College Football World Reacts to Alabama's Controversial Latest CFP Ranking

The Crimson Tide came in at No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

Mike Kadlick

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe attempts a pass for the Crimson Tide. / Will McLelland-Imagn Images

The Alabama Crimson Tide came in at No. 11 in the latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings—a position that would earn them an at-large berth in the first-ever 12-team CFP.

Many have argued that the committee has long favored Alabama, which has made the College Football Playoff 10 times in the postseason's 12-year history. Their latest ranking—given both their 9–3 record and their two-slot jump from No. 13 last week—had the college football community up in arms on Tuesday night:

The CFP committee has positioned Alabama for a playoff berth.

If this surprises you, you haven’t been paying attention for the past decade.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 4, 2024

Let me state loud and clear. South Carolina should be in ahead of Alabama. And I have a 100k future on Bama.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 4, 2024

So, just to get it straight:

A win over a Top 12 Clemson team on the road - which feels like a pretty big piece of a resume, especially this time of year - moved South Carolina up... one spot.

A win over 5-6 Auburn at home moved Alabama up... two spots.

THE RIG IS IN!
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) December 4, 2024

This is why everyone hates Alabama and the SEC https://t.co/opjef3mMWD
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) December 4, 2024

Alabama lost by 21, two weeks ago, at Oklahoma and the Sooners went 6-6.

The committee evidently thought Miami's four-point loss at Syracuse (9-3) was more damaging than a 24-3 loss to a mediocre team.

The SEC wins, again.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 4, 2024

We can argue Ole Miss, South Carolina, Clemson and all the rest.

Alabama will make the College Football Playoff because of one reason:

Their logo.

It's unfortunate. It truly is.
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 4, 2024

Alabama being ranked #11 pic.twitter.com/wUPjPGc7P7
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) December 4, 2024

Miami being behind Alabama is completely ridiculous.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 4, 2024

Alabama could have 6 losses and they’d be the last team in.
— DRVawl (@DRVawl) December 4, 2024

Nick Saban’s not at Alabama anymore. Giving him the benefit of the doubt was semi understandable most years.

The coddling has to stop now.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 4, 2024

Alabama (9-3) beats a 5-7 Auburn team: jumps from #13 to #11.

Iowa State (10-2) beats an 8-4 (and ranked) Kansas State team: #17 to #16.

Yes, very good system we have.
— Alex Gookin (@_AlexGookin) December 1, 2024

Everyone watch Alabama sneak into the final College Football Playoff spot for the 2nd year in a row: pic.twitter.com/gpgSfOyVMe
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) December 4, 2024

According to the latest projected bracket, the Crimson Tide would face off against No. 4 Notre Dame in the first-round for a chance to take on No. 8 SMU (earning a bye as the projected ACC champion) in the quarterfinals.

The First Round of the College Football Playoff is slated for Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21.

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Mike Kadlick

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.