Another exciting week of college football action shakes up the power rankings as teams climb and unbeatens fall.
1. Oregon Ducks (7-0) | Last week: 2 (+1)
Oregon already has a thrilling win over Ohio State to make them the clear top team in the nation right now, and a huge showdown versus No. 20 Illinois this weekend will be their final regular season matchup versus an opponent that is currently ranked. It’ll be interesting to see if wide receiver Traeshon Holden is back on the field after a team-imposed suspension last week following the spitting incident versus the Buckeyes that resulted in an ejection.
2. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) | Last week: 5 (+3)
Georgia was locked in on Saturday night to knock Texas from the No. 1 spot in the rankings, and they could easily be undefeated right now if not for falling behind 28-0 versus Alabama last month. Kirby Smart’s squad has a bye to gear up for SEC showdowns against Florida, No. 18 Ole Miss, and No. 7 Tennessee to begin November.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) | Last week: 3
Expect an angry Ohio State team this Saturday after two weeks to reflect on the disappointing and controversial loss to Oregon—though Nebraska could have their own edge after being blown out by Indiana. If the Buckeyes get the win, all eyes will be on the likely top-five matchup versus Penn State on November 2.
4. Texas Longhorns (6-1) | Last week: 1 (-3)
We wouldn’t put any stock into unfounded rumors about star quarterback Quinn Ewers opting out of the rest of the season to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft—and this weekend will be a great bounce-back opportunity versus the newly ranked Vanderbilt Commodores. Finding a way to get wide receiver Isaiah Bond the ball more down the field and/or in space (three receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown over the past two weeks) is key.
5. Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0) | Last week: 6 (+1)
The Nittany Lions were able to recharge with a bye following the draining overtime win over USC, but they can’t overlook Wisconsin ahead of the massive battle against Ohio State.
6. Miami Hurricanes (7-0) | Last week: 7 (+1)
Cam Ward has continued to light it up for the Hurricanes, and he took over in the 52-45 victory over Louisville with 319 yards and four touchdowns through the air. This week, Miami has a tremendous opportunity to regain the upper hand in their rivalry with Florida State (who is now 1-6, including 1-5 in ACC play).
7. Tennessee Volunteers (6-1) | Last week: 10 (+3)
Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava hasn’t been as sharp as he was to begin the season, but standout running back Dylan Sampson has led the way offensively—including 26 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Alabama. Also, the defense deserves a ton of credit for how they’ve played all season by holding every opponent below 20 points.
8. Clemson Tigers (6-1) | Last week: 8
Virginia was hanging with Clemson last week in the first half, but the Tigers exploded in the third quarter and never looked back with 539 total yards. Since the blowout loss to Georgia in the opener, Clemson has flown under the radar as a contender due with ideal balance and improved play from quarterback Cade Klubnik.
9. LSU Tigers (6-1) | Last week: 9
LSU is another squad that has been rolling since losing their first game, but a primetime matchup versus No. 14 Texas A&M at College Station will be their toughest test yet. After that, the Tigers have a bye before a highly anticipated game against a dangerous Alabama team that has already lost twice.
10. Indiana Hoosiers (7-0) | Last week: NR
The Hoosiers forced their way into the top ten after a dominant 56-7 win over Nebraska last weekend, and head coach Curt Cignetti has backed up his words when originally hired and asked about his plans for the program: “It’s pretty simple. I win. Google me.” But quarterback Kurtis Rourke is now out indefinitely with a thumb injury, which is huge news.