Cincinnati and Tulsa were included in the first edition of the College Football Playoff selection committee rankings of the 2020 season.

Cincinnati was the highest ranked of The American's quartet at No. 7, marking the highest ranking for an American Athletic Conference team in the seven-year history of the CFP rankings. Tulsa came in at No. 25 in the initial ranking.

"Cincinnati has shown it can compete with any team in the country by virtue of its perfect record against a challenging schedule," said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. "Their ranking indicates that they will be in contention for the National Championship.
 
"I am also pleased the selection committee has recognized the outstanding play of Tulsa.  I commend the committee on its diligence and perspective in an unusual season."

Cincinnati is No. 7 in all three major polls this week (CFP, Associated Press, USA Today) as the unbeaten Bearcats enjoy their first top-10 ranking since the 2009 season.

The prior high-water mark for a team from The American in the CFP rankings came in 2018, when UCF was ranked No. 8.

Tulsa, which is off to a 5-1 start, earned its first CFP ranking. Tulsa has won seven of its last nine games, dating to last season. 

"Tulsa has been one of the great stories of the 2020 season with their resilience and toughness," said Aresco. "There is no question in my mind they are deserving of their top-25 ranking.
 
"Our conference is again extremely strong and deep and our top teams have always had success against top power conference competition.
 
"We are looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the 2020 regular season and to our teams’ continued success in the postseason."