Indiana landed at No. 4 in the first College Football Playoff rankings, making the 8-1 Hoosiers the Big Ten’s highest-ranked team. A top-four finish in the final rankings would earn Indiana a first-round bye in the 12-team playoff.

By the Numbers
  • Indiana is 8-1 after back-to-back overtime wins.
  • The Hoosiers have appeared in 12 straight CFP rankings, all in the top 10; their last 7 were in the top 4.
  • Six Big Ten teams made the rankings, including 3 in the top 6.
State of Play
  • The top four in the final CFP rankings receive first-round byes.
  • The 12-team field includes the 5 highest-ranked conference champions and the next 7 highest-ranked teams.
  • Indiana enters its bye week ranked behind Miami, Georgia and Utah.
What's Next

Indiana will resume its season after the bye, with its remaining games offering a chance to protect or improve its playoff position. The final ranking will determine whether the Hoosiers earn a first-round bye or play in the opening round.

Bottom Line

No. 4 puts Indiana in position for a bye, but the ranking is only a snapshot: the Hoosiers still need to finish strong to secure that advantage.