Opening Thoughts
As the college football season hits its midseason stride, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape but the chaos is only just beginning. Ohio State continues to look untouchable, while several undefeated programs like Indiana, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss are proving that their early success is no fluke. Meanwhile, heavyweights such as Alabama and Georgia are finding form at the right time, and a few underdogs are still fighting to prove they belong in the national conversation. With October football heating up, every snap, every drive, and every mistake matters more than ever.
1. Ohio State (6-0) | Last Week: 1
Ohio State remains at the top of the mountain, and right now, it doesn’t look like anyone is close to knocking them off. The Buckeyes are fast, physical, and balanced on both sides of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin, in his first season as the starter, has handled the pressure beautifully showing calm decision-making and growing command of the offense each week. After destroying Illinois this past weekend with no major tests left until the end of the season when they face Michigan, Ohio State remains the team everyone else is chasing.
2. Indiana (6-0) | Last Week: 8
Indiana delivered one of the most complete performances of the season with a statement win on the road against Oregon. From start to finish, the Hoosiers looked like the better team disciplined, physical, and confident. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was sharp, distributing the ball with precision and commanding the offense like a veteran. His only blemish came early in the fourth quarter when he threw a pick-six.
The defense forced Dante Moore into two late interceptions, and sealing a statement road win. Indiana didn’t just outplay the Ducks they out-toughed them. This team is balanced, well-coached by Curt Cignetti, and now looks like a legitimate Big Ten power.
3. Miami (5-0) | Last Week: 2
The Hurricanes had a bye week, but their strong first half of the season keeps them near the top. Miami has shown the balance and toughness that makes them a legitimate playoff threat. Mario Cristobal’s team has developed a physical identity on both lines of scrimmage, and the offense has been crisp behind efficient quarterback play. The Hurricanes return to action Friday night against Louisville in what could be one of the defining games of their season.
4. Texas A&M (6-0) | Last Week: 6
Texas A&M continues to stack wins, showing resilience and control on both sides of the ball. The Aggies play a physical brand of football punishing opponents with a deep rushing attack and a defense that flies to the ball. However, their biggest challenge is about to begin. A&M heads into a brutal stretch of three straight road games that will test their depth, toughness, and composure. If they can make it through that gauntlet unscathed, the Aggies will have earned the right to be called true playoff contenders.
5. Alabama (5-1) | Last Week: 5
Alabama keeps finding ways to win under Kalen DeBoer, who has done a remarkable job guiding the Tide through a rugged schedule in his first season at the helm. The win over Missouri was another example of Alabama’s growing confidence and balance. The offense continues to evolve, while the defense remains the steady backbone of the team. Up next is a rivalry showdown with Tennessee a game that always brings out the best (and sometimes worst) in both programs. A win would cement Alabama’s place back among the SEC elite.
6. Texas Tech (6-0) | Last Week: 9
Texas Tech just keeps rolling. Every week, the Red Raiders find new ways to dominate, combining explosive offense with physical, disciplined defense. Their confidence is through the roof, and the energy in Lubbock is palpable. The offense has been firing on all cylinders, but what’s making the difference this season is their defensive toughness forcing turnovers and closing out games. At 6-0, Texas Tech has transformed from a good story into a legitimate national championship contender.
7. Ole Miss (6-0) | Last Week: 7
The Rebels survived a serious scare from Washington State, hanging on for a 24-21 victory that tested their composure. It wasn’t their cleanest game, but it showed resilience and maturity. The Ole Miss offense continues to hum, but it was the defense that stood tall late, making key stops to preserve the win. Lane Kiffin’s squad remains undefeated and now heads into a massive matchup with Georgia a showdown that could reshape the SEC race and the playoff picture.
8. Georgia (5-1) | Last Week: 10
Georgia took care of business against Auburn and looked more like the Bulldogs team we’ve come to expect in recent years. The defense is stout as ever flying to the football and winning the battle up front while the offense has started to find a rhythm behind improved quarterback play and a rejuvenated run game. Now comes the big one: a home date with undefeated Ole Miss. A win there would send a message that Georgia is back in the thick of the national title conversation.
9. LSU (5-1) | Last Week: 11
It wasn’t flashy, but LSU’s win over South Carolina was exactly what they needed. The Tigers’ defense carried the load once again, showing toughness and discipline, while the
offense remained inconsistent but did enough to get the job done. There’s no questioning the talent in Baton Rouge the key will be finding a rhythm offensively. If LSU can get its offense to match the level of its defense, this team could make serious noise in the SEC down the stretch.
10. Georgia Tech (6-0) | Last Week: 12
Georgia Tech is proving week after week that they’re no longer a fluke they’re for real. Quarterback Haynes King continues to be one of the most underrated players in the country. He’s not putting up video-game numbers, but his ability to extend plays, make clutch throws, and lead with poise has been the difference. The Yellow Jackets play with toughness and chemistry that reflects a team built on belief and discipline. As one of the few remaining unbeatens, Georgia Tech’s confidence is only growing.
11. Notre Dame (4-2) | Last Week: NR
After dropping two straight, many had written off Notre Dame but the Fighting Irish aren’t going away quietly. Their offense continues to find rhythm, showing better balance and execution each week, while the defense remains very solid, anchoring a team that’s improving at the right time. Their win over NC State was convincing and much needed. Now, they prepare for a marquee showdown against USC a game that could redefine their season if they can rise to the occasion once more.
12. Oregon (5-1) | Last Week: 3
Oregon’s loss to Indiana was a major setback and exposed some flaws in what was supposed to be one of the Pac-12’s most complete teams. Quarterback Dante Moore struggled badly, making several costly throws that put his team in difficult spots. The decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 early with Jordan Davison and come up short seemed to deflate the Ducks’ energy, and they never truly recovered. Oregon has the talent to bounce back, but that loss showed they still have growing up to do if they want to contend for a playoff berth.
Outside Looking In
Tennessee (5-1)
Tennessee’s offense continues to light up scoreboards, but the defense remains a major question mark. The Vols surrendered 31 points to an Arkansas team still trying to find itself, which doesn’t bode well with Alabama on deck. Josh Heupel’s system can outscore just about anyone, but to beat the Tide, Tennessee will need its defense to step up in a big way. The potential is there but right now, it’s all about consistency.
BYU (6-0)
BYU silenced critics last week with a gritty double-overtime win over Arizona in Tucson. The Cougars were pushed to the brink but found a way to pull out the victory in dramatic fashion. That kind of win builds character and credibility. Now, BYU prepares for one of college football’s most storied rivalries the Holy War against 23rd-ranked Utah. It’s a game packed with emotion and national stakes. A win would not only keep BYU undefeated but finally earn them the national respect they’ve been fighting for all season.
Closing Thoughts
Halfway through the season, the divide between the contenders and the pretenders is becoming clear but that doesn’t mean the chaos is over. Indiana and Texas Tech are shaking up the national landscape, while powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU are clawing their way back toward the top. Ohio State continues to reign supreme, but as October rolls on, one thing is certain: the road to the College Football Playoff is just getting started, and the biggest games of the year are still to come