As the dust settles on another thrilling week in the Premier College Football League, the College Football Playoff committee has released its newest Top 25. With dramatic finishes, late-season surges, and stunning collapses, the leaderboard has taken on a new shape—highlighted by a dominant No. 1, fierce competition in the top 10, and several newcomers making noise at the bottom of the poll.
Below is a complete breakdown of every ranked team, their record, recent performance, and their trajectory as the postseason looms.
1. Texas (12–0)
The undefeated Longhorns remain firmly atop the rankings after dismantling Old Dominion 49–19. With no game this week, Texas turns its attention toward securing the top seed in the postseason.
2. Wake Forest (11–1)
Wake Forest jumps to No. 2 after outlasting No. 9 SMU in a 45–31 shootout. Their balanced offense and clutch playmaking continue to impress voters.
3. Clemson (11–1)
Clemson narrowly escapes South Carolina 34–31, but the close call costs them a spot. The Tigers remain a dangerous contender, but their margin for error has evaporated.
4. Penn State (9–3)
Penn State rockets up the rankings after a gritty 27–24 road win at Washington. With three losses but exceptional résumé strength, the Nittany Lions are still alive in the playoff picture.
5. Nebraska (10–2)
A convincing 49–21 victory at Iowa pushes the Cornhuskers into the top five. Their power-run identity and top-10 defense have made them one of the season’s biggest surprises.
6. UCLA (10–2)
The Bruins rise again despite an idle week. Their late-season consistency has earned the committee’s trust.
7. Tulane (10–2)
After edging USF 31–28, Tulane continues its impressive run. The Green Wave have proven they can win both shootouts and defensive battles.
8. Florida (9–3)
Florida’s 49–44 thriller at Florida State launches them five spots higher. When the Gators’ offense is hot, few can keep up.
9. SMU (10–2)
SMU drops six spots following its loss to Wake Forest, but still holds a strong 10-win profile.
10. Notre Dame (11–1)
A disappointing 31–28 loss at USC crushes their playoff hopes. Still, an 11-win season keeps them inside the top ten.
11. Tennessee (9–3)
The Volunteers’ 32–30 victory at Vanderbilt stabilizes their ranking. Their high-powered passing attack continues to shine.
12. Michigan (10–2)
Michigan tumbles after a heartbreaking 38–35 loss to archrival Ohio State. At 10–2, they remain dangerous but inconsistent.
13. Texas A&M (9–3)
The Aggies jump three spots after a solid 21–13 win over LSU. Their defense is peaking at the right time.
14. Washington (9–3)
Washington falls after its tight loss to Penn State, but remains firmly in the top 15 thanks to elite quarterback play.
15. Georgia (9–3)
A massive 55–10 win over Georgia Tech propels the Bulldogs upward. They are playing their best football of the season.
16. Oregon (8–4)
Oregon thrashes Michigan State 52–10, sending a message despite their four losses. Their offense is among the nation’s most explosive.
17. Texas Tech (9–3)
The Red Raiders hold steady with a bye week. Their résumé is strong but lacks signature wins.
18. Northwestern (9–3)
Northwestern edges Illinois 28–21 to continue its steady ascent. Their disciplined defense has keyed their rise.
19. Arizona State (8–4)
The Sun Devils secure a rivalry win over Arizona, 17–14. Their defense has carried them all season.
20. Miami (8–4)
Miami stays put after an idle week. This team has flashes of brilliance but struggles with consistency.
21. Auburn (8–4)
Auburn storms into the rankings after upsetting Alabama 34–29 in the Iron Bowl. A massive late-season statement.
22. Middle Tennessee (10–2)
Middle Tennessee edges New Mexico State 14–12. Their 10-win season earns them a deserved rise.
23. Memphis (9–3)
Memphis climbs back into the rankings after a tight 17–15 win at Temple. Their special teams and defense have made key plays in crunch time.
24. Army (8–3)
A 29–23 win at East Carolina locks Army into the rankings. They’ll face Navy next in a classic service-academy showdown.
25. Bowling Green (10–2)
Despite a 29–10 loss to Toledo, Bowling Green hangs onto the final spot in the Top 25. Their résumé remains strong enough to stay in.
Dropped From the Rankings
- South Carolina (12) – Narrow loss to Clemson knocks them out
- Louisville (14) – Key defeat costs them their spot
- Alabama (22) – Loss to Auburn sends them spiraling out
Final Thoughts
This week’s Premier College Football League rankings reflect a chaotic final stretch, with several contenders rising and others collapsing under pressure. While Texas appears dominant, the battle for playoff positioning behind them is tighter than ever. With rivalry matchups and title games approaching, the Top 25 is far from settled.
