After being absent from the College Football Playoff rankings in 2024, Michigan is back.

The Wolverines debuted at No. 21 in the first set of rankings released by the 13-member CFP selection committee on Tuesday, setting the stage for a potential run to the postseason.

Michigan (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) was one of seven Big Ten teams to appear in the initial CFP rankings, with defending league and national champion Ohio State leading the way at No. 1. 9-0 Indiana is second.

This year, the five highest-ranked conference champions will join the next seven highest-ranked teams to form the 12-team playoff. Michigan remains in play for both, with league games against Northwestern, Maryland and Ohio State remaining.

Winning all three would likely rocket the Wolverines up the rankings and into the l

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