Feldman Questions Alabama's No. 5 CFP Ranking
Bruce Feldman criticized the initial College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings, including Alabama's No. 5 placement and Tennessee's No. 13 spot.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
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Bruce Feldman criticized the initial College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings on The Audible on Tuesday night. CFP selection committee chair Hunter Yurachek defended Alabama's No. 5 ranking on ESPN, citing Alabama's quality wins over Tennessee.
Why it matters
The initial rankings shape how teams are viewed in the playoff race, and Alabama's position despite back-to-back losses to Georgia and Tennessee has drawn scrutiny. The debate reflects how the committee weighs wins, losses and resume quality.
The initial Top 25 places Alabama at No. 5 and Tennessee at No. 13, a gap that prompted debate over quality wins versus head-to-head results. Alabama still has four regular-season games left, leaving its playoff position unsettled.
The players
Bruce Feldman
Bruce Feldman is a college football journalist known for his analysis of the sport and its recruiting and player development coverage.
Hunter Yurachek
Hunter Yurachek is the chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee, responsible for overseeing the rankings process.
The details
Feldman said Tennessee fans have the biggest right to be upset given the gap between the two teams' rankings, and said Yurachek sputtered and did not give adequate rationale on ESPN. Yurachek argued Alabama has more quality wins than Tennessee.
Timeline
Tuesday night: Feldman discussed the CFP rankings on The Audible.
Back-to-back weeks: Alabama lost to Georgia and then Tennessee.
Four games remain on Alabama's regular-season schedule.
Season Trajectory
The initial CFP rankings set the early framework for the playoff race, with Alabama's No. 5 spot hinging on quality wins despite two losses. Alabama could win out and book a trip to the Playoff for a second straight season.
Alabama's No. 5 ranking affects how fans and bettors track its path to the Playoff, since four remaining games will move its standing. Tennessee's No. 13 spot means its own playoff chances depend on how the committee weighs its resume going forward.
The takeaway
Playoff rankings depend on how the committee weighs quality wins against head-to-head results, and the early Top 25 shows how much that balance matters. Fans tracking their team should watch both wins and losses as the season unfolds.
What happens next
Alabama has four regular-season games remaining, which will shape its playoff standing in future committee rankings.
Further reading
Explore more in Football coverage of the College Football Playoff race.
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