The ClemsonTigers are No. 1 in the first college football playoff rankings of the season, ahead of LSU, Ohio State, and Alabama.
Undefeated schools TCU, Michigan State and Baylor ceded the fourth spot to a team with one loss, but a stronger strength of schedule.
Clemson is 8–0 and has the best strength of schedule among the AP Poll's top six teams, at 18th best in the country. The Tigers’ biggest win came at home over Notre Dame, and their next challenge awaits on Saturday against No. 17 Florida State.