Ali Akbar Rosady
By mid-November, the identity of most college football teams is largely established, yet Week 11 of the 2025 season underscored the persistent volatility of the sport, particularly within the Top 25. While many programs are solidifying their positions for the stretch run, every squad faces critical areas demanding refinement, especially those vying for conference titles and College Football Playoff berths. The weekend’s results served as a stark reminder of this tenuous balance, with several ranked teams experiencing setbacks or narrow escapes that exposed vulnerabilities.
Notable teams that found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard included Washington, Memphis, Iowa, and ACC contenders Virginia and Louisville, all of whom suffered defeats. Even higher-ranked programs like Oregon and Vanderbilt managed to secure victories but emerged from tight contests with evident areas for improvement as crucial late-season games loom. BYU, for instance, suffered its first loss of the season at Texas Tech, revealing significant offensive limitations after being held to just seven points and 67 net rushing yards.
The required adjustments vary across the landscape. For some, like Oregon, the primary focus is regaining full health at key positions. For others, it might entail bolstering third-down defense, enhancing special teams execution, or improving red zone touchdown efficiency. Even for an elite program like Alabama, quarterback Ty Simpson’s deep-ball success, despite his overall strong performance, has been identified as an area requiring an upgrade if the Crimson Tide are to maintain their momentum. This weekly power ranking provides a comprehensive overview of the top 25 teams and the specific challenges they must address to remain in contention.
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1. Ohio State Buckeyes (Previous: 1)
The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes maintain their stronghold on the top spot, a testament to their dominant season. Their current trajectory suggests that even a late-season stumble might not dislodge them from the Top 25 entirely. The paramount objective for the Buckeyes now centers on securing the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, which comes with a coveted first-round bye. A pivotal step towards achieving this is ending their four-game losing streak against archrival Michigan. Following that, a victory in the Big Ten championship game, likely against No. 2 Indiana, would all but guarantee the top seed. With a crucial win over Texas already on their resume, Ohio State boasts a formidable profile. A strong finish to their Big Ten schedule would position them as the favorites to defend their 2024 national championship.
2. Texas A&M Aggies (Previous: 3)
The Texas A&M Aggies ascended to the No. 2 position following a hard-fought road victory against a ranked opponent. Despite what head coach Mike Elko described as a less-than-perfect performance, the Aggies secured another double-digit win, a source of quiet confidence for the team. Quarterback Marcel Reed operated with a restricted playbook, primarily utilizing a short passing game with only two throws exceeding 10 yards. The offensive strategy leaned heavily on a consistent ground attack, which ultimately yielded 243 rushing yards at an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. While Elko expressed frustration over allowing 207 rushing yards defensively, the Aggies’ resilience ensured Missouri could not mount a significant comeback. Sitting at 9-0 and No. 3 in the CFP rankings, Texas A&M faces 3-6 South Carolina and 1-9 Samford at home before a crucial trip to Austin to face Texas. The Aggies have consistently delivered offensively, scoring 30 points or more in eight of their nine games, including 49, 45, and 38 in the last three weeks, but continued growth in the passing game remains a key focus.
3. Indiana Hoosiers (Previous: 2)
The Indiana Hoosiers, despite a narrow escape at Penn State, are poised for their first Big Ten championship game appearance, with remaining regular-season matchups against Wisconsin and Purdue. However, Saturday’s performance provided coach Curt Cignetti and his staff with numerous areas for immediate attention. Similar to their 2024 campaign, late-season offensive line injuries are impacting IU, evident in the three sacks, eight tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries surrendered against Penn State. Starting guard Drew Evans was absent, and starting tackle Kahlil Benson briefly exited the game before returning. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza demonstrated clutch playmaking but faced intense pressure throughout the contest. Furthermore, Indiana’s typically stout defense yielded eight third-down conversions and three plays exceeding 30 yards, issues coordinator Bryant Haines will undoubtedly prioritize.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide (Previous: 4)
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer acknowledged that the Crimson Tide made "just enough plays" to defeat LSU 20-9 at home on Saturday. Both DeBoer and quarterback Ty Simpson openly expressed frustration with the offense’s inability to establish a consistent rhythm. A primary concern remains the lack of a consistent running game, which places undue pressure on Simpson to create big plays through the air. The Crimson Tide currently rank 14th in the SEC in rushing, averaging 111.9 yards per game. This issue was particularly pronounced against LSU, where Alabama managed only 56 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Running backs Jam Miller contributed 13 yards on eight carries, and Daniel Hill added 21 yards on seven attempts. To navigate their crucial upcoming game against Oklahoma’s formidable defense and remain in contention for an SEC title, Alabama must find a way to enhance its ground game effectiveness.
5. Georgia Bulldogs (Previous: 8)
The Georgia Bulldogs delivered one of their most impressive defensive performances of the season in a 41-21 victory at Mississippi State, a game many fans had flagged as a potential trap ahead of their significant home matchup against Texas. Georgia’s defense allowed 322 total yards of offense and recorded a season-high three sacks, significantly improving upon their previous tally of eight sacks through the first eight games. After Mississippi State opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, the Bulldogs’ defense stifled their opponent, allowing only 87 yards of offense for the remainder of the first half as Georgia scored 38 unanswered points. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann’s strategy of dialing up early pressure proved effective in forcing Mississippi State into numerous third-and-long situations. With the much-improved Arch Manning and the Longhorns visiting Sanford Stadium next week, followed by a regular-season finale against in-state rival Georgia Tech and star quarterback Haynes King, Georgia’s defense understands the imperative to sustain its recent improvements.
6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Previous: 9)
The Texas Tech Red Raiders successfully navigated their most significant test of the season, securing a convincing 29-7 victory over previously unbeaten BYU. Coach Joey McGuire’s squad demonstrated readiness for the national spotlight, with the win proving crucial for their Big 12 title aspirations. The Red Raiders’ defense was exceptional, recording 11 third-down stops and three takeaways, while limiting BYU to a season-low 67 rushing yards. The final score could have been more lopsided had Texas Tech not struggled with red zone efficiency, converting only two of seven opportunities into touchdowns. This particular area of improvement is critical, especially as quarterback Behren Morton continues to regain his rhythm after missing two games due to a hairline fracture in his right fibula.
7. Ole Miss Rebels (Previous: 6)
The Ole Miss Rebels took care of business with a dominant 49-0 rout of The Citadel at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels’ offense accumulated 603 total yards, including 151 rushing yards. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was highly efficient, completing 29 of 33 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Ole Miss overwhelmed the FCS opponent, allowing only five first downs and 106 yards of offense—the first time since 2014 the Rebels held an opponent under 150 yards. With Florida visiting Oxford next week, Ole Miss’s primary challenge may be maintaining focus amidst external distractions. Head coach Lane Kiffin has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the recently vacated Florida coaching position. With a potential College Football Playoff appearance and an SEC title still within reach, the Rebels must mitigate these external narratives.
8. Oregon Ducks (Previous: 5)
After hovering on the fringes of the top 10 in the initial CFP standings, the Oregon Ducks solidified their position with their most significant win of the season against Iowa. However, substantial challenges lie ahead, with USC and Washington remaining on the schedule, compounded by a shorthanded receiver corps. Against Iowa, the Ducks’ running game proved highly effective, accumulating 261 yards and averaging 7.3 yards per rush across multiple backs. Quarterback Dante Moore delivered several clutch throws on the game-winning drive, but a sharper overall performance will be necessary for Oregon to contend with the offensive firepower of USC and Washington. If wide receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr., along with top tight end Kenyon Sadiq, remain sidelined, the Ducks will need to cultivate other reliable pass-catching options. The defense also seeks to improve its fourth-down stops, having allowed Iowa to convert three of four attempts, including a go-ahead touchdown with 1:51 remaining.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Previous: 10)
A resounding 49-10 domination of Navy marked the latest in a series of comfortable victories for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The team has now won seven consecutive games, all by double-digit margins, since an 0-2 start to the season. Notre Dame is scheduled to face a ranked Pitt team this week, representing arguably their last significant potential stumbling block before a potential playoff bid. This Saturday’s showdown with the Panthers is thus critical. The Irish offense has been exceptionally efficient, averaging 9.5 yards per dropback, ranking second nationally, while the ground game led by Jeremiyah Love continues to impress. The key to overcoming Pitt will likely hinge on protecting quarterback CJ Carr. Notre Dame’s offensive line has performed exceptionally well after a shaky Week 1 against Miami, but Pitt ranks fifth nationally in tackles for loss and is expected to apply aggressive pressure on Carr.
10. BYU Cougars (Previous: 7)
BYU’s impressive streak of securing just enough plays to win ultimately concluded at Texas Tech, where their offensive limitations were fully exposed. While true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier has demonstrated effectiveness at times this season, his success typically stemmed from the run game, either through his own carries or those of LJ Martin. This Cougars team is not designed to play from behind and score quickly. While still technically in the playoff mix, BYU’s performance in Lubbock on their biggest regular-season stage did not resemble that of a playoff contender. To contend for a potential rematch with Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game, BYU will require a significant improvement in its passing game.
11. Texas Longhorns (Previous: 13)
The Texas Longhorns appear to be peaking at an opportune moment, having utilized their bye week for rest and fine-tuning. Quarterback Arch Manning has delivered strong performances, throwing for 328 yards against Vanderbilt in their last outing, marking his second-highest career total after 346 yards the week prior against Mississippi State. Head coach Steve Sarkisian noted Manning’s maturation this season, complemented by significant development from his offensive line, which has provided Manning ample time to process reads. Two of the Longhorns’ key stars who started slowly have recently ignited: receiver Ryan Wingo has amassed 273 of his 593 season yards in the past two games, and edge rusher Collin Simmons has recorded 6.5 sacks over the last four games. With four SEC teams currently ahead of them in the CFP rankings, this week’s trip to Georgia is essentially a playoff play-in game. A victory would significantly elevate the preseason No. 1 team’s playoff prospects.
12. Oklahoma Sooners (Previous: 11)
Wins in two of their final three games would almost certainly guarantee a Top 25 finish for the 7-2 Oklahoma Sooners. Their playoff aspirations, however, likely hinge on the outcome of next weekend’s critical road trip to one-loss Alabama. Following that, back-to-back home games against Missouri and LSU now appear more manageable than at the start of the season. The performance of quarterback John Mateer will be pivotal in all three contests, as his accuracy and passing metrics have notably declined since undergoing right hand surgery in late September. Regardless of playoff contention, this season represents a positive rebound for the Sooners after a 6-7 finish in 2024, with Brent Venables seemingly coaching himself off the hot seat. A strong finish over the final three weeks would not only keep Oklahoma in the Top 25 but also generate significant momentum for the offseason.
13. Utah Utes (Previous: 17)
The Utah Utes enjoyed an off-week but find themselves in an intriguing playoff position, having debuted at No. 13 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. This placement suggests a scenario where the Utes could win out, finish with a 10-2 record, miss the Big 12 title game, and still have a decent chance at an at-large playoff spot. The situation is complicated by their two losses to Texas Tech and BYU, meaning they would be evaluated against at least one of those teams for an at-large bid. This scenario highlights the dynamic nature of the playoff format, ensuring Utah has everything to play for in the late stages of the season.
14. Vanderbilt Commodores (Previous: 16)
After a strong defensive showing in October, where they allowed only 34 combined points against LSU and Missouri, Vanderbilt’s defense has shown vulnerabilities in November. The Commodores surrendered 34 points and 7.1 yards per play in a recent loss at Texas, followed by 38 points and 6.9 yards per play against a previously struggling Auburn offense on Saturday. Despite these defensive leaks, Vanderbilt maintains playoff hopes at 8-2 and benefits from a much-needed bye week. However, with an improving Kentucky team and an explosive Tennessee offense on the horizon, the defense will urgently need to rediscover its early-season form. Quarterback Diego Pavia and the offense have demonstrated their ability to perform in high-scoring games, but they will require more defensive support, particularly against Tennessee.
15. Miami Hurricanes (Previous: 19)
The Miami Hurricanes secured a 38-10 victory over Syracuse, largely attributed to a newfound offensive creativity that had been largely absent for most of the season. The innovative play-calling saw Malachi Toney throw a touchdown pass to Carson Beck, and Beck, in turn, throw a touchdown pass to offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. This departure from their previously predictable run-between-the-tackles preference was a welcome change, injecting momentum into an offense that had become stagnant. Miami must continue to expand its playbook to keep opposing defenses off balance. Winning without two of their primary offensive playmakers, Mark Fletcher Jr. and CJ Daniels, bodes well for the Hurricanes as they navigate the remainder of the season.
16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Previous: 15)
An opportune off-week benefited the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, as their primary ACC competitors stumbled in Week 11, creating a clearer path for Tech to reach the conference title game. ESPN’s FPI now assigns the Yellow Jackets the highest odds of winning the ACC (35.2%), with a matchup against 1-9 Boston College next on the schedule. Georgia Tech’s playoff resume, should they not win the ACC, remains somewhat thin, as their best win against Clemson appears less impressive now than it did in September. However, Georgia Tech’s final two regular-season games are against ranked opponents—Pitt and Georgia—and victories in both would likely assure the Jackets of a playoff berth, irrespective of their conference championship game outcome.
17. USC Trojans (Previous: 20)
In their 38-17 victory over Northwestern on Friday night, the USC Trojans once again demonstrated a reliance on their running game. For the fourth time in five games, the Trojans recorded at least 30 rushing attempts, led by former walk-on King Miller, who now boasts three games with over 100 rushing yards. Miller’s emergence has provided head coach Lincoln Riley’s offense with a new blueprint, reducing the previous heavy dependence on Jayden Maiava’s passing game, a characteristic of Riley’s past teams. Maiava himself has contributed six rushing touchdowns this season. USC currently ranks within the top 25 nationally in rushing yards per game and among the top 10 in rushing yards per attempt. With three wins separating them from a likely CFP berth and their defense showing signs of improvement, the final stretch of the season may ultimately hinge not on their explosive wide receivers like Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, but on the strength of their revitalized rushing attack.
18. Michigan Wolverines (Previous: 21)
At 7-2, the Michigan Wolverines persist as a stealth playoff contender. Both of their losses this season occurred on the road against ranked opponents (at Oklahoma, at USC). While they currently lack any truly noteworthy victories, a significant opportunity awaits on November 29. Should the Wolverines manage to defeat No. 1 Ohio State for a fifth consecutive year, they would become a compelling playoff possibility, particularly if they also advance to the Big Ten championship game, where an automatic berth could be secured. Wins in the next two weeks against Northwestern and Maryland would almost certainly maintain Michigan’s presence in the Top 25, regardless of the Ohio State outcome. However, another victory over the Buckeyes would significantly bolster the Wolverines’ playoff resume.
19. Pittsburgh Panthers (Previous: NR)
The Pittsburgh Panthers make their debut in the rankings, finding themselves in a four-way tie atop the ACC standings following their idle week. They have won five consecutive games, are averaging 40 points per game, and since turning to true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel at the beginning of October, boast the No. 11 passing offense in FBS. No ACC title contender faces a tougher remaining schedule than the Panthers, with matchups against Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, and Miami on the horizon, making their week off an ideal respite for Pat Narduzzi’s squad. Heintschel’s three red zone turnovers against Stanford last week highlight an area for growth, and he must deliver strong situational football under pressure for his team to make a run at the ACC title game.
20. Louisville Cardinals (Previous: 14)
The overtime loss to Cal in Week 11 delivered a brutal blow to a Louisville Cardinals team that had not lost a game by more than a touchdown in two years, yet appeared entirely flat. With Isaac Brown sidelined due to injury, the ground game lacked its usual explosiveness. Cal capitalized on this, increasing pressure on quarterback Miller Moss, who struggled significantly, completing just 20 of 38 passes with no touchdowns and an interception. Moss has now thrown an interception in five of his past six games and has not surpassed 250 passing yards in over a month. The Cardinals’ next two games—Friday against Clemson and Week 13 at SMU—are potentially fraught matchups. Without a more balanced offensive attack, a once-promising season could quickly unravel.
21. Virginia Cavaliers (Previous: 12)
The Virginia Cavaliers have exhibited a noticeable decline in offensive explosiveness and run game dominance over the past five weeks, culminating in a 16-9 setback to Wake Forest. In that game, quarterback Chandler Morris was knocked out in the second quarter after a hard hit to the head. Virginia also committed three turnovers, an area in which they had previously excelled and which had been crucial to their success in numerous close games this season. The Cavaliers must find a way to re-establish ball control on offense, a trait seen only in limited stretches since their significant win over Florida State. Morris’s availability for next week’s game against Duke is a major question mark. Backup Daniel Kaelin accounted for two of the turnovers and threw incomplete passes in the end zone with a chance to win. If Morris is cleared to start Saturday, Virginia will have a full week to prepare him.
22. Tennessee Volunteers (Previous: 23)
Tennessee’s most pressing area of focus remains consistent: defense. The Volunteers currently rank 61st nationally in yards allowed per play (5.39), 98th in yards allowed per game (395.9), 114th in scoring defense (31.1 points per game), and 120th in completion rate allowed. Their 6-3 record, with narrow losses to two ranked opponents, underscores the explosive capability of their offense. However, with remaining games against the ultra-efficient Vanderbilt and the all-or-nothing Florida, the Volunteers will need to generate at least a few critical stops if they aim to win out and conclude an up-and-down season on a positive note.
23. Iowa Hawkeyes (Previous: 25)
The Iowa Hawkeyes were mere seconds away from securing a victory that would have positioned them on the outer fringes of the College Football Playoff radar. However, they ultimately failed to close out Oregon in a game where they were outplayed in areas typically considered their strengths. Iowa surrendered its highest rushing total (261 yards) since 2022 and its highest yards-per-rush against average since 2014. The Hawkeyes also committed an uncharacteristic special teams error, as a poor snap resulted in a safety and the game’s initial score. Iowa cannot afford such slip-ups in its foundational areas of strength and must exhibit sharper execution this week at USC and against Nebraska on November 28. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes must continue to develop their downfield passing attack, which showed flashes against Oregon with quarterback Mark Gronowski completing passes of 40 and 38 yards.
24. North Texas Mean Green (Previous: NR)
The North Texas Mean Green make their debut in the rankings, largely due to a significant defensive turnaround since their 63-36 loss to South Florida. Under first-year defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, the Mean Green have held each of their past three American Conference opponents to 20 points or fewer, building a top-10 pass defense in Denton. However, North Texas’s No. 130-ranked run defense has faced considerable challenges in conference play and still has to contend with Rice’s option attack on November 22. While head coach Eric Morris’s offense, led by quarterback Drew Mestemaker, continues to command headlines, the consistent play and critical stops from Cassity’s defense in November will be instrumental in determining if this team can contend for a College Football Playoff berth.
25. Cincinnati Bearcats (Previous: NR)
The Cincinnati Bearcats join the rankings, and despite a blowout loss to Utah, they remain in the mix in the Big 12 with only one conference loss. They face a challenging slate of three remaining games against Arizona (6-3), BYU (8-1), and TCU (6-3). While winning out to reach the Big 12 title game may be a difficult prospect, it remains within the realm of possibility. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby is having one of the best seasons of any quarterback in college football, and his continued strong play will provide the Bearcats with a chance to compete throughout the remainder of the schedule.
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