Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes cornerback Cameron Calhoun (4) and Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) play for a ball during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Iowa State came in at No. 18 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, unveiled live on ESPN Tuesday.
The Cyclones are 9-2, and ranked as the second highest team in the Big 12, behind No. 16 Arizona State.
That’s a big point – because Tulane rolled in at No. 17 in the rankings, and stands as the favorite to claim the American Athletic Conference title.
The five automatic playoff bids go to the five highest ranked conference champion – so, it’s not technically a guarantee that a Big 12 championship would send the conference’s winner to the playoff. Although, it’s still likely.
Other Big 12 programs appearing in the rankings included BYU at No. 19, Kansas State at No. 24 and Colorado at No. 25.
The No. 18 Cyclones take on No. 24 Kansas State on Saturday in what could be a win-and-you’re-in game for a Big 12 championship slot at 6:30 p.m. on FOX.
CFP Rankings
Tues. November 26, 2024
1. Oregon
2. Ohio State
3. Texas
4. Penn State
5. Notre Dame
6. Miami
7. Georgia
8. Tennessee
9. SMU
10. Indiana
11. Boise State
12. Clemson
13. Alabama
14. Ole Miss
15. South Carolina
16. Arizona State
17. Tulane
18. Iowa State
19. BYU
20. Texas A&M
21. Missouri
22. UNLV
23. Illinois
24. Kansas State
25. Colorado
