one game,” Manuel explained. “However, conference championships are undeniably important, and they provide a unique opportunity to measure teams against top-tier competition.”
The SEC Championship game between Georgia and Texas will undoubtedly serve as a defining moment for both programs. If Georgia wins, the debate over whether they should leapfrog Michigan for the top spot will dominate headlines. Meanwhile, Texas will need a strong showing to solidify their place in the top four, regardless of the outcome.
For now, all eyes are on the committee and its ability to navigate these complex scenarios. As Warde Manuel and his colleagues prepare to make their final decisions, one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for Georgia and Texas, with a national championship hanging in the balance.