The initial College Football Playoff rankings are out, and for the first time since 2024, the Gamecocks are included

Now it starts to get serious. After a couple of months watching the Associated Press and Coaches polls size up the best 25 teams in the country, we now get an idea as to which twelve might make the playoff. And for the first time since the final CFP rankings of the 2024 season, USC is in the “Top 25″.

On Tuesday night, the first CFP rankings were released with the Gamecocks checking in at #21. After a 2-3 start to the season, LaNorris Sellers and company have reeled off three straight victories, including a 42-25 triumph at Oklahoma on Saturday, which wasn’t as close as the final score might indicate.

Unbeaten Miami is #1, followed by Georgia, Utah, Indiana, and Alabama in the “Top Five”. The committee will release its rankings each Tuesday through the end of the regular season. The last set of rankings will be released Sunday, Dec. 6, and those will determine the final 12-team bracket.

CFP Rankings (11/03)

1. Miami Hurricanes (8-0)
2. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1)
3. Utah Utes (8-0)
4. Indiana Hoosiers (8-1)
5. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2)
6. Kentucky Wildcats (7-1)
7. Texas Longhorns (6-2)
8. UCLA Bruins (8-0)
9. BYU Cougars (7-1)
10. Ole Miss Rebels (6-2)
11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1)
12. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-2)
13. Tennessee Volunteers (6-2)
14. LSU Tigers (6-2)
15. Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-1)
16. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-1)
17. Houston Cougars (6-2)
18. Missouri Tigers (6-2)
19. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2)
20. Southern California Trojans (7-2)
21. USC Gamecocks (5-3)
22. Arizona Wildcats (6-2)
23. Oregon Ducks (5-3)
24. Florida Gators (5-3)
25. Boise State Broncos (7-1)