College Football: UMass Leads Winless Contingent in Post-Week 12 FBS Bottom Rankings

As the 2025 college football season enters its penultimate stages, the University of Massachusetts Minutemen stand as the sole remaining winless team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), anchoring the latest edition of the Bottom 10 rankings. The weekly assessment, compiled to highlight teams navigating particularly challenging seasons, underscores the struggles of programs grappling with win-loss records that often belie moments of resilience and strategic long-term planning. The rankings, released on November 19, 2025, reflect performances through Week 12 and anticipate the final stretch of the regular season.

While traditional college football narratives often focus on championship aspirations and Heisman Trophy contenders, the realities for many programs involve sustained efforts to build foundations, secure crucial financial resources, and maintain team morale. For these teams, even minor successes can represent significant victories within their respective contexts.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the Post-Week 12 Bottom 10 rankings:

1. UMass Minutemen (0-11 overall, 0-6 CUSA)

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The Minutemen currently hold the unenviable distinction of being the only winless team in FBS football, marking their 11th consecutive loss of the season. Their recent fixture saw them travel west to Ohio, where they succumbed to the Bobcats in a Tuesday Night Football matchup. This defeat officially made them the first FBS team to reach 11 losses in the 2025 season.

UMass’s season has been characterized by offensive struggles and defensive inconsistencies, challenges inherent to a program that has frequently struggled for traction since its transition to FBS. A notable moment of the season occurred during a significant home loss where, despite trailing 45-0 in the fourth quarter against an unranked opponent, a successful field goal cutting the lead to 45-3 prompted the firing of a substantial fireworks display. This act, captured widely on social media, symbolized a unique approach to maintaining team and fan engagement amidst an otherwise difficult campaign.

The Minutemen are scheduled to conclude their regular season with another Tuesday fixture, hosting the Bowling Green Falcons (3-7). A victory in their final home game, regardless of its impact on their overall record, would undoubtedly be met with considerable jubilation.

2. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (1-9 overall, 0-6 CUSA)

Middle Tennessee State finds itself in a challenging position with a 1-9 record. Historically, the Blue Raiders have often measured their performance against in-state counterparts like Vanderbilt and Tennessee Tech. However, this season’s struggles have been pronounced, making such comparisons difficult.

The Blue Raiders are preparing for a critical conference matchup, which had been previously anticipated as a "Pillow Fight" due to the early-season struggles of both teams. However, the recent two-game winning streak of their upcoming opponent has shifted the narrative surrounding this game. MTSU will be looking to secure a second victory to avoid finishing at the very bottom of the conference standings, a scenario that would represent a significant downturn for a program that has historically shown flashes of competitiveness within Conference USA.

3. Charlotte 49ers (1-9 overall, 0-6 AAC)

The Charlotte 49ers cemented their 1-9 record after suffering a defeat to the UTSA Roadrunners. As a relatively newer FBS program, Charlotte has faced consistent challenges in building a competitive roster within the American Athletic Conference.

The team’s upcoming fixture is a road trip to Georgia to face the Bulldogs, a powerhouse program. This game is notable not just for the significant competitive challenge it presents, but also for the substantial non-conference payout of $1.9 million that Charlotte will receive for making the trip. This financial boost is crucial for emerging programs like Charlotte, enabling investment in facilities, coaching staff, and recruiting. A sentiment shared by fans, as noted on the UNCC Football’s official Facebook page by John McCurdy, highlights that "At least we’re first in something," referring to the substantial payout.

4. Georgia State Panthers (1-9 overall, 0-6 Sun Belt)

The Georgia State Panthers also hold a 1-9 record, navigating a difficult season within the Sun Belt Conference. Head Coach Dell McGee, in his tenure, has aimed to establish a consistent presence in the competitive Group of Five league.

The Panthers’ program has experienced fluctuating success since its inception, with this season representing a significant setback. Their struggles have been evident on both sides of the ball, contributing to their current position in the Bottom 10. The team will be seeking to avoid a winless conference record in their remaining fixtures, a task that would require an improved performance in the final weeks of the season.

5. The Coveted Group of Five Spot

The aspiration for a Group of Five (G5) team to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) remains a persistent narrative, yet the 2025 season has once again illustrated the formidable hurdles these programs face. Multiple G5 teams, upon reaching the cusp of the Top 25 rankings, have consistently faltered, demonstrating the intense pressure and the fine margins separating success from setback at that level.

A notable example this season involved the Navy Midshipmen. After achieving an undefeated record that positioned them for a potential ranking, they suffered an unexpected loss to North Texas, effectively ending their own CFP dreams. Furthermore, Navy subsequently delivered a blow to the CFP aspirations of South Florida by defeating them in a later contest. This pattern underscores the inherent difficulties for G5 teams in maintaining the necessary strength of schedule and flawless record required to contend for a playoff spot against Power Four conference opponents.

6. Boston College Eagles (1-10 overall, 0-7 ACC)

Boston College, like UMass, has entered the double-digit loss column, holding a 1-10 record. The Eagles’ recent performance included a particularly painful loss to ACC leaders Georgia Tech, where they surrendered 19 points in the fourth quarter and ultimately lost by a field goal with only 11 seconds remaining in the game. This dramatic collapse epitomized a season fraught with late-game struggles and an inability to close out contests.

As an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) member, Boston College has a rich football history, but recent seasons have seen the program struggle to consistently compete at the highest level within the conference. Their current record marks one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory for the Eagles, highlighting the need for significant rebuilding efforts.

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-9 overall, 0-7 Big 12)

The Oklahoma State Cowboys’ 1-9 record represents an unexpected downturn for a program that has typically been a consistent contender in the Big 12 Conference. Their recent schedule included a road trip to UCF, a newer addition to the conference. This matchup, while a regular conference fixture, also highlights the evolving landscape of college football rivalries following conference realignments.

Oklahoma State’s struggles this season are particularly notable given their historical success under Head Coach Mike Gundy. The team has been unable to find consistency on either side of the ball, leading to a record far below preseason expectations. The final weeks of their season will focus on identifying areas for improvement and laying groundwork for a more competitive 2026 campaign.

8. Oregon State Beavers (2-9 overall, 0-7 Pac-12)

The Oregon State Beavers have experienced a tumultuous season, reflected in their 2-9 record. The team started the year with six consecutive losses, initially positioning them at the very bottom of the national rankings. They then managed to secure two consecutive victories, including a notable upset over Washington State, providing a brief period of optimism. However, the Beavers subsequently lost their next two games, first to a higher-ranked team in these Bottom 10 standings, and then to Tulsa.

Oregon State’s season has been further complicated by the impending dissolution of the Pac-12 Conference, which adds an layer of uncertainty regarding the program’s long-term future. Their schedule includes a bye week before an in-season rematch against Washington State, a critical game that carries both pride and potential implications for their final conference standing.

9. Sam Houston Bearkats (2-8 overall, 2-4 CUSA)

Sam Houston, in its second year of transition to FBS, holds a 2-8 record. The Bearkats have shown recent signs of improvement, securing two consecutive victories. This mini-resurgence has impacted the narrative around their upcoming "Pillow Fight" against Middle Tennessee State, as Sam Houston’s improved form suggests they are no longer simply a struggling counterpart.

The challenges of transitioning from FCS to FBS are significant, requiring adjustments in recruiting, facilities, and game-day competition. Sam Houston’s two wins, particularly against conference opponents, demonstrate the program’s progress in adapting to the higher level of competition. They will face MTSU and Florida International in their remaining fixtures, seeking to build on their recent momentum.

10. UTEP Miners (2-8 overall, 1-5 CUSA)

The UTEP Miners return to the Bottom 10 rankings with a 2-8 record after a period of absence. Their season has been marked by struggles within Conference USA, with their sole FBS victory coming against fellow Bottom 10 team, Sam Houston. This head-to-head result is a factor in their current ranking below the Bearkats.

UTEP’s program has historically faced challenges in consistency within Conference USA. Their upcoming schedule includes a game against Delaware and their season finale against the Florida International Panthers. The outcome of these games will determine their final standing in the conference and offer a glimpse into the progress, or lack thereof, of their rebuilding efforts.

Waiting List:
Several other teams continue to hover near the bottom of the FBS standings, including Nevada, San Jose State (who recently lost to Nevada), Purdue, Colorado State, Arkansas, and the yet-to-be-identified team that famously blew a 27-point halftime lead this season. These programs, alongside those in the official rankings, exemplify the fierce competition and inherent difficulties in achieving consistent success in college football.