1. Ohio State (5-0)
The Buckeyes are playing on a different level right now. Their defense is dominant, their offense efficient, and their confidence sky-high. Ohio State looks every bit like a team ready to defend its national title and no one’s come close to knocking them off their perch.⸻
2. Miami (5-0)
The Hurricanes are putting together one of the nation’s most impressive résumés. After taking down Notre Dame in Week 1, Miami beat a ranked USF squad, handled Florida, and then went into Tallahassee to beat Florida State. Mario Cristobal has his program firing on all cylinders and “The U” is looking like a serious playoff contender.
3. Oregon (5-0)
With Dante Moore leading the offense, Oregon has been electric. Moore’s poise and playmaking have elevated the Ducks to new heights. They were idle this week, but all eyes are on next Saturday’s top 10 clash at home against undefeated Indiana a game that could define the playoff picture.
4. Oklahoma (5-0)
Oklahoma has been all business through the first half of the season. Brent Venables’ defense looks faster and tougher than it’s been in years, and the Sooners’ offense has been sharp and efficient. The Red River Rivalry against Texas next weekend will be their biggest test yet and a chance to prove they belong among the elite.
5. Alabama (4-1)
Now in his second season, Kalen DeBoer has Alabama back among college football’s elite. After an opening-week loss to Florida State, the Tide responded with statement wins over Georgia and previously unbeaten Vanderbilt. Quarterback Ty Simpson has settled in beautifully, and Alabama is looking more dangerous each week.
6. Texas A&M (5-0)
Under Mike Elko, the Aggies have found an identity built on toughness and execution. The defense has been excellent, and the offense keeps finding ways to win. A massive showdown with Florida next week will tell us even more, but Texas A&M is already proving they’re a legitimate SEC force.
7. Ole Miss (5-0)
Ole Miss continues to impress under Lane Kiffin with a balanced, confident style of football. Their 24-19 win over LSU showed they can grind out tough, physical games a sign of real maturity. The Rebels are 5-0 and firmly in the playoff hunt.
8. Indiana (5-0)
Indiana’s dream season rolls on. The Hoosiers were off this week, but their upcoming trip to Eugene to face Oregon is easily the biggest game in program history. Win there, and Indiana won’t just be a feel-good story; they’ll be a playoff contender.
9. Texas Tech (5-0)
The Red Raiders have been nothing short of dominant. With an explosive offense and a defense that’s creating havoc, Texas Tech has all the makings of a national title threat. This team might be even better than the iconic 2008 squad that featured Michael Crabtree. The Red Raiders are for real.
10. Georgia (4-1)
Georgia bounced back from its loss to Alabama with a convincing win over Kentucky. The Bulldogs are deep, physical, and experienced, everything you’d expect from a Kirby Smart-led team. Don’t be surprised if they find themselves back in the playoff mix before long.
11. LSU (4-1)
The Tigers were idle this week following a tough 24-19 loss to Ole Miss. LSU’s defense has been solid, but the offense needs to find its rhythm again if they want to stay in the SEC West race. They’ll host South Carolina next week in a key bounce-back opportunity.
12. Georgia Tech (5-0)
The Yellow Jackets remain one of the best stories of the year. The last unbeaten team in the ACC, Georgia Tech, has played smart, disciplined football every week. If they keep this up and find a way to beat Georgia later in the season, the playoff committee will have no choice but to take notice.
On the Outside Looking In
• BYU (5-0) – Don’t overlook the Cougars. They’ve been rock-solid on both sides of the ball, and their undefeated record speaks for itself. BYU is absolutely in the conversation for a Top 12 spot.
Tennessee (4-1) – The Vols are physical, fast, and still a threat in the SEC East.
Missouri (5-0) – Quietly perfect so far, and they’ll get a massive opportunity next week when they host Alabama in Columbia.
Notre Dame (3-2) – Two close losses have hurt, but this is still a team no one wants to play.
Final Word:
Ohio State remains the team to beat, but Miami and Oregon are closing in fast. Alabama looks like Alabama again, Texas Tech is emerging as a national power, and surprise stories like Indiana and Georgia Tech are keeping the playoff race unpredictable.