AP Top 25: Ohio State, Indiana to Clash in first Big Ten No. 1 vs. No. 2 Matchup As 2006
COLUMBUS, OH – November 29, 2025 – The College Football Playoff picture is taking shape as the final championship weekend approaches, and the AP Top 25 reflects a tightening race. For the first time as 2006, the Big Ten Championship will feature a No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup, with Ohio State holding the top spot and Indiana at No. 2.
This week’s poll sees several shifts following a turbulent weekend of play. Pitt, SMU, and Tennessee have fallen out of the top 25, making way for Arizona (No. 22), navy (No. 23), and Missouri (No. 25). Navy’s ranking marks the program’s first appearance in the poll this season, contributing to a strong showing for the American Athletic Conference with North Texas (No.20) and Tulane (No. 21) also ranked. Arizona’s inclusion signifies a successful rebound season under second-year coach Brent Brennan.
Beyond the Big Ten headliner,other key conference championship matchups include No.10 Alabama versus No. 3 georgia in the SEC, No. 11 BYU against No. 5 texas Tech in the Big 12, and No. 20 North Texas at No. 21 Tulane in the American. The American Championship game is anticipated to have Playoff implications. The ACC will see an unranked Duke face No. 16 Virginia.
Despite recent close calls, including a narrow escape against LSU, Oklahoma remains in contention, currently viewed as comfortably in the Playoff. However, analysts question whether the Sooners are definitively superior to teams like BYU, Texas (which defeated Oklahoma), Utah, or Vanderbilt. Oklahoma’s head-to-head win over Alabama currently keeps them ahead of the Tide in rankings.
Indiana faces a daunting challenge against Ohio State, having lost 30 consecutive games to the Buckeyes dating back to 1988. This will be Indiana’s third all-time matchup against a top-five opponent and their second in as many years, following a top-five loss at Ohio State last season.
