{
  "id": 18421745,
  "title": "Greg McElroy Questions Alabama’s CFP Ranking Ahead of Texas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/greg-mcelroy-questions-alabamas-cfp-ranking-ahead-of-texas",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-06T01:59:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/greg-mcelroy-questions-alabamas-cfp-ranking-ahead-of-texas-12673658"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN analyst Greg McElroy expressed surprise over Alabama's ranking ahead of Texas in the first College Football Playoff rankings. Both teams were 6-2, yet Alabama found itself fifth while Texas was seventh. McElroy had projected Texas at No. 5 based on their victories over Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. The Longhorns claimed triumphs over Ohio State 24-23 and Ole Miss 34-27, along with a 20-17 victory in Austin against Tennessee. On the Alabama side, the Crimson Tide secured a notable road win against Kentucky 45-17, leading to their inclusion at No. 6 with a 7-1 record. However, Alabama's other defeat was against No. 2 Georgia by a narrow 20-17 margin. Texas, meanwhile, suffered consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida, both by identical scores of 27-24. McElroy attributed the ranking discrepancy to the committee's potential focus on offensive performance, although he did not confirm this as the official reasoning. The CFP's evaluation guidelines emphasize considering a team's comprehensive body of work, including strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and performance against common opponents. With the next rankings set to be released on November 10, Alabama will challenge No. 14 LSU, while Texas will face No. 18 Missouri.",
  "summary": "Greg McElroy questioned why Alabama ranked ahead of Texas in the first College Football Playoff rankings.",
  "key_points": [
    "Greg McElroy surprised by Alabama's No. 5 ranking over Texas.",
    "Alabama defeated Kentucky 45-17, Texas lost to Oklahoma and Florida 27-24 each.",
    "Ranking based on offensive performance and committee's evaluation guidelines."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}