The field has been cut down to its final four. After months of chaos, statement wins, and unforgettable moments, only four teams remain in the hunt for a national championship. The 2025–2026 College Football Playoff has delivered drama at every turn, and now the spotlight shines brightest as the semifinal stage arrives.

No. 1Indiana 14-0 vs No. 5 Oregon 13-1

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

January 9th, 7:30 PM EST

Indiana’s season has gone from surprising to historic. The Hoosiers are a perfect 14-0, and they left no doubt about their legitimacy with a stunning 38-3 dismantling of Alabama in the Rose Bowl. That win didn’t just send Indiana to the playoff, it announced them as a true national title contender.

Head coach Curt Cignetti has authored one of the most remarkable seasons the sport has ever seen, building a disciplined and physical team that thrives in big moments. At the center of it all is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the engine of Indiana’s offense and a player widely viewed as a potential first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Mendoza has been unstoppable, delivering precision, poise, and production every time Indiana has needed it.

Waiting on the other sideline is a familiar powerhouse. Oregon enters at 13-1, ranked fifth, with its only loss coming earlier this season against Indiana. The Ducks have spent the entire year chasing redemption, and now they get their chance on the sport’s biggest stage. Oregon brings speed, depth, and playoff experience, and this rematch adds another layer of intrigue to an already massive semifinal. Indiana looks to prove the first meeting was no fluke, while Oregon sees an opportunity to flip the script when it matters most.

No. 6 Ole Miss 13-1 vs No. 10 Miami 12-2

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

January 8th, 7:30 PM EST

The other semifinal is built on momentum, resilience, and belief.

Miami enters riding a wave of confidence after knocking off No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 in one of the biggest upsets of the postseason. The Hurricanes controlled the game from start to finish, playing fast, physical football and reminding the nation that Miami is dangerous when the stakes are highest. At 12-2, the Hurricanes embrace the underdog role as they prepare for their first CFP semifinal appearance.

Ole Miss’ path has been anything but smooth. Just before the playoff began, the Rebels were rocked by the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin, who left early to take the LSU job. Instead of fracturing the team, the moment galvanized it. Ole Miss rallied together, leaned on leadership within the locker room, and turned adversity into fuel.

That resolve showed in a thrilling 39-34 revenge win over No. 3 Georgia, an instant classic that proved Ole Miss belonged on this stage. Now at 13-1 and ranked sixth, the Rebels carry momentum, toughness, and a chip on their shoulder into the Fiesta Bowl. It’s a collision of Miami’s speed and swagger against Ole Miss’ grit and resolve, with a national title berth hanging in the balance.

Four teams remain. Two nights. Every snap carries weight. The 2025–2026 College Football Playoff semifinals promise intensity, drama, and moments that will live forever. Only two will advance. Only one will finish the journey.

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1. Indiana Hoosiers (13–0)

One of the biggest surprise stories in college football in a long time. Even though last year Indiana had a super easy schedule in 2024 and the one tough game they had in the regular season was against Ohio State where they lost by 23 points, fast forward to 2025 and Indiana is the best team in all of college football. They dominated their inferior opponents, beat Oregon on the road, and then beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State had looked unstoppable all year long until they faced Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers in Indianapolis.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (12–1)

The Buckeyes dominated all year long until they lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State is led by freshman QB Julian Sayin and sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. They will be waiting for their opponent at the Cotton Bowl Classic.

3. Georgia Bulldogs (12–1)

Georgia might be ranked third, but they have the best football team coming into the College Football Playoff and the best head coach in Kirby Smart. This team is led by QB Gunner Stockton. Georgia will be waiting for their opponent down in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Sugar Bowl.s.

4. Texas Tech Raiders (12–1)

Texas Tech looks like a CFP lock at this point, but there’s still work to do. They face a resurgent West Virginia team that started slowly but has picked things up late in the season.

5. Oregon Ducks (11–1)

Oregon put together another strong season under Dan Lanning and looks like one of the most complete teams in the field. The Ducks will host 12-1 James Madison this coming,

6. Ole Miss Rebels (11–1)

Ole Miss enters the playoff with plenty of talent, but the loss of Lane Kiffin may loom large over their first-round matchup. The Rebels will host Tulane on Saturday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi, in a game where focus will be critical.

7. Texas A&M Aggies (11–1)

Texas A&M started the season 11-0 before losing to their rivals Texas. Despite the setback, the Aggies remain one of the toughest teams in the field. Texas A&M has a game Saturday morning against Miami at Kyle Field in College Station.

8. Oklahoma Sooners (10–2)

This is Oklahoma’s first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019. Brent Venables finally seems to be figuring it out as Oklahoma’s head coach. The Sooners will face Alabama on Friday night, a team they already beat 23-21 just over a month ago.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide (10–3)

Alabama’s inclusion in the CFP is controversial after getting smacked by Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, dropping their third loss, yet getting in over Notre Dame. Alabama will have to prove they belong when they play Oklahoma on Friday night.

10. Miami Hurricanes (10–2)

Miami started strong by beating Notre Dame on opening night, but had some hiccups along the way. The Hurricanes will play Texas A&M on Saturday morning at Kyle Field in College Station.

11. Tulane Green Wave 11-2

Tulane beat two Power 4 teams this season in Northwestern and ACC champion Duke. As a smaller program getting into the CFP, Tulane will look to shock the world when they play Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi.

12. James Madison Dukes 12-1

James Madison recently made the jump to the FBS, making this a remarkable achievement for the program. The Dukes will travel to Eugene to face Oregon on Saturday night. No one is really giving James Madison a chance to win, but the question is can they upset Oregon in Eugene.

First Round Matchup Predictions

Friday Night

8 Alabama @ 9 Oklahoma

Prediction: Alabama wins 27-19

Saturday Morning

10 Miami @ 7 Texas A&M

Prediction: Texas A&M wins 33-24

Saturday Afternoon

11 Tulane @ 6 Ole Miss

Prediction: Ole Miss wins 27-10

Saturday Night

12 James Madison @ 5 Oregon

Prediction: Oregon wins 45-17

National Championship

Matchup:

3 Georgia vs 1 Indiana

Prediction:

Georgia defeats Indiana 20-17

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This wasn’t just a game.

This was a reckoning.

FIRST HALF — A FIGHT FOR CONTROL

From the opening whistle, Indiana showed they weren’t the underdog many still insisted they were. On Ohio State’s first drive, Julian Sayin, flawless all season, fired a ball toward the sideline—but Indiana’s defense jumped it, picking him off and sending shockwaves through the stadium.

But football gives, and football takes.

Indiana’s offense was aggressive on their next series… maybe too aggressive. Sayin got his redemption when the Buckeyes snatched an interception of their own, and Ohio State quickly turned the short field into seven points. The duel had begun.

The second quarter became a grinding war of field goals and missed opportunities.

Drives stalled. Defenders swarmed. Kickers trotted on and off the field like weary soldiers.

It felt less like football and more like a survival test.

SECOND HALF — THE GAME TURNS RED AND WHITE

Late in the 3rd quarter, the Hoosiers finally broke through. With a calmness that looked like destiny itself, Fernando Mendoza marched Indiana methodically down the field. The offensive line bullied forward, receivers fought for every inch, and Mendoza capped the drive with a touchdown that sent half the stadium into a frenzy.

Ohio State answered with a march of their own—but Indiana stood tall, stonewalling the Buckeyes on 4th down inside their own red zone. A stop that teams talk about for decades.

To open the 4th quarter, Indiana had a chance to seize control… but Ohio State’s defense held firm. And suddenly the game’s tension reached a visceral, almost unbearable level.

That’s when Sayin—cool, elite, the nation’s top QB—took over.

He converted four different 3rd downs on a pressure-packed drive that bled the clock. But on the fourth third-down attempt, Indiana refused to break. Ohio State had to settle for a Jayden Fielding chip-shot field goal, trimming the deficit to 13–10 with 2:48 to go.

It was the first time all season the Buckeyes had trailed in the second half.

And now they were hanging by a thread.

THE PLAY OF A HEISMAN CAMPAIGN

Indiana needed one first down. Ohio State needed one miracle.

On 3rd down, with the stadium vibrating under 70,000 anxious fans, Mendoza dropped back. The rush came. He stood tall. He fired.

A 33-yard strike to WR Charlie Becker.

A frozen-rope dagger that cut straight into Ohio State’s soul.

Becker hauled it in, tumbling forward, and suddenly the Buckeyes were the ones gasping for air.

The play wiped nearly a minute off the clock and sent Indiana into the two-minute warning with Ohio State holding just one timeout.

That throw… that moment… might have sealed Mendoza’s 2025 Heisman Trophy.

THE FINAL SECONDS — HEROES ARE MADE HERE

Ohio State’s defense made one last stand, stopping Indiana on 3rd down with 1:07 left, but Indiana masterfully drained the clock to 25 seconds, punted, and killed another seven.

Ohio State had 18 seconds, no timeouts, and 86 yards to save their season.

Two plays later, with just 2 seconds left, Sayin uncorked a desperate heave—one of those impossible, season-defining, legend-creating throws.

It was caught.

For a split second, the world held its breath.

Then the Hoosier defense swarmed, wrapped up the receiver immediately, and the clock bled dry.

A roar erupted—a sound of disbelief, triumph, and vindication.

THE HOOSIERS COMPLETE THE IMPOSSIBLE

Indiana 13,

Ohio State 10.

The final score felt surreal.

A program that “wasn’t supposed to be this good,” a team many thought was overachieving, a squad written off before the season even began… had just taken down the empire.

And now? They stand undefeated. They stand as Big Ten Champions. They stand as the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

As the confetti rained red and white, Fernando Mendoza—battle-tested, unwavering, brilliant—looked every bit like the nation’s best player. And the Hoosiers, united in a circle of emotion and disbelief, realized what they had done:

They toppled the giant.

They rewrote the script.

They became legends.

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1. Ohio State (12–0)

The Buckeyes finish as the nation’s top team. Dominant all season and better than last year’s squad, Ohio State capped its perfect regular season by finally beating Michigan for the first time in years.

2. Indiana (12–0)

Call them 1B. Indiana has matched Ohio State stride for stride and delivered the greatest season in school history. Saturday’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash at Lucas Oil Stadium will decide the Big Ten — and maybe more.

3. Georgia (11–1)

Georgia enters Championship Week with everything in front of them. The Dawgs are safely in the playoff picture but are hungry to avenge their lone loss of the season against Alabama.

4. Texas Tech (11–1)

Texas Tech’s dream season continues. For a program once stuck in the middle tier of the Big 12, the Red Raiders have surged into the national spotlight. Mike Leach would be proud..

5. Ole Miss (11–1)

Lane Kiffin may be gone, but Ole Miss hasn’t slowed down. The Rebels still have national title aspirations — the question is how they respond with their head coach out of the picture.

6. Oregon (11–1)

The Ducks closed out their season with a steady win over Washington. Now their attention turns to securing a path toward a long-awaited national championship run.

7. Texas A&M (11–1)

A devastating rivalry loss to Texas ended the Aggies’ perfect season, cost them a shot at an SEC title, and possibly a first-round playoff bye. A&M falls from No. 3 to No. 7.

8. Notre Dame (10–2)

After losing two early nail-biters, the Irish responded with ten straight wins in dominant fashion. They’re officially headed back to the College Football Playoff.

9. Oklahoma (10–2)

Brent Venables has the Sooners back in the CFP for the first time since 2019. A resilient, balanced team peaking at the right time.

10. Alabama (10–2)

Alabama faces a high-stakes showdown with Georgia. A loss likely knocks them out of the CFP; a win might not guarantee a Top-4 spot. The Tide enter Saturday under immense pressure.e.

11. Vanderbilt (10–2)

Perhaps the most overlooked team in the country. Vanderbilt’s résumé stacks up with anyone’s, yet they remain on the outside looking in. Leaving the Commodores out of the playoff would be a tough pill to swallow..

12. Miami (10–2)

The Hurricanes beat Notre Dame in Week 1 but have battled the stigma of a weakened ACC all year. Miami sits at No. 12 — talented enough to compete, but held back by conference perception.

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Ohio State has rolled through everyone they’ve faced. With one week left before the Big Ten Championship, the Buckeyes now turn their attention to their longtime rival, Michigan.

2. Indiana (11–0) – Last Week: 2

What a year it’s been for the Hoosiers. They close out the regular season on the road at Purdue.

3. Texas A&M (11–0) – Last Week: 3

The Aggies have fielded strong teams for years, but this season feels different. They’ve finally overcome those late-season hurdles and now look firmly positioned for a shot at the national championship.

4. Georgia (10–1) – Last Week: 4

Among the top four teams—who currently hold the CFP bye positions—Georgia feels like the most trustworthy in high-pressure moments.

5. Texas Tech (10–1) – Last Week: 5

Texas Tech looks like a CFP lock at this point, but there’s still work to do. They face a resurgent West Virginia team that started slowly but has picked things up late in the season.

6. Ole Miss (10–1) – Last Week: 6

There’s plenty of noise around Lane Kiffin in Oxford, but the Rebels are trying to block it out as they aim to finish strong against their in-state rival, Mississippi State.

7. Oregon (10–1) – Last Week: 7

With one game left, the Ducks will look back at that loss to Indiana and wish they had pulled it out. Now they must win at Washington on Saturday to secure a CFP spot.

8. Oklahoma (9–2) – Last Week: 8

Brent Venables and the Sooners are one win away from returning to the CFP for the first time since 2019, when LSU blew them out. Now Oklahoma heads to Death Valley to face LSU with a playoff berth on the line.

9. Notre Dame (9–2) – Last Week: 9

After absolutely demolishing Syracuse, the defending national runner-ups are one win away from heading back to the CFP.

10. Alabama (9–2) – Last Week: 10

The Iron Bowl is all that stands between Alabama and a chance to compete for yet another national title.

11. Vanderbilt (9–2) – Last Week: 12

Vanderbilt deserves a top-12 spot at this point. They close the regular season against Tennessee.

12. Miami (9–2) – Last Week: NR

The Hurricanes are the ACC’s last hope for a CFP berth.

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It’s been an easy stretch for the Buckeyes, but Michigan now looms in a massive showdown in one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports.

2. Indiana (11-0) – Last Week: 3

Indiana started slow against Wisconsin on Saturday, but once they picked it up, they never slowed down and cruised to another win.

3. Texas A&M (10-0) – Last Week: 2

The Aggies are having one of their best seasons in program history. Down 30-3 at halftime to South Carolina, they stormed all the way back, holding the Gamecocks scoreless in the second half. Two missed field goals and a defensive touchdown against their own offense nearly doomed them, but Marcel Reed rallied the team, and Mike Elko’s squad remains undefeated.

4. Georgia (9-1) – Last Week: 5

Georgia dominated Texas with another signature win. While Texas A&M may be undefeated, Georgia looks like the most complete and strongest team in the SEC.

5. Texas Tech (10-1) – Last Week: 6

The Red Raiders cruised to another easy win. At this point, a rematch with BYU in the Big 12 Championship feels inevitable.

6. Ole Miss (10-1) – Last Week: 7

Ole Miss battled hard against Florida and prevailed. With two weeks to go, unless they find themselves in the SEC Championship, the Rebels are in prime position to secure a College Football Playoff berth.

7. Oregon (9-1) – Last Week: 8

Oregon handled Minnesota with ease. A massive matchup with USC awaits next week.

8. Oklahoma (8-2) – Last Week: 11

Brent Venables finally gets his signature win as Oklahoma’s head coach with a huge road victory against Alabama. As long as the Sooners avoid a late-season slip, they’re in strong position for a College Football Playoff spot.

9. Notre Dame (8-2) – Last Week: 9

A massive road win over Pitt felt like the statement victory Notre Dame needed to show the committee they can win in tough environments and on unfavorable terms.

10. Alabama (8-2) – Last Week: 4

Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma doesn’t hurt their overall playoff standing. The Tide have done enough to be a lock. While they blew a chance at a first-round bye, their spot in the field shouldn’t be affected by the loss.

11. BYU (9-1) – Last Week: NR

BYU keeps grinding out wins and remains alive in the Big 12 Championship race. They’ll need to beat Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship game to earn a CFP bid.

12. Vanderbilt (8-2) – Last Week: 12

Vandy was idle this week. They host Kentucky before finishing the season against Tennessee. If the Commodores win out, they should be in the CFP top 12. Right now, they’re just outside, but this team absolutely looks the part.

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Ohio State remains the team to beat as they march toward another National Championship.

2. Texas A&M (9-0, Last Week: 4)

The Aggies impressed in a major way on Saturday against Missouri, showing they belong among college football’s elite.

3. Indiana (10-0, Last Week: 2)

Penn State threw everything at the Hoosiers, but Indiana pulled off a dramatic comeback. Omar Cooper’s legendary end-zone catch sealed the win and kept their perfect season alive.

4. Alabama (8-1, Last Week: 3)

Alabama took care of business against LSU. After a slow start, the Crimson Tide found their rhythm and cruised to a comfortable victory.

5. Georgia (8-1, Last Week: 5)

Georgia dominated Mississippi State in Starkville. The Bulldogs now face a huge matchup with Texas on Saturday.

6. Texas Tech (9-1, Last Week: 10)

The Red Raiders continue to roll and look every bit like a playoff team. Unless something unexpected happens, Texas Tech seems destined for the College Football Playoff.

7. Oregon (8-1, Last Week: 6)

Oregon survived a tough test at Iowa, escaping with a hard-fought win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

8. Ole Miss (8-1, Last Week: 9)

The Rebels cruised to an easy win over The Citadel, continuing their strong season with eyes on the SEC title race.

9. Notre Dame (7-2, Last Week: 7)

Notre Dame remains firmly in the mix after another solid showing. The Fighting Irish now prepare for a key matchup against Pitt, who would love to play spoiler.

10. Texas (7-2, Last Week: NR)

The Longhorns are back in the top 12, but they face a defining test this weekend against Georgia. A win could launch them upward, while a loss might end their playoff hopes.

11. Oklahoma (7-2, Last Week: 11)

It’s do-or-die time for Oklahoma as they gear up for a massive clash with Alabama.

12. Vanderbilt (8-2, Last Week: NR)

Vanderbilt earned a solid overtime win against Auburn, continuing to prove they can hang with anyone in the SEC.

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Ohio State keeps rolling, showing no signs of slowing down. At this point, it’s National Championship or bust for the Buckeyes, who have looked dominant in every facet of the game.

2. Indiana (9-0) | Last Week: 2

Indiana is having the greatest season in program history. The Hoosiers have demolished everyone in their path and are playing their best football when it matters most. Their time is now.

3. Alabama (7-1) | Last Week: 3

The Crimson Tide were on a bye, and they’ll ease back in against a struggling LSU squad. With Oklahoma looming next week, this feels more like a tune-up before a defining late-season clash.

4. Texas A&M (8-0) | Last Week: 4

The Aggies were also on a bye, but they return for a key matchup at Missouri. Texas A&M is the SEC’s lone unbeaten team, and this is their last real test before closing the season against in-state rival Texas.

5. Georgia (7-1) | Last Week: 5

Florida pushed Georgia to the edge, but the Bulldogs finished strong to pull out a gritty win. Now, they’ll hit the road to face Mississippi State in a potential trap game.

6. Oregon (7-1) | Last Week: 6

The Ducks had a week off but now travel to face a tough, defense-first Iowa team. Oregon’s offense will need to be sharp to avoid a late-season stumble.

7. Notre Dame (6-2) | Last Week: 9

The Irish keep stacking wins against overmatched opponents. Next up is Navy, which should offer another opportunity to fine-tune before the College Football Playoff begins in December.

8. BYU (8-0) | Last Week: 7

The Cougars were idle, but all eyes are on this weekend’s showdown in Lubbock. The winner between BYU and Texas Tech could punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.

9. Ole Miss (8-1) | Last Week: 10

Ole Miss handled South Carolina comfortably and now hosts The Citadel. It’s another chance for the Rebels to stay sharp before a tougher closing slate.

10. Texas Tech (8-1) | Last Week: NR

The Red Raiders have surged back into the playoff conversation and now host undefeated BYU in the game of the week. Expect fireworks in Lubbock.

11. Oklahoma (7-2) | Last Week: NR

Oklahoma reasserted itself with a big win over Tennessee. After a bye, they’ll face Alabama in a matchup that could define their postseason fate. It’s win or go home for the Sooners.

12. Virginia (8-1) | Last Week: NR

Virginia continues to impress, steadily stacking victories and building momentum. The Cavaliers are hot, but questions remain about how they’ll fare against the elite powers like Alabama and Georgia.

Closing Thoughts:

As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, the margin for error is razor-thin. Ohio State and Indiana remain on a collision course for an epic matchup to determine who will win the Big Ten championship and determine who is this season’s true number 1, while teams like Alabama, Texas A&M, and BYU are continuing to keep their playoff dreams alive. With rivalry games and statement matchups on the horizon, Week 11 could be the week that defines the 2025 college football season.

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The Buckeyes were on a bye but return this week to face a Penn State team that has fallen off. What was once viewed as a marquee showdown is now more of a resume builder. Ohio State continues moving forward with eyes fixed on the massive clash with Michigan on November 29th.

2. Indiana (8-0, Last Week 2)

Indiana smashed UCLA and continues to look like a complete team. The Hoosiers are no longer a surprise. They are a legitimate playoff contender.

3. Alabama (7-1, Last Week 3)

Alabama had to grind through a tough and resilient South Carolina squad. It wasn’t easy, but the Crimson Tide delivered late when it mattered to keep their playoff hopes alive.

4. Texas A&M (8-0, Last Week 4)

The Aggies went into Death Valley and dismantled LSU. A&M looks disciplined, confident, and balanced on both sides of the ball. Their case for a playoff spot strengthens every week.

5. Georgia (6-1, Last Week 5)

Georgia was on a bye week. Next up is the annual showdown in Jacksonville against Florida. The rivalry energy will be high, but Georgia should be expected to handle business and keep momentum moving forward.

6. Miami (6-1, Last Week 7)

Miami handled Stanford with ease. The Canes would have had a stronger resume game next week if SMU had not collapsed against Wake Forest, but Miami’s performance was solid enough to move up.

7. Oregon (7-1, Last Week 6)

Oregon beat Wisconsin, but it was far from impressive. The Ducks offense looked flat and inconsistent. They remain in the hunt, but there is work to be done.

8. BYU (8-0, Last Week 9)

BYU looked sharp in their win over Iowa State and moves up as Notre Dame was idle. Now the Cougars head into a bye before one of the biggest games in program history: a trip to Lubbock to face Texas Tech.

9. Notre Dame (5-2, Last Week 8)

The Irish were off this week. They return to action against Boston College and should handle that matchup with no issue.

10. Ole Miss (7-1, Last Week 12)

Oklahoma actually took the lead in the second half, putting real pressure on the Rebels. Ole Miss, down by 1 entering the fourth, responded with poise and punched in 9 points to close the game out. It was a statement of resilience and composure late.

11. Georgia Tech (8-0, Last Week 11)

Georgia Tech shredded Syracuse. Haynes King lit them up with over 300 passing yards, nearly 100 rushing, 3 passing touchdowns, and 2 more on the ground. The Yellow Jackets are surging.

12. Vanderbilt (7-1, Last Week 10)

Not their sharpest performance, but beating a top 15 Missouri team still matters. Vanderbilt continues to prove they are not just a good story, but a real factor this season.

Closing Thoughts

We are one week away from the first College Football Playoff rankings dropping. The season is entering the final stretch, pressure is rising, and every Saturday from here on out can rewrite the chase for the national title.

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Louisville shocks No. 2 Miami 

Friday night started the chaos. Louisville stunned second ranked Miami 24–21, intercepting Carson Beck four times. The Cardinals defense was relentless all night, setting the tone for one of the program’s biggest wins in years. 

No. 9 Georgia outlasts No. 5 Ole Miss in a classic 

In a back and forth battle, Georgia rallied from a 35–26 fourth quarter deficit to win 43–35. Gunner Stockton was sensational, going 26 for 31 for 289 yards and four touchdowns, two of which came in the final quarter to seal the win. Both teams traded blows, but Georgia’s resilience at home proved the difference. 

Arizona State stuns No. 7 Texas Tech 

Unranked Arizona State pulled off a gritty 26–22 upset over Texas Tech, handing the Red Raiders their first loss of the season. Will Hammond struggled early while starting in place of the injured Behren Morton, but Tech rallied from a 19–7 deficit to take a 22–19 lead in the fourth. Arizona State answered with a 10 play touchdown drive late and came up with key defensive stops, including two on downs in their own territory, to secure the win. 

Notre Dame looks like the real deal 

After starting 0–2, No. 13 Notre Dame continues to roll. The Irish dominated No. 20 USC on Saturday night, improving to 5–2 while dropping the Trojans to the same record. Notre Dame has found its identity and looks like a legitimate contender to play for the national championship once again. 

Vanderbilt’s dream season rolls on 

No. 17 Vanderbilt continued its magical run, knocking off No. 10 LSU 31–24 in Nashville. It is officially panic time in Baton Rouge as Brian Kelly’s seat is getting hotter by the week. For the Commodores, next weekend’s matchup with Missouri looms large as they chase an improbable SEC title berth. 

No. 6 Alabama handles business vs. No. 11 Tennessee 

At Nick Saban Field, Alabama took care of Tennessee in convincing fashion, winning 37–20. Head coach Kalen DeBoer has completely flipped the script after a disappointing 2024 campaign. A 99 yard pick six by Zabien Brown crushed Tennessee’s momentum late in the first half, turning a potential 16–14 game into a 23–7 Crimson Tide lead. Tennessee kept fighting, including a 48 yard touchdown run by DeSean Bishop, but Alabama’s 99 yard touchdown drive at the end of the third quarter broke the game open and sealed it. The Tide have officially reestablished themselves as a playoff contender. 

Other notable games: 

No. 15 BYU stormed back to beat No. 23 Utah in the Holy War 24–21. 

No. 21 Texas edged Kentucky 16–13 in a defensive slugfest, with kicker Mason Shipley nailing three field goals including the game winner. 

No. 4 Texas A&M survived a wild shootout at Arkansas 45–42 to stay unbeaten. The Aggies now head to Death Valley next week for a showdown with LSU. 

No. 22 Memphis suffered its first loss of the year, falling 31–24 on the road to UAB after a goal line stand. 

No. 16 Missouri outlasted Auburn in double overtime 23–17. 

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