The 6-2 Washington Huskies have earned the No. 23 ranking in the first release of the College Football Playoff top-25. That is one position higher than the position they earned in the most recent AP Poll, where the Huskies made their 2025 debut at No. 24.
In the CFP rankings, Washington is ahead of No. 24 Pitt, unranked in the AP Poll, and No. 25 Tennessee, ahead of the Dawgs at No. 23 in the AP Poll. The nod given to Washington over Tennessee provided instant satisfaction -- but that validation from the Selection Committee didn't last long.
That's because it ranked Iowa at the No. 20 spot, ahead of not only Washington but also another Big Ten foe in Michigan at No. 21. This makes Washington the seventh best team in the Big Ten by the committee's eyes -- as opposed to the sixth, perhaps even fourth or fifth best by many others' eyes.
Iowa and Washington finally getting the RESPECT they deserve.
— kb (@kdb_0306) November 5, 2025
Screw the AP poll https://t.co/8N8UH8KHki pic.twitter.com/stml7RuqyE
With Washington, Iowa, Michigan, and USC all at the two-loss mark, it means the Huskies will have to do more than just win out to earn a spot in the CFP (assuming at least one of those other programs also wins out.) This season's Big Ten will have four bids in the playoffs at most, with three bids being the most likely scenario. The Huskies need to climb that ladder in their final four games.
The good news is that Washington arguably has the most favorable schedule remaining amongst its conference competitors. Iowa and USC both still have to play Oregon, and play against each other, while Michigan still has to play Ohio State at the end of the season.
Washington should have layups against Wisconsin, Purdue, and UCLA before taking on Oregon at home in the final game of the regular season. The Huskies just have to keep winning, and the rankings will take care of itself.