College Football Live - CFB Live- Reacting to the First CFP Rankings, Ft. Special Guest CJ Carr

Episode Date: November 5, 2025

Join our crew Zubin Mehenti, Sam Acho, and Roddy Jones as they digest the first committee rankings of the 2025 College Football Season. Is Ohio State really number 1? What do the rankings tell us about what the committee is looking for? And how do people feel about 2-loss Notre Dame? Hear from the face of the Irish himself when CJ Carr joins to discuss his team's success and how they hope to keep it going. And tune in for the second FCS rankings reveal of the season! All this and more on College Football Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey there, welcome to college football live. I'm Zubim Mahenty. Out of the tunnel today. What else? Complete reaction to last night's committee rankings, including insight from the one person that knows the committee better than anyone else. Speaking of the committee,

they put Notre Dame at number 10. What's the reason C.J. Carr has gotten off to one of the best starts of any quarterback in Irish history? He'll join the show. I'll ask him just that. And from the FBS to the FCS, the exclusive second reveal of their playoff teams on the way to crowning a champion in Nashville.

That more next. And out of the gate, welcome inside college football live. Roddy Sam Zubin here with you. We mentioned it at the top. Let's not waste any more time. We know what it's all about today talking about the rankings. The first CFP rankings revealed on this very set, on this very desk last night. Ohio State at number one.

No surprise. They ended last scene as at number one. They start at number one despite having a new defensive coordinator, new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback, and two top two running backs as well. So as you take a look at the college football playoff rankings, Ohio State at one. It's brought to you by Allstate Texas A&M, the metrics darlings at three. The highest ranked Big 12 teams, BYU and Texas Tech. They'll meet Saturday.

Texas and Oklahoma, the first two teams out of the field because Virginia's got to get in. They're the highest ranked ACC team at 14. You will notice there is no group of five team anywhere for the first time in the rankings out of the gate. And that means you got to create room for right now. The committee believes Memphis will be in that spot. So let's take a look at what's your beef. And guys, don't be like Greg McElroy, what's your old beef presented by old trapper? McElroy last night said, yeah, I don't got any problems with any of the rankings. I thought it was all good. We got to fill 245. So I need something more than that. Roddy, let's start with you.

Plenty to discuss. I think the Big Ten in the SEC know where they stand. A couple of the other power leagues probably asking themselves some questions today. It certainly are. And look, of the other two leagues that we're talking about, Big 12 in the ACC, I think the Big 12 comes out of the first rankings feeling pretty good. You've got two teams in the top 10 that square off this week in BYU and Texas Tech. And Utah lurking just outside of the top 10, the Big 12 is in pretty good position to get two teams in the college football playoff, especially when you look at the way Utah finishes the year without the top end of the league playing them.

And even if BYU and Texas Tech Square off, if they play a close game, I think it's reasonable to think neither one of those teams or the loser of that game is going to drop very far if that game is indeed close and down the wire. So I think the Big 12

is feeling a lot better than the ACC does with the ACC's top ranked team at Virginia down there at 14. That surprised me the most. Virginia being at 14, a team that has one loss on a last second play to NC State.

Also, it goes back to their strength of schedule. Virginia, even going up to this point and moving forward, they have a relatively easy schedule. And so it seems as if the committee took into account that strength of schedule when we're looking at Virginia, when looking at Louisville, and also with Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech just lost last week to NC State. They were a top 10 team. But if you look at who they have beat, you can't really put anyone on that schedule who you'd say, man, that team they beat is a top 25 ranked powerhouse. Yeah, no doubt, Sam. And when you look at Virginia's strength of schedule, I mean, it is one of the lower ones amongst the consideration set of the top 25.

But also look at how Virginia has won these games. I mean, the game last week against Cal ends up being a 10-point game. But that was a three-point game with 40 seconds left before Virginia had a pick six to bring it to 10. You've got the game winning safety in the last minutes of the game against Washington State. You've got overtime wins against Louisville, against UNC and against Florida State earlier in the year. They've sort of been squeaking by, but the resilience is something to be commended. But when you start to compare that resume against some of these other teams, you can see why Virginia would be in the mid-teens.

I just think, I think if you're the ACC, you're looking at Virginia. You're looking at Miami who has a win over Notre Dame, who's ranked number 10. Miami's down there at 18. Georgia Tech's only got one loss. Georgia Tech's sitting there at 17. I just think if you're the ACC, you're thinking, man, we should have won some more non-conference games because the committee certainly doesn't seem like they are big fans of what those one and two lost teams have done.

done. Yeah, fair enough. Much more playoff talk and rankings talk coming up in 26 minutes of the bottom of the hour on championship. Drive. A reminder, Dr. Pepper, one final team. You can find out and select who the one final team by using the hashtag one final team. Now, that one final team could be Oregon the way things are going for the ducks. I think a lot of people were surprised where they ended up in the rankings last night. Keep in mind they got a huge game against Iowa on Saturday at Kinnick State. stadium, Oregon's remaining opponents are 24 and 9, and they're sitting there at 9th overall by the committee. Now, we're going to talk more about the ranking implications of where Oregon stands coming up on championship drive of the bottom of the hour. But Sam, since you've got the green on, let me start with you here and just talk about this game in general. Oregon has one win over a team with a winning record. That's Northwestern.

But let me state that when they played Penn State a month ago, it was a huge game. and when they scheduled Oklahoma State years ago, they didn't think it was going to be this sort of Pokes team. So how do you see Oregon's predicament walking into one of the toughest places in the Big Ten Saturday? Well, it just got better with the fact that Iowa ended up being ranked 20 in this first rankings. Because if Oregon does go and hand it to Iowa,

Iowa with a convincing win, now of a sudden, Oregon would have another win versus a top team, an above 500 team, a top 20 team in a convincing fashion. The only issue is, I was playing really well offensively. I know Roddy's going to talk about it, but Mark Rannowski, the transfer from South Dakota State, is playing well, not just with his arm,

but also running the football as well. So Oregon defensively is going to be, have to be ready. Yeah, no doubt, the running ability of Mark Rannowski, and it feels like that offense has kind of hit its stride, having put up some big numbers in recent weeks. Sam, I look at the Oregon rushing game as part of the big key to this one. Iowa is certainly going to want to run the football,

but Oregon's ability to run the football is going to be paramount. Iowa has not had a single team average over four yards to carry against them all season long. Oregon thrives on running the football. Even, you know, we talk about the flash and dash of Dante Moore and that receiving core. But really, this thing starts on the ground. So Oregon's going to have to be able to run the football. And if I was going to win, I was going to have to stop the run. And so while you talk about Grinowski's legs, I think the legs of the ducks are going to be sort of the key.

Fair enough. This is a newfangled Big Ten rivalry, but Oregon's final game at Washington, the resumption of one of the great rivalries could prove to be the fulcrum point for either of those two teams down the stretch. We shall see. Good word. Fulcrums. Thank you. Good word. Well, you went to the best school of the three.

You went to Georgia Tech, man. That's a big time word. I couldn't get into Tech. Whoa, chill, chill, chill, chill. The best's the three. Hold on. You're right. You're right.

Somebody's thinking about going to the Moody College of Communication there. the University of Texas. Notre Dame also a great academic school. You know the deal with the Irish, right? They started 0 and 2. The losses to Miami and A&M. But since then, they've been great, haven't lost.

Big win over Boston College over the weekend. And that, of course, is an actual real rivalry game that we can get into. Quarterback, CJ Carr, has been absolutely lights out. And it's a pleasure to welcome CJ inside college football live today. Hey, thanks for joining us. I know you kind of located last night

when you found out where you guys were in the rankings, not the biggest deal in the world. So let's start with what kind of was the biggest deal. Your own two, you were lights out in the first two games. Marcus Freeman holds a team meeting on a Sunday. What does he tell you and the guys? Yeah, we had Purdue the next week, and the focus was straight into Purdue, and how can we, you know, scrape together a couple wins.

And then, you know, after that, it's been how can we win the next week and so on? And here we are in a good position and ready for a good Navy team. Yeah, you know, I was talking about your approach. play here a couple of moments ago. You are off to one of the best starts of any quarterback in Notre Dame history. And I don't say those words lightly because I am sure you are aware of who preceded you wearing that gold dome and wearing that green helmet and wearing those green pads. What do you think is the number one reason that, and by the way, I'm going to break,

rules here. You can't answer by saying your teammates, okay? I want to know from you and your development. No teammate cop out. Your development, what has made you this good this fast? That's a hard question because it's the teammate, it's not a cop out. You know, I think the guys around me, I think I have the best offense line in the country protecting me up front. And some of the weapons that we have on the outside are, they make it real easy to throw to.

And so I have to go with the cop out, you know, it's the easy answer, but it's also the true answer. All right, fair enough. You played well enough or you're going to get a Mulligan, so I'll give you that. I heard Marcus Freeman say late last month because of your, a freshman. He said there's more to your game. But I don't think he was saying that because he were young. I think he was saying that because there's so much of your game we have yet to see. What more do you have in the holster we haven't seen? Yeah, Coach Free talks a lot about just continuing week in week out to elevate and trying to be the best version of yourself

individually. And then also, you know, we want to be the best offense we can be. And so there's lots of elevation to come and we have a bunch more games to go four more guaranteed and hopefully more after that. So it's just more opportunities get better and elevate. Another thing Freeman said

and I've always wondered this whether I've talked to Ian Book or Brady Quinn or anybody like yourself now in this position. You're 20 years old. Freeman said you've got a lot on your plate. You're the quarterback, the most scrutinized player on maybe the most followed team internationally in all of college football.

at 20 years old. How do you balance that? It doesn't feel hard to balance just because you're in the facility every day with your best friends playing the sport that you love. And so it doesn't feel like a job. It doesn't feel like any added pressure. You know, I feel blessed to come into this facility

every day with the best coaches, the best players and best people and, you know, be able to compete day in and day out. Last couple. What is Jeremiah Love meant to you as a teammate and as a person? Yeah, I can't talk enough about Jay Love. He's the most consistent person in our facility, and there's always a calm energy about him. He's ready to play. He's a gamer. We're excited to see what he does against Navy. All right. Last thing, there is no car interview that can be complete without asking about

the other car that made his name in college football long before. Of course, that's your grandfather. Lloyd, I just kind of wonder, for those that don't know, a Michigan, championship winning coach. I just wonder what your communication is like during the season, because I'm sure I remember his intensity on the sideline. I'm sure he is really invested in watching you and your success. What's it like? You texting? What do you doing? Yeah, he texts me after every game, and it's not the most clean text. Technology is a little new for him, but he makes sure to congratulate me after every game, and he gives me what he thought I did well. And I got to

see him during the bye week when I went home. And so having him in my corner is a me as a world. That's awesome. I do remember a funny story with Coach Carr. I'm sure you remember this. Maybe you've told you this. It's been well told. And one day Tom Brady walked into his office. He was thinking about transferring and he said, I think you need just need to hang in there because I think it's going to work out for you. And that was some pretty good, pretty good advice, right? Absolutely. Absolutely.

Great stuff. I'm not going to have you reveal those not safe for work text, but I'll just take it as passion. CJ, thanks very much. And best of luck this weekend as you take on a another great rival. Appreciate it. Thank you, guys. You got it. That's CJ Carter joining us on College Football Live. On the way, big implications in the Big 12, with two teams and the rankings back to back, both in the top 10 playing in the game of the week. What happens to the winner? More importantly, what happens to the loser. And from the FBS to the FCS, the exclusive reveal of the 10 teams of the 24, the top 10 revealed when we return. Just a reminder, check out this triple header.

Saturday on your local ABC station. Top 10 matchup, one of the biggest games ever to be played in Lubbock. A&M in Missou and LSU, off a couple of weeks of absolute chaos with interim head coach Frank Wilson. We'll be at Alabama. The FCS has three reveals. We showed you the first.

Today is the second. November 23rd, the 2014 field will be announced. We have your top 10 reveal coming at you right here. For the first time, the maiden voyage for the Ivy League in the FCS playoffs. And I do believe they're going to be making a piece. here in the top 10. So let's run through them. Roddy, let's start with Tim Plow, number 10. UC Davis. This guy's going to get some FBS looks before it's all said and done.

Yes, he will, and it'll be deserved, Zubin. This team has a top 25 offense. Their quarterback, Kate and Pennick, 12th in the country in past yards per game. Jaden Fisher at running back, six in yards per carry. It's an explosive offense, but don't sleep on that defense either. No doubt. Sam, I mentioned the Ivy League was going to be making an appearance. And here come the Crimson at 9. Harvard is 7 and O for the first time since 2015. They're 4.0 at conference play for the first time since 2016. Their quarterback, Jaden Craig, 6-3, senior.

He's an economics major. 332 yards last week, four touchdowns. He now holds the Harvard career passing touchdown record. So quarterback Craig is making splash. Big election in New Jersey yesterday. The winner Roddy Monmouth. No doubt, Zubin, if you ask, what is Monmouth? good out on offense. The answer is

everything. Their quarterback, Derek Robertson leads the country in past yards. They've got a running back and Rodney Nelson leads the country and rushing and all purpose yards in a receiver that's top five in receiving in Josh Derry. This offense is explosive. One of my favorite teams to watch in the FCS. Sam, here come the Golden Eagle.

Well, Tennessee Tech, they're on a 14-game winning streak dating back to last season. They've been to the FCS playoffs only once. That was back in 2011. Head coach Bobby Wilder is leading the charge. I got a quarterback, K. Coa Vespairus, transfer from Eastern Washington, making a splash. Roddy, you know the Dakotas are going to be making an appearance more than one.

Here comes SDSU. Yeah, but South Dakota State, the Jack Rapids on a little bit of a slide, having lost their last two games against North Dakota State and then Indiana State without their starting quarterback, Chase Mason. His health is going to be crucial down the stretch. They got a big game this week against South Dakota. It's going to be big for the jack rabbits to get back on track. Sam, a reminder, Charlton State defeated Army earlier this season. They're at five. All right, but they're nine and one, but they're coming off their first loss of the season last week versus Abilene Christian.

They had a late run at the end, 18 straight points, but lost on a walk off field goal. So for them to be coming off their first loss and still being the top five speaks to the leadership. They're on a by week right now. Running back is getting healthy. So Charlton State is looking up. Lehigh at four, Roddy. out of the Patriot League, this team is led by the defense. Number three defense in the FCS, a number three rush defense as well,

11, 72 yards per game. They're number three in sacks, number six in total D. This team is led by that side of the football and the toughness. Kevin Cahill's crew is always going to be tough. But don't sleep, number nine rushing offense in the league with a dual threat quarterback. Sam, hard to have a top 10 in the FCS without Montana making an appearance somewhere. I couldn't agree more. And they're led by linebacker Payton Wing, a transfer for Portland State.

He's been all over the field, whether it's sacks, tackles for loss. Yes, the offense can go, but pay attention to that defense led by Peyton Wing. And then Roddy, their arch rival. John Dutton's favorite team, if you watch Yellowstone. Yes, they are. I don't know if they get you any points on the field, but it gets your points in pop culture. This team top 15 on offense, top 15 on defense. lengthen Justin Lampson, number four in the country,

and completion percentage of the quarterback, completing 72% of his passes. Their only losses to Oregon and South Dakota State. Montana State's had a great year. And then Sam, you are wearing the green, the green and yellow, 10 of the last 14 championships, this team. Yeah, and they received all 56 first place votes this year as well.

North Dakota State, the Bison. They're led by quarterback Colpaiton. He's been almost waiting in the wings, but man, this offense, the defense, a whole complete team. They got a chance to win the Dakota Marker a couple weeks ago versus South Dakota State. They are not looking back. Dakota Marker is a big

time trophy, no doubt. So here comes your FCS. Top 10. Again, the official final reveal ESPNU Sunday, November 23rd. And I want to mention that the NCAA, the AFCA and the NFL are going to have an FCS showcase for guys eligible for the draft. So guys that are working for that

next level like you're Randy Moss, your Kurt Warner, your Joe Flackos, all these guys that were great at the FCS level are going to get an opportunity to have a combine something that those guys didn't have. Great stuff. What to watchful. Brought to you by Huobah. It's the top 10 matchup in Lubbik we were talking about.

This is a huge spot for both BYU and Texas Tech. If you saw the college football ranking show last night, you know BYU is sitting at seven, the top ranked Big 12 team. Texas Tech sitting at eight, one spot behind them at eight and one with just one blemish. Chance to reach the playoff. You see how important this game is, especially for 10. Texas Tech. BYU, because they're undefeated right now,

does have a little bit more breathing room, according to the Allstate playoff predictor. All right, Roddy, I want to start with you here. Take me inside the mind offensively. We talked to C.J. Carr about what it's like to navigate this as a freshman. BYU's got one of their own, and this is going to be the most hostile environment. He has played in to date.

It certainly will. Whether or not they're throwing tortillas in Lubbock. It is a hostile environment. And it's really hostile because of that deep. But the thing that you can do to help a freshman quarterback in those scenarios is run the football. BYU has been one of the best rushing teams in the Big 12 this year behind L.J. Martin and the rushing ability of Bear Bacmeyer. But they're up against the Texas Tech defense that's number one in the Big 12 in rush defense. So I think running the football is going to be something that BYU has to do.

The thing that should be mentioned, though, is Bear Bokmire has been cool, cool as a cucumber, cool as the other side of the pillow. He has been the most poised freshman that maybe you've ever seen at the quarterback position. His ability to handle a lot of different stuff has been on full display. So I don't know that the environment will bother Bear Bachmeyer, but you can definitely help by turning around and handing the football off. Well, it definitely could help, but L.J. Martin exited last week's game with an injury, so I don't know how healthy he is or healthy he will be going into this week. This is the running back for BYU.

But to your point, Bear Bokmire has not looked like a freshman at all, whether it's him running the football or some elite level throws that continually show up on tape. This dude is, for lack of better terms, putting the team on his back. Their last game, BYU defense really struggled. And then Bokmire, along with some turnovers that BYU was able to force versus Iowa State, really turned it on. And so I'm excited about this matchup, one of the best rushing defenses versus a really good run game, BYU versus Texas Tech. Roddy, take me inside what's going on here with Baron Morden.

He was out earlier in the year of the shoulder injury. Now he's battling a leg injury. his backup is out for the year. How do you navigate this knowing what your goals are and knowing you've already got a guy that's been a little bit fragile at the quarterback position? I mean, I think you have to go play. You can't handcuff the offense because your quarterback is banged up.

If he's out there and he can play, you want to do things that certainly protect him without sacrificing what you do well. So I do think you have to be careful, though. Like they felt really good about having a backup that was capable, and now you're much thinner at that position. But he played well last week against Kansas State. So I would expect that to continue.

Sam here, not only capable, but also winning. Just real quick, not only was he capable, Will Hammond was winning. So the fact that Will Hammond is now out for the season, Baron Morton has some injuries earlier in the year as well. So now this could be an interesting situation if Morton does get banged up. All right. We'll keep an eye on it. That'll be Saturday.

That'll be the first of three on your local ABC station. Hang tight with us. Coming up, the bottom of the hour, four minutes from now, the playoff insider. Heather Dinnich will join the fellas for a complete breakdown of last. night's playoff rankings that's next