The regular season is officially in the books, and with it comes the final Top 25 ranking before playoff week. After months of chaos, statement wins, rivalry games, and late-season surges, the picture is finally clear — and dramatically different from just a few weeks ago.
Using last week’s rankings as a reference, this final update highlights who surged at the right time, who slipped, and which teams enter the postseason with real momentum. At the top, there’s a new No. 1, and throughout the poll, movement reflects just how unforgiving the final stretch of the season can be.
1. Michigan (↑)
Michigan rises to No. 1 at the perfect time. A strong finish to the regular season, combined with losses and stumbles above them, vaults the Wolverines into the top spot. Michigan’s consistency, physical dominance, and ability to close games late have separated them from the pack. Heading into playoff week, they look like the most complete team in the country — balanced, battle-tested, and confident.
2. Notre Dame (↓)
Notre Dame slips one spot to No. 2, but make no mistake — the Irish remain firmly in the national title conversation. Their late-season stretch was strong, though not flawless, and while they lose the top ranking, they enter playoff week with elite quarterback play and a résumé stacked with quality wins. A dangerous team now playing with a chip on its shoulder.
3. Florida (↑)
Florida continues its steady climb, finishing the regular season at No. 3. The Gators’ late-season surge, highlighted by rivalry wins and SEC dominance, solidifies them as one of the hottest teams in the country. With a freshman quarterback who has flashed a sky-high ceiling and a defense peaking at the right time, Florida enters the postseason as a legitimate championship threat.
4. Tennessee (↑)
Tennessee moves up to No. 4, rewarded for offensive firepower and consistency down the stretch. The Volunteers have been relentless, scoring in bunches and overwhelming opponents with tempo and explosiveness. They didn’t just survive the season — they imposed their style on it. A dangerous matchup for anyone in playoff week.
5. Nebraska (↓)
Nebraska slides slightly to No. 5, but their résumé still commands respect. Elite quarterback play and one of the nation’s most disciplined teams keep them firmly in the top tier. While they didn’t finish quite as strong as those above them, Nebraska remains a team no one wants to see in a postseason setting.
6. Clemson (↓)
Clemson drops to No. 6 after hovering near the top for much of the season. The Tigers remain physically dominant and defensively stout, but late-season inconsistency prevented them from holding a top-four spot. Still, their experience and pedigree make them a postseason wildcard capable of beating anyone.
7. TCU (↑)
TCU rises to No. 7, one of the biggest beneficiaries of a strong closing stretch. Their offense has found another gear late in the year, and their ability to win tight games has been impressive. Momentum matters, and TCU has plenty of it heading into playoff week.
8. Miami (↓)
Miami settles at No. 8, still a dangerous team but one that couldn’t quite separate itself in the final weeks. Explosive at times, inconsistent at others, the Hurricanes remain capable of making noise — but they’ll need their best football now more than ever.
9. Tulane (↑)
Tulane continues to climb, landing at No. 9. Their disciplined approach, physical defense, and ability to control games have earned national respect. Few teams improved their perception more over the final month than the Green Wave.
10. Duke (↑)
Duke cracks the top 10 at No. 10, capping off a season that exceeded expectations. Their steady climb reflects week-after-week consistency and an ability to capitalize on opportunities. Duke enters playoff week playing with house money — and that makes them dangerous.
11. UCLA (↓)
UCLA slides to No. 11, narrowly missing the top 10. While still talented, their late-season performance lacked the punch needed to hold ground against surging teams behind them.
12. Texas (↓)
Texas drops to No. 12, a notable fall from earlier heights. The talent is undeniable, but inconsistency and missed opportunities late in the season ultimately cost them valuable positioning heading into playoff week.
13. Texas Tech (↑)
Texas Tech climbs to No. 13, quietly putting together one of the stronger finishes in the country. Tough, physical, and opportunistic, they’ve become a team no one overlooks anymore.
14. LSU (↓)
LSU slips to No. 14 after an up-and-down close to the regular season. Still dangerous, still talented, but unable to maintain momentum against elite competition.
15. Wake Forest (↑)
Wake Forest checks in at No. 15, rewarded for resilience and late-season wins. Their ability to grind out victories keeps them firmly in the postseason discussion.
16. Georgia (↑)
Georgia moves up to No. 16, finishing strong after earlier struggles. While not the dominant force of years past, the Bulldogs are playing better football now than they were midseason.
17. Florida International (↑)
One of the season’s best stories, Florida International climbs to No. 17. Their rise into the national conversation reflects consistency, discipline, and belief — a program that has maximized every opportunity.
18. Oklahoma State (↓)
Oklahoma State slides to No. 18, unable to hold off surging teams below them. Still solid, but lacking the signature late-season statement win.
19. USC (↓)
USC drops to No. 19, a disappointing finish relative to early-season expectations. The flashes were there, but consistency never fully materialized.
20. Arizona State (↑)
Arizona State enters the final rankings at No. 20, one of the better late-season risers. Their physicality and improved execution down the stretch earned them a spot in the Top 25.
21. San Jose State (→)
San Jose State holds firm at No. 21, maintaining steady play and proving they belong in the national conversation.
22. Kansas State (↑)
Kansas State moves up to No. 22, rewarded for closing strong and taking advantage of chaos around them.
23. New Mexico (↑)
New Mexico climbs into No. 23, one of the more surprising late-season stories. Their inclusion reflects just how wide open this season has been.
24. USF (↑)
USF rises to No. 24, fueled by elite quarterback play and offensive production that turned heads nationwide.
25. Washington State (↓)
Washington State rounds out the poll at No. 25, hanging on after late-season struggles but still deserving of recognition.
Final Thoughts: Chaos Ends, Pressure Begins
The regular season chaos is over. The rankings are set. From here on out, every snap matters.
Some teams surged at the perfect moment. Others couldn’t hold on. Now, playoff week awaits — where reputations are tested, narratives are rewritten, and only the strongest will survive.
The margins are thin. The stakes are enormous. And the road to a championship officially begins now.
