College Football Playoff potential rankings, Week 2

Oregon, Ole Miss, and Alabama emerged as the big winners entering the second week of the College Football Playoff 12-team field. Conversely, Miami, Georgia, the ACC, and the Big 12 were the biggest losers, necessitating a reshuffle of the top 12.

Here is a look at this week’s Rant Sports College Football Playoff rankings.

1 Oregon

Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel likely enhanced his Heisman Trophy prospects with a historic performance on Saturday night. Gabriel’s 179th career touchdown pass set a new FBS record as he guided Oregon to a 39-18 victory against Maryland.

2 Texas

Despite being newcomers to the SEC, the Longhorns have emerged as the highest-ranked SEC team in the US LBM Coaches Poll. For now, they certainly seem to be the best in the league, having recently dismantled Florida.

3 Ohio State

Buckeye fans might feel somewhat overlooked; however, the trend doesn’t necessarily mirror Ohio State’s overall performance. Ryan Day’s team has accomplished what was required in the first two weeks, defeating Akron and Western Michigan with a combined score of 108-6.

4 Mississippi

Trailing Texas in the stacked SEC, Ole Miss’ 28-10 victory over Georgia stands out; it marks the pinnacle of Lane Kiffin’s career and the moment the Ole Miss Rebels re-entered the SEC and College Football Playoff conversation, looking like a formidable force within the SEC, capable of triumphing in January games.

5 Penn State

PSU just keeps winning against everyone in the Big Ten not named Ohio State. Coach James Franklin has a talented group of players without a real superstar.

6 Indiana

You might be wondering if this is the AP Top 25 baseball poll. However, the real surprise of the college football season is the Hoosiers. They have bolstered their rapidly growing resume with a statement game 20-15 victory over Michigan.

7 Tennessee

Life is great on Rocky Top these days. The Vols are one of the must-watch teams in the SEC, boasting a favorable schedule down the stretch. Don’t be surprised if they make it to the SEC Title Game in Atlanta.

8 Notre Dame

The Irish are on a mission to reach the CFP Playoffs, and their victory over FSU is the latest milestone on their road to redemption. Notre Dame’s QB Riley Leonard spearheaded the effort, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for another. The defense amassed eight sacks in a dominant 52-3 home win against the Seminoles.

9 BYU

The Cougars narrowly escaped the Holy War against their fierce rival Utah, but it was a hard-fought victory. Left for dead when their determined quarterback Jake Retzlaff was sacked on fourth down just half a yard from his own end zone, they were thrown a lifeline by a defensive holding penalty that was contentious, to say the least.

In front of a record-breaking crowd of 54,383 fans, No. 9 BYU seized this opportunity in the most dramatic fashion. Will Ferrin stepped up, nailing a 44-yard field goal with less than 30 seconds left in the game, propelling the Comeback Cougs to a 22-21 victory that will likely be remembered as one of craziest games in the history of the rivalry.

10 Miami

It was inevitable that karma would catch up with the Hurricanes, and Saturday proved to be that day. The Canes lost their unbeaten status after a narrow defeat to Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Despite the loss, Cam Ward remains impressive; however, Miami can hardly afford another misstep if they wish to secure a spot in the playoffs.

11 Alabama

While this isn’t a traditional Tide team that usually dominates the SEC from above, they are still part of a very competitive SEC. Their victory over LSU in what was a survival game for both teams. However, this could be precisely the kind of win Alabama needs to surge into the final stretch toward a Playoff bid.

12 Georgia

Many might argue that the Dogs deserve a higher ranking in this poll, and I understand that perspective. However, Kirby Smart’s team is set to be in the playoffs—consider that a certainty—though their current placement could be justified.

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games:

The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 20, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.