PCFB Top 25 Breakdown: Early Season Shakeups and Rising Contenders

The opening weeks of the PCFB season have already delivered fireworks, with major powers validating preseason hype, sleeper teams breaking into the national spotlight, and traditional heavyweights showing early cracks. With multiple ranked matchups already in the books, the newest Top 25 poll gives us a clearer—though still evolving—picture of the national landscape.

Here is a comprehensive look at all 25 ranked programs and the storylines shaping their early paths.

1. Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0) — 1,596 pts (36 first-place votes)

Nebraska holds the top spot without having played a game yet, a testament to preseason expectations and roster strength. Their season kicks off against Miami University, giving the Huskers a warm-up before tougher competition ahead. With the nation’s No. 1 ranking comes heightened pressure—but also confidence.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) — 1,449 pts (36 first-place votes)

Penn State already owns two wins, including a strong victory over Syracuse. Their early dominance suggests a team balanced on both sides of the ball and capable of challenging Nebraska for No. 1. A road trip to Georgia Tech shouldn’t pose much threat.

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0) — 1,378 pts

Coming off a 59–3 demolition of FCS Southeast, Notre Dame looks explosive and disciplined. They’ll face a tougher test this week versus James Madison. Aspirations for another playoff run look very real.

4. UCLA Bruins (2-0) — 1,309 pts

UCLA’s rise continues as the Bruins have already scored two convincing wins, including one over Cal. A matchup at Hawai’i should allow them to keep momentum before Pac-12 battles begin.

5. Clemson Tigers (1-0) — 1,209 pts

A steady win over NC State keeps Clemson inside the Top 5, but heading to Alabama this week will be a defining early-season moment. A win could launch the Tigers into the playoff-favorite tier.

6. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) — 1,179 pts

Georgia survived a tough opener vs. SMU and now heads to Berkeley to face Cal. The Bulldogs’ physicality remains their calling card, but consistency on offense will determine their ceiling.

7. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) — 1,176 pts

Biggest jump in the poll (from 17 to 7).

Ohio State delivered the statement win of Week 1: 62–52 over No. 14 Texas. The Buckeyes’ offense looks elite (94 OVR), and they’ll face a dangerous Florida team next. If they win again, they could easily break the Top 5.

8. Michigan Wolverines (1-0) — 1,112 pts

Michigan took care of business against Buffalo and now hosts Nevada. The Wolverines aren’t flashy early but remain fundamentally sound—exactly the identity that makes them dangerous long-term.

9. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) — 1,035 pts

Tennessee squeezed past Duke and gets an easier matchup this week against an FCS opponent. The Vols have Top-10 upside, but their pass defense must tighten up to remain there.

10. Oregon Ducks (1-0) — 994 pts

Oregon edged Florida 59–49 in a thriller dominated by offense. They now play No. 14 Texas, giving the Ducks another major opportunity to validate their Top-10 status.

11. Washington Huskies (1-0) — 930 pts

A comfortable win over Maryland shows Washington’s talent level, but a matchup with No. 25 USC awaits. This early Pac-12 clash will tell us a lot about both teams.

12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-0) — 845 pts

Wake Forest looks solid after handling FCS Southeast. Their ranking climbs, but East Carolina may provide unexpected resistance this week.

13. Miami Hurricanes (1-0) — 790 pts

Miami dominated Utah and now faces Troy. The Hurricanes’ defensive upgrades appear legitimate, but the true tests lie later in the ACC slate.

14. Texas Longhorns (1-1) — 777 pts

Texas drops heavily after a shootout loss to Ohio State. At 1–1, they must quickly regroup with a brutal game at Oregon looming. This week may decide their playoff hopes.

15. Texas A&M Aggies (1-0) — 750 pts

A&M looked sharp in their opener vs. Texas State. With Arizona State up next, the Aggies could be undefeated heading into SEC play.

16. Auburn Tigers (1-0) — 698 pts

Auburn handled business against Missouri State and gets an FCS opponent this week. Their first true test remains a few weeks away.

17. Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0) — 576 pts

Texas Tech is one of the nation’s early success stories. Two wins, both dominant, have propelled them up the rankings. A road trip to BYU will challenge their toughness.

18. Northwestern Wildcats (1-0) — 565 pts

Northwestern surprised many with a strong win over FCS Midwest. Their next game at Colorado should provide more insight into whether this ranking is sustainable.

19. Indiana Hoosiers (1-0) — 475 pts

Indiana looked sharp at Virginia and now draws another FCS opponent. The Hoosiers haven’t been ranked this high in ages, and momentum is building.

20. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) — 423 pts

The Sooners jump two spots after a blowout vs Utah State. Their 84 OVR offense and defense suggest balance, but a road trip to SMU could be tricky. Oklahoma is better than their ranking signals—keep an eye on this climb.

21. Ole Miss Rebels (1-0) — 383 pts

A convincing win over Charlotte sets Ole Miss up for a road game at UConn. Expect the Rebels to stay comfortably in the Top 25 for now.

22. Tulane Green Wave (1-0) — 317 pts

Tulane is becoming a consistent national presence. After beating Louisiana, they get Southern Miss this week in another winnable matchup.

23. Arizona State Sun Devils (2-0) — 256 pts

Arizona State has quietly put together two wins and now faces No. 15 Texas A&M. Their climb has been impressive—but staying ranked will require an upset.

24. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) — 208 pts

A big win over Western Kentucky vaults South Carolina into the rankings. A tough test vs. Appalachian State is next; a loss could send them right back out.

25. USC Trojans (1-0) — 186 pts

USC returns to the Top 25 and immediately faces a huge early challenge: at No. 11 Washington. This is a crossroads moment—are the Trojans truly Top-25 caliber, or just filling space?

Others Receiving Votes

Teams knocking on the door include:

• SMU (135) – Nearly Top 25 despite a loss
• Arkansas (123)
• LSU (99)
• North Carolina (70)
• Louisville (49)
• Alabama (16)

Notably: Florida and SMU both dropped completely out of the rankings after losses.

Final Thoughts: An Early Season Defined by Offense

The standout trend so far? High-powered offenses.

From Ohio State’s 62-point explosion to Oregon and Florida combining for 108 points, the early season has been electric.

But defense still wins championships—and the elite defensive teams (Nebraska, Penn State, Clemson) sit at the top for a reason.

The season is young, and with multiple Top-25 matchups coming in the next two weeks, expect significant volatility as contenders separate from pretenders.