1. Ohio State (7-0, Last Week 1)
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.