The PCFB season is heating up fast, and as Week 9 wraps up, the new Top 25 rankings are here — with plenty of movement after another wild weekend. Some teams strengthened their playoff resumes, others took costly losses, and a few newcomers officially entered the national conversation.
Here’s how the latest rankings shake out, along with movement notes and team breakdowns.
Week 9 Top 25 Rankings
1. Michigan (Last Week: 1)
The Wolverines hold firm at No. 1 after another dominant showing. Their balance on both sides of the ball and relentless pass rush continue to make them the team to beat.
2. Texas (Up 1)
Texas slides up into the No. 2 spot after handling business in impressive fashion. The Longhorns’ offense is hitting stride, and their run defense looks elite heading into the stretch run.
3. Florida (Up 2)
The Gators make the biggest splash at the top, climbing into the top three after outlasting Missouri in a rain-soaked thriller. DJ Lagway once again proved why he’s one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the nation.
4. Notre Dame (Down 2)
The Irish stumble slightly after a tough offensive showing, dropping two spots. Still, they remain firmly in the playoff mix and have time to regain momentum.
5. Northwestern (Up 1)
Northwestern continues to impress with consistent, disciplined football. They’re not flashy, but they’re one of the most well-coached teams in the country.
6. Auburn (Up 1)
Auburn edges up after a statement win over Ole Miss. Their defense remains stout, and the offense looks to be finding more rhythm each week.
7. Clemson (Down 1)
Clemson’s narrow escape against an unranked opponent raises some eyebrows, but they stay inside the top 10 thanks to their early-season resume.
8. Tennessee (Up 2)
The Vols move up two spots after a convincing win. Their high-tempo offense continues to wear down defenses, and they’re quietly sneaking into the playoff conversation.
9. Wake Forest (Up 1)
Wake continues its steady climb after another gritty ACC win. They may not be the most talented roster, but they play with incredible effort and execution.
10. Georgia (Down 5)
The Bulldogs take the biggest fall of the week among the top teams after a shocking upset loss. Turnovers and defensive lapses hurt them badly, and they’ll need a quick bounce-back to stay in contention.
11. Nebraska (Up 1)
Nebraska moves up after a strong showing against Penn State. Their ground game looks revitalized, and their defense is quietly one of the most physical units in the league.
12. SMU (Up 1)
The Mustangs continue to hang around the top dozen with an explosive passing attack. They’re not out of the playoff picture yet, especially if chaos hits the top 10.
13. Washington (Up 1)
Washington edges upward after a bounce-back win. Their offense looked sharp, but the defense still needs improvement against the run.
14. USC (Up 1)
USC climbs one spot after taking care of business. Caleb Williams continues to deliver highlight-reel plays, but the Trojans’ defense remains a concern.
15. Louisville (Up 1)
The Cardinals’ ground game carried them again this week, grinding out another close win. They’re a dark horse team capable of spoiling playoff dreams.
16. Indiana (Down 2)
Indiana drops after a disappointing showing. Once a top-five team, the Hoosiers need to regain their early-season consistency.
17. Duke (Up 1)
The Blue Devils rise one spot after an impressive defensive performance. They continue to prove they belong among the ACC’s elite.
18. Miami (Up 1)
Miami’s offense is clicking, and they look rejuvenated after back-to-back strong performances. If their defense catches up, they could be dangerous late.
19. Texas A&M (Up 1)
The Aggies creep up after a gritty SEC win. Their defensive front dominated, and they’re positioning themselves nicely for a strong finish.
20. Penn State (Down 4)
The Nittany Lions tumble after a flat performance. They’ve now lost two of their last three, and the offense has struggled with turnovers.
21. Boise State (Up 1)
The Broncos continue to roll quietly in the Mountain West. They’ve got the look of a New Year’s Six bowl contender.
22. Ole Miss (Down 10)
The Rebels take the biggest drop of the week, plummeting ten spots after being overwhelmed by Auburn. Their defense was shredded on the ground, and it’s back to the drawing board in Oxford.
23. UCLA (Up 1)
The Bruins sneak up a notch with a balanced team performance. Their offense isn’t flashy, but it’s efficient and mistake-free.
24. Florida State (Up 1)
The Seminoles rebound with a key ACC victory. If they can stack a few more wins, they might creep back into the top 20.
25. Texas Tech (New Arrival)
The Red Raiders enter the rankings for the first time this season, riding a hot streak behind their explosive offense. They’ve quietly become one of the Big 12’s most entertaining teams.
Top Movers
- Florida (+2): The Gators are peaking at the right time, now sitting at No. 3 after a gutsy win.
- Tennessee (+2): Climbing quickly with a top-10 offense that few teams can keep up with.
- Auburn (+1): That win over Ole Miss puts them firmly in the CFP discussion.
Biggest Drops
- Georgia (-5): The Bulldogs’ shocking loss shakes up the top 10 and exposes cracks in their defense.
- Ole Miss (-10): A disastrous week sends them tumbling out of contention for now.
- Indiana (-2): The Hoosiers’ recent struggles continue as they fall out of the top 15.
New Arrivals
- Texas Tech (No. 25): The Red Raiders debut after stringing together several high-scoring wins. Their offense has been a revelation, and if the defense can catch up, they could climb even higher.
Final Thoughts
Week 9 showed that no one is safe. Michigan and Texas continue to dominate, but Florida and Auburn are fast approaching. Meanwhile, Georgia and Ole Miss took major steps backward, proving how thin the margin for error is in the PCFB landscape.
With playoff talk heating up and several top-10 clashes looming, Week 10 could bring even more chaos — and another major shakeup in the Top 25.
