As the regular season barrels toward its conclusion, Week 13 brings clarity, chaos, and consequence. Using last week’s Week 12 Top 25 as the reference point, this update highlights which programs are peaking at the right time, which are slipping under late-season pressure, and which teams are forcing their way into the national conversation just in time for postseason consideration.
The top of the rankings remains stable, but the middle and lower tiers saw significant movement. Conference races, playoff implications, and résumé-defining wins are now shaping the poll more than preseason expectations ever could.
Week 13 PCFB Top 25
- Notre Dame
- Texas
- Nebraska
- UCLA
- Tennessee
- Michigan
- Florida
- Clemson
- TCU
- Miami
- Tulane
- Duke
- Penn State
- Wake Forest
- Texas Tech
- Minnesota
- Florida State
- LSU
- Florida International
- Indiana
- San Jose State
- Georgia
- BYU
- Oklahoma State
- Washington State
Top of the Poll: Stability with Stakes
1. Notre Dame (—)
Notre Dame holds firm at No. 1, continuing to look like the most complete team in the country. The Fighting Irish have balanced elite quarterback play, a dominant rushing attack, and a defense that consistently closes games. Remaining undefeated and handling business weekly has removed any debate at the top — for now. Every opponent still circles Notre Dame, but the Irish continue to respond like a championship favorite.
2. Texas (—)
Texas stays at No. 2 and remains Notre Dame’s most direct challenger. The Longhorns have shown physical dominance in the trenches and explosive ability offensively. While they haven’t jumped Notre Dame yet, they’ve done nothing to lose ground. If chaos strikes above them, Texas is perfectly positioned to capitalize.
3. Nebraska (—)
Nebraska remains at No. 3, anchored by one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. Their consistency has become their calling card. While some teams fluctuate weekly, Nebraska continues to stack wins without drama — a quality the selection committee values highly at this stage.
4. UCLA (—)
UCLA stays at No. 4, and the Bruins continue to justify their position with physical play and disciplined execution. They remain firmly in the playoff picture, though the margin for error is razor-thin. A single slip could open the door for teams just below.
5. Tennessee (—)
Tennessee rounds out the top five once again. The Volunteers’ explosive offense continues to overwhelm opponents, and their ability to score in bunches keeps them dangerous against anyone in the country. While they haven’t cracked the top four yet, they remain within striking distance.
Strong Playoff Contenders Holding Ground
6. Michigan (—)
Michigan holds at No. 6, continuing to play sound, physical football. While they haven’t delivered a statement win that propels them upward, they’ve avoided the pitfalls that have trapped others. Consistency keeps them relevant.
7. Florida (—)
Florida stays at No. 7 after another strong week, continuing to dominate SEC play. The Gators’ offense is one of the most explosive units in the nation, and their defense has improved significantly as the season has progressed. They remain a dangerous postseason threat.
8. Clemson (—)
Clemson remains at No. 8, holding steady as one of the most balanced teams outside the playoff bubble. They haven’t surged, but they haven’t slipped — and in late November, that matters.
9. TCU (—)
TCU continues to sit at No. 9, quietly building a résumé filled with solid wins. While flashier teams grab headlines, TCU’s steadiness keeps them firmly in the top ten.
10. Miami (—)
Miami rounds out the top ten again, showing flashes of elite potential but still searching for a defining moment. Their talent is undeniable, and if they finish strong, they could become a nightmare matchup in bowl season.
Biggest Risers of Week 13
Tulane (+1, from #12 to #11)
Tulane moves up one spot to No. 11, benefiting from teams below them stumbling. Their consistency and disciplined play have allowed them to climb quietly, and they now sit just outside the top ten with momentum.
Duke (+1, from #13 to #12)
Duke continues its impressive season, jumping up to No. 12. Once viewed as a fringe ranked team, Duke has proven they belong, combining tough defense with timely offensive execution.
Penn State (+3, from #16 to #13)
Penn State is one of the biggest movers this week, climbing three spots. Strong performances and help from above have pushed the Nittany Lions back into the national spotlight.
Wake Forest (+3, from #17 to #14)
Wake Forest surges three spots as well, showcasing resilience late in the season. Their rise reflects both their improvement and the chaos around them.
Minnesota (+4, from #21 to #16)
Minnesota is one of the week’s biggest risers, jumping five spots into the top 16. Their late-season push has been impressive, and they now find themselves firmly in bowl prominence.
Florida International (+4, from #23 to #19)
FIU continues its Cinderella climb, moving up four spots to No. 19. Their presence in the top 20 is one of the season’s most surprising storylines.
Indiana (+3, from unranked to #20)
Indiana enters the rankings at No. 20, capitalizing on late-season success and attrition above them. Their rise underscores just how volatile the bottom half of the poll has become.
Biggest Fallers of Week 13
LSU (–7, from #11 to #18)
LSU takes the hardest hit this week, falling seven spots. Once safely in the top 12, the Tigers’ late stumble has dramatically altered their postseason outlook.
Texas Tech (–5, from #20 to #15)
Despite still being ranked, Texas Tech slides five spots, reflecting inconsistency at a critical point in the season.
USC (Out of Rankings)
USC drops out entirely after sitting at No. 19 last week. A disappointing stretch proved too much to overcome, ending their ranked run.
North Carolina (Out of Rankings)
North Carolina also exits the poll, unable to sustain momentum as the season winds down.
Ohio State (Out of Rankings)
Once ranked just weeks ago, Ohio State’s fall from the Top 25 is one of the more shocking developments of the late season.
Newcomers to the Rankings
- Indiana (#20)
- San Jose State (#21)
- Georgia (#22)
- Washington State (#25)
Georgia’s presence at No. 22 is particularly notable, as they re-enter the rankings late and could play spoiler in postseason matchups.
Final Thoughts
Week 13’s Top 25 reflects a season entering its most unforgiving stage. The elite remain steady, the middle tier is tightening, and the bottom of the rankings is in constant flux. Every result now carries postseason consequences — whether it’s playoff positioning, conference championships, or bowl placement.
With rivalry games and championship implications looming, expect even more volatility ahead. The margin between climbing and collapsing has never been thinner — and Week 14 promises even more drama.
