As the College Football Playoff rankings were unveiled, the excitement and debate surrounding the sport reached a fever pitch. November marks a critical juncture in the college football season, where teams are not just vying for victories but also for a place in the coveted playoff spots. With the committee’s first rankings released, we dive into the implications, the surprises, and the teams to watch as the season unfolds.

At the top of the rankings, the Ohio State Buckeyes claim the No. 1 position, and rightfully so. As the defending national champions, they remain undefeated, showcasing a balanced team with impressive victories over formidable opponents like Texas, Washington, and Penn State. Their consistent performance on both sides of the ball has cemented their status as the team to beat.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s never too early to start your gift list. With November now in full swing, many shoppers are eager to snag the best deals before the rush of Black Friday. The Shop TODAY team is here to help you get a head start with exclusive discounts on a variety of popular items that are sure to please everyone on your list.

During a recent segment on The 3rd Hour of TODAY, contributor Chassie Post shared some fantastic holiday gifting ideas, showcasing products available at discounts of up to 40%. From innovative gadgets to cozy essentials, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with over 40,000 online stores participating, you can easily save more by downloading the free Shop TODAY Savings browser extension.

In a significant leap towards establishing a commercial presence in low-Earth orbit, Vast’s Haven Demo mission successfully launched into space on Sunday, November 5, 2025. The mission, which took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, is a crucial step for Vast as it aims to prove its spacecraft designs can withstand the rigors of spaceflight.

The Haven Demo spacecraft, weighing half a ton, was propelled into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Bandwagon 4 mission, which also carried 17 other satellites, including a South Korean spy satellite and a testbed for an orbital data center developed by startup Starcloud in collaboration with Nvidia. This collaborative launch highlights the growing interest in commercial space ventures and the diverse applications of satellite technology.

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.1, bringing a host of new features and enhancements that aim to improve user experience on iPhones. This update introduces notable changes, including a new Liquid Glass toggle and the ability to customize the lock screen functionality, making the iPhone more user-friendly than ever.

One of the standout features in this update is the Liquid Glass toggle, which allows users to choose between a clear or tinted interface. The tinted option adjusts the opacity behind notifications and tab bars, providing a fresh look for those who prefer a bit of color. Users can find this option in the Settings under Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass on both iPhones and iPads. Mac users will also benefit from this addition, although the visual differences on macOS are less pronounced. This feature complements existing accessibility settings, such as increasing contrast and reducing transparency, giving users more control over their display preferences.

A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of November 2, 2025, when a stabbing attack occurred on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The attack, which took place shortly before 8:00 PM GMT at Huntingdon Station in Cambridgeshire, left eleven people injured, with one railway staff member critically injured while attempting to protect passengers.

The unnamed LNER worker, hailed as a hero by police, is currently in a “critical but stable condition” in the hospital. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that five individuals remain hospitalized due to their injuries, while others have since been discharged. The British Transport Police (BTP) praised the railway staff member’s courageous actions, stating that their intervention “undoubtedly saved people’s lives.”

In a continuing saga of late-night television clashes, former President Donald Trump has once again taken to social media to express his disdain for NBC’s Seth Meyers. This latest episode unfolded on Saturday, November 2, 2025, when Trump labeled Meyers as “the least talented person to ‘perform’ live in the history of television,” following Meyers’ critical commentary on Trump’s recent speech to U.S. Navy troops stationed off the coast of Japan.

On November 2, 2025, Egypt celebrated the grand opening of its long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental project that promises to showcase the country’s rich and ancient heritage in a modern setting. Located near the iconic Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, the museum aims to revitalize Egypt’s tourism sector and provide a significant boost to its economy, which has faced challenges in recent years.

This ambitious initiative, two decades in the making, was inaugurated with a spectacular ceremony that featured a dazzling drone light show, illuminating the night sky with images of ancient gods and the majestic pyramids. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi addressed dignitaries from over 70 countries, urging them to view the museum as a platform for cultural dialogue and a beacon of human achievement.

In a nail-biting encounter on Saturday, the Texas Longhorns showcased their resilience and skill, defeating the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores 34-31 in Austin, Texas. Quarterback Arch Manning, returning from a concussion just a week prior, delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 328 yards and three touchdowns, including a remarkable 75-yard strike to Ryan Wingo on the very first play of the game.

Texas jumped to an early lead, dominating the first half and establishing a 24-3 advantage. Manning’s connection with Wingo set the tone for the game, as the Longhorns quickly built momentum. Manning also found C.J. Baxter in the end zone, further solidifying Texas’s control in the first half. With a final tally of 25 completions on 33 attempts, Manning demonstrated his prowess, proving he was back to form after his recent injury.

In the summer of 1956, a pivotal moment in the history of technology unfolded at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. A group of scholars, who would later be recognized as the pioneers of computer science, gathered to explore the concept of machines that could think like humans. It was during this groundbreaking meeting that John McCarthy introduced the term “artificial intelligence.” This event marked the inception of a field that has since transformed our world.

As the Denver Broncos gear up to face the Houston Texans this Sunday, November 2, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the anticipation is palpable. Initially opening as slight road favorites, the betting lines have shifted in favor of the Texans, highlighting the tight competition expected in this matchup. With both teams vying for a stronger position in the AFC playoff race, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.