UCLA out of projected playoff field as Notre Dame climbs to top four

UCLA entered Week 7 with a 5-0 record and a recent win over Oregon, but veteran quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a significant knee injury that is expected to end his season. CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported the injury, noting Iamaleava had thrown for 982 yards and four touchdowns before exiting the game. The loss removed UCLA from CBS Sports' College Football Playoff bracket projections, leaving backup Ty Dieffenbach to lead the Bruins against a schedule that includes Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota, Michigan and USC.

Despite the setback, analysts said the early timing of the injury could allow UCLA to remain in contention if the team continues to win, citing the Bruins' No. 6 rushing offense and a defense that forced seven turnovers against Oregon. A perfect season would guarantee a playoff spot, while an 11-1 record could still make a strong case.

In the latest CBS Sports rankings, Georgia holds the top spot with a 99.8% chance of making the playoff, followed by Ohio State, Miami and Notre Dame. Notre Dame, after a 58-7 victory over Stanford, rose to fourth place and now has a 98% probability of reaching the field, according to the model. Alabama remains fifth despite a recent loss to Georgia, and Indiana sits at sixth after a 6-0 start.

The projected playoff bracket lists Georgia, Ohio State, Miami and Notre Dame as the four seeds, with matchups set for December 18-19 and the semifinals in January. Teams such as BYU, UCLA, Missouri, Mississippi State and Iowa fell just outside the projected field.