Where do the top contenders stand with one week left in the regular season?
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0) | Last week: 1
The Buckeyes took care of business last week with a 42-9 win over Rutgers without star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate—and it’s still unclear if they will be back for Saturday’s showdown with Michigan. Due to the COVID season, the defending champion Buckeyes haven’t beaten their rival since 2019.
2. Texas A&M Aggies (11-0) | Last week: 2
The opponent helped, but Texas A&M didn’t have any sort of letdown following the crazy comeback over South Carolina two weeks ago—dominating Samford with Heisman candidate Marcel Reed throwing three touchdowns in one quarter of action. All eyes will now be on a primetime battle versus Texas on Black Friday.
3. Indiana Hoosiers (11-0) | Last week: 3
Indiana is coming off a bye week and will also be playing on Friday night with a matchup versus a last-place Purdue team that has gone 0-8 in Big 10 play.
4. Georgia Bulldogs (10-1) | Last week: 4
The SEC Championship hopes are still alive for Georgia, and they kept the momentum going from their 35-10 win over Texas on November 15 by winning 35-3 over Charlotte last week. Georgia Tech losing last week might take some of the appeal from the 3:30 PM ET clash on Black Friday, but the Bulldogs will be sitting in tremendous position if they win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
5. Ole Miss (10-1) | Last week: 5
Reports have been all over the place regarding what Lane Kiffin will decide to do after the Egg Bowl—but we will know soon enough. The Rebels being a virtual lock for the College Football Playoff with a win creates a very interesting dynamic.
6. Oregon Ducks (10-1) | Last week: 6
Standout tight end Kenyon Sadiq has made a huge impact with lines of 8/96/1 and 6/72/2 in two games since his return to the lineup—and the run defense was great for the Ducks in a 42-27 win over USC. Oregon is another squad that will be locked into a playoff spot with a win this weekend, and they’ll take on Washington.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1) | Last week: 7
Coming out of a bye, the Red Raiders shouldn’t overlook West Virginia with a chance to clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game—where BYU would be their most likely opponent a month after Texas Tech handled them, 29-7,
8. Oklahoma Sooners (9-2) | Last week: 8
Oklahoma has been inconsistent on offense this year, but the defense led them to a slugfest win over Missouri last weekend to set up what should be a win-and-in scenario this weekend against LSU. Plus, the time off before the College Football Playoff could lead to quarterback John Mateer being healthier as he’s dealt with a thumb injury that required surgery in September.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-2) | Last week: 9
The debates about rankings will intensify when records are finalizes, including Miami having a case to be ahead of Notre Dame with the same record and a head-to-head win. There is no doubt that the Fighting Irish have improved since their 0-2 start, but for those arguing against them, the only ranked win has come at home versus USC.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (9-2) | Last week: 10
Ty Simpson and the offense hitting a cold streak in recent weeks could make the Iron Bowl a dangerous spot for Alabama. Remember, Auburn has played Oklahoma (24-17), Texas A&M (16-10), and Georgia (20-10) tough so far this year.