As the echoes of Saturday’s thrilling football clashes fade, the gaze of fervent fans turns toward the impending AP Top 25 college football rankings, ushering us into an electrifying Week 13 spectacle. The pressing questions linger: Who’s on the rise? Who’s plummeting down the list?
A snapshot of the shifting landscape:
Dropping off the list: LSU, Missouri, Louisville.
25. Kansas State
In a shocking twist, the Wildcats were blanked in the first half at home, with Arizona State steamrolling to a 21-0 lead. This unexpected upset effectively snuffs out K-State’s dreams of a Big 12 title they had eyed relentlessly all season.
24. Washington State
In a stunning display, New Mexico triumphed over the ranked Cougars, marking their first victory against a ranked team since the early aughts. Despite their first loss since September, Wazzu clings to a tenuous spot in the rankings, contingent on a dearth of alternatives for voters this week.
23. Memphis
With quarterback Seth Henigan dazzling fans by throwing four touchdown passes, the Tigers amassed over 500 offensive yards, obliterating UAB. Their decisive win propels them to a 9-2 record, tying them for third in the AAC standings, a potential gateway into this week’s rankings amid a swirl of rival teams collapsing.
22. Iowa State
After claiming a decisive home victory over Cincinnati by a 17-point margin, the Cyclones are poised for a push into the rankings, likely benefiting from the prior week’s 92 votes from AP voters. With upcoming matches against Utah and a climactic showdown against Kansas State, the stakes are surging.
21. Arizona State
The Sun Devils, inspired by quarterback Sam Leavitt’s three touchdown drives, stormed to a formidable 21-0 lead against Kansas State and ultimately clinched a significant upset, raising their record to 8-2. Now, they sit third in the Big 12, staring down a mammoth game against BYU on the horizon.
20. Tulane
A commanding 35-0 victory over Navy had Darian Mensah throwing darts, completing 10 of 14 passes while the Green Wave showcased a run game bolstering 220 yards. This inspires anticipation for how the selection committee will evaluate this performance amidst the Group of Five dynamics.
19. South Carolina
In a heart-stopping conclusion, the Gamecocks executed a soul-stirring last-minute drive, reclaiming momentum for a last-second triumph over Missouri thanks to Raheim Sanders’ heroics. This gritty 7-3 team, currently on a four-game winning streak, is carving a niche as one of the most unpredictable threats in college football.
18. Clemson
In a dramatic scene that unfolded post-Pitt’s late lead, Cade Klubnik electrified the crowd with a jaw-dropping 50-yard touchdown dash that secured Clemson’s vital road win. They remain firmly entrenched in the ACC title race, facing The Citadel before welcoming the emboldened Gamecocks.
17. Colorado
The Buffaloes faced a surprisingly tenacious challenge from Utah, but a pivotal interception flipped the script in their favor, allowing them to secure a late-game touchdown. Coach Prime’s crew remains securely in contention for both the Big 12 conquest and a coveted College Football Playoff spot.
16. Army
Thanks to their recent off week, the Black Knights enter with heightened anticipation. Undefeated and leading the nation in both defensive scoring and rushing offense, they are bracing for a significant test against a streaking Notre Dame team next, where a clash of titans is expected.
15. Texas A&M
In an impressive display, Marcel Reed guided the Aggies to a resounding 38-7 defeat of New Mexico State, putting them in second place within the SEC standings. Anticipation builds as they prepare for an away game at Auburn, followed by a critical home matchup against their archrival, Texas.
14. SMU
Kevin Jennings celebrated a stellar outing with three touchdown passes, while Brashard Smith grinded through for 120 yards and a score, as the Mustangs claimed a 10-point victory against Boston College. Sitting undefeated in conference play, they remain on the cusp of playoff discussions, despite a narrow loss earlier in the season.
13. Boise State
Ashton Jeanty’s remarkable rushing performance etches his name into the Broncos’ annals, as he notched a new single-season record in spectacular fashion during a comeback against San Jose State after initially falling behind by two touchdowns. Boise continues to hold the title as the favored darling of the Group of Five.
12. Miami
Following a bye week, the Hurricanes saw their grip on the rankings loosen as they tumbled eight spots due to a prior week’s setback. They now find themselves third in the ACC standings, with the path to redemption ahead as they aim to reestablish their dominance.
11. Tennessee
The shadow of defeat loomed large as the Volunteers fell yet again to rival Georgia, marking their eighth consecutive loss. Unable to score in the second half, their position slipped dramatically, now resting at fourth place in the SEC.
10. BYU
In a tense matchup, the Cougars faced heartbreak as a potential last-second win fell just out of reach. Despite putting up a fierce battle, they succumbed to Kansas, marking their season’s first defeat. Next on their agenda is a road trip to face a revitalized Arizona State.
9. Georgia
Carson Beck, under the fervent glow of scrutiny, rose to the occasion, launching himself into the limelight with an impressive 246-yard performance, throwing two touchdowns en route to a commanding defeat of Tennessee. The Bulldogs keep their sights set firmly on the playoff path.
8. Ole Miss
After an impressive prior performance against Georgia, the Rebels took a well-earned break. Now, they sit within the upper echelons of the playoffs, readying for a showdown with Florida—a team brimming with newfound confidence after toppling LSU.
7. Alabama
Jalen Milroe powered the Crimson Tide to victory against Mercer, amassing two passing touchdowns and a rushing one during the 38-7 rout. With steadfast resolve, they remain in the hunt for playoff consideration as they prepare for an upcoming clash with Oklahoma.
6. Notre Dame
Riley Leonard dazzled as he led the Irish to a compelling victory over Virginia, with three touchdown passes illuminating their path to a 9-1 record. Testing times lie ahead, with a significant matchup at Yankee Stadium against a ranked Army team hovering on the horizon.
5. Indiana
With a weekend off for self-reflection, the Hoosiers are fine-tuning their strategy for a monumental clash featuring a top-five duel against Ohio State, a defining contest that could reshape their playoff aspirations.
4. Penn State
Tyler Warren’s dynamic dual-threat performance propelled the Nittany Lions in a decisive 49-10 triumph over Purdue. As they sit at 9-1, with their gaze set on encounters against Minnesota and Maryland, they remain firmly entrenched in the playoff narrative.
3. Texas
While the Longhorns’ offense flickered less brightly than anticipated, they preserved a crucial win against Arkansas. Holding down first place in the SEC and poised for upcoming duels against Kentucky and Texas A&M, the tension within their camp is palpable.
2. Ohio State
With Will Howard’s two touchdown passes leading the charge, the Buckeyes clamped down defensively, stifling Northwestern to a mere 1.7 yards per carry. This 24-point breakthrough paves the way for an exhilarating showdown next week against undefeated Indiana.
1. Oregon
Navigate the tumultuous waters of competition, the Ducks fought through unexpected lethargy, trailing for a significant portion before Dillon Gabriel’s determined drive clinched victory against Wisconsin. They now rest gloriously on the unbeaten pedestal while eyeing the Big Ten title game.
As the college football universe spins ever onward, this dynamic landscape paints a pulsating tableau of competition and unpredictability, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
