Week 11 brought major wins, narrow escapes and costly losses across college football, but it did little to make the playoff picture easier to sort out. Georgia strengthened its hold on the top spot with a decisive win over Missouri, while Texas survived a late scare at LSU. Oregon made a stronger case for itself with a convincing victory over Michigan, and LSU dropped out of the rankings after its last-second defeat.
Here is a projected Top 25 following Week 11.
## 1. Georgia Bulldogs (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 1
**Result:** 48-21 win vs. Missouri
Georgia left little room for doubt in its 48-21 win over No. 22 Missouri. Raylen Wilson intercepted a pass on the Tigers’ opening play, and the Bulldogs built a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Gunner Stockton helped keep the offense rolling as Georgia turned the game into a comfortable victory.
Missouri entered the matchup with one of the SEC’s strongest run defenses, but Georgia still rushed for 182 yards and five touchdowns. The win moved the Bulldogs to 9-1 and brought them closer to a place in the SEC Championship Game.
## 2. Utah Utes (10-0)
**Previous rank:** 2
**Result:** 40-39 win at Arizona
Utah escaped Tucson with a one-point victory, but its 40-39 win over Arizona came down to the final moments. Devon Dampier accounted for four touchdowns, including a 70-yard scoring pass to Creed Whittemore. Daniel Bray added 197 rushing yards on just 18 carries as Utah finished with 296 yards on the ground.
A muffed punt gave Arizona the lead late, and the Wildcats had one more opportunity to respond. Utah stopped Noah Fifita on fourth-and-two to seal the win. The Utes are now 10-0 and have won 16 straight games.
## 3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 3
**Result:** 41-7 win vs. Boston College
Notre Dame followed its win over Miami with a dominant performance against Boston College. The Irish extended their winning streak against the Eagles to 11 games, with CJ Carr completing 20 of 26 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
The defense held Boston College to 136 total yards. Jaylen Sneed also returned a fumble for a touchdown. Notre Dame avoided a letdown after a major rivalry victory and kept its playoff hopes on track.
## 4. UCLA Bruins (10-0)
**Previous rank:** 4
**Result:** 22-14 win vs. Illinois
UCLA reached 10-0 for the first time since 1998 after a 22-14 win over Illinois. The Bruins had to work through a rainy afternoon and a determined opponent, but they found a way to remain unbeaten. The result is another milestone in a turnaround after the team finished 3-9 last season.
Ty Dieffenbach returned from injury and threw a touchdown, while Scooter Jackson intercepted two passes. UCLA’s record and growing Big Ten title hopes make it difficult to justify moving the Bruins down.
## 5. Miami Hurricanes (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 5
**Result:** 36-25 win vs. Duke
Miami responded to its first loss of the season by beating Duke 36-25. Darian Mensah threw for 382 yards, and Cooper Barkate, a former Duke receiver, caught eight passes for 134 yards. Javian Mallory scored three touchdowns, helping Miami maintain its offensive production after Mark Fletcher Jr. left with an injury.
Xavier Lucas added a fourth-quarter interception for the Hurricanes. Miami improved to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in ACC play, leaving its conference championship hopes in its own hands. The loss to Notre Dame remains a setback on its playoff résumé.
## 6. Indiana Hoosiers (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 6
**Result:** 27-13 win vs. USC
Grant Wilson made his first career start for Indiana in place of the injured Josh Hoover and delivered a strong performance. He threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns as the Hoosiers beat USC 27-13.
Isaiah Jones made a key interception near the goal line, and Wilson later connected with Charlie Becker for a 42-yard touchdown. The win was Indiana’s first over USC and kept the Hoosiers’ Big Ten and playoff ambitions alive.
## 7. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2)
**Previous rank:** 7
**Result:** 21-6 win at Vanderbilt
Alabama earned a 21-6 road win over Vanderbilt, though the offense took time to find its rhythm. Keelon Russell played through an ankle concern and threw three touchdowns. Lotzeir Brooks caught two of those scoring passes.
The defense also played a central role, limiting Vanderbilt to 235 total yards and keeping the Commodores out of the end zone. Alabama moved to 8-2 and remains in contention for the SEC Championship Game and a playoff place.
## 8. Texas Longhorns (8-2)
**Previous rank:** 8
**Result:** 22-21 win at LSU
Texas survived a difficult night in Baton Rouge, overcoming three interceptions by Arch Manning to win 22-21. LSU appeared poised to claim a major upset, but Manning led a late drive and found Raleek Brown for the decisive touchdown.
Jelani McDonald intercepted Sam Leavitt three times, helping keep Texas within reach while the offense struggled. The Longhorns also limited LSU’s ground game in the fourth quarter. The win preserves Texas’ postseason ambitions, while LSU’s playoff hopes took a serious hit.
## 9. Tennessee Volunteers (8-2)
**Previous rank:** 9
**Result:** 22-7 win at Texas A&M
Tennessee earned its first win at Texas A&M’s home stadium, beating the Aggies 22-7. The Volunteers dealt with injuries to quarterback George MacIntyre and several other contributors. Backup Faizon Brandon threw a fourth-quarter touchdown to DaSaahn Brame.
Cooper Ranvier made five field goals, and Tennessee intercepted two passes in the final quarter. The defense held Texas A&M to seven points as the Vols improved to 8-2.
## 10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 11
**Result:** 49-7 win at SMU
Wake Forest delivered one of Week 11’s most emphatic results, beating SMU 49-7 on the road. The Demon Deacons led 42-0 at halftime, with Gio Lopez and Carlos Hernandez connecting for a 44-yard touchdown. The defense forced three turnovers.
The result ended SMU’s unbeaten home record in ACC play and strengthened Wake Forest’s conference title hopes. Jake Dickert’s team has won seven consecutive games, making a rise from No. 11 to No. 10 well deserved.
## 11. Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 10
**Result:** 52-27 win at Oklahoma State
Texas Tech improved to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play with a 52-27 road win over Oklahoma State. Malcolm Simmons opened the game with a 97-yard kickoff return. Thomas Castellanos added touchdown passes to Micah Hudson and Simmons.
The loss ended Oklahoma State’s slim conference title hopes and made for a difficult night for former Red Raiders coach Eric Morris. Texas Tech remains firmly in the Big 12 race.
## 12. BYU Cougars (8-2)
**Previous rank:** 12
**Result:** 28-7 win vs. Baylor
BYU answered its loss to Utah with a 28-7 victory over Baylor. Bear Bachmeier rushed for three touchdowns, matching a program record for a quarterback. The Cougars’ defense also set the tone by shutting out Baylor in the first half.
## 13. Iowa Hawkeyes (8-2)
**Previous rank:** 16
**Result:** 28-7 win vs. Purdue
Iowa moves up three places after beating Purdue 28-7. Hank Brown helped control the game with a touchdown sneak, and the Hawkeyes’ defense tightened after halftime. At 8-2, Kirk Ferentz’s team is building a solid case for the postseason.
## 14. Boise State Broncos (9-1)
**Previous rank:** 17
**Result:** 46-41 win vs. Oregon State
Boise State climbed three spots after holding off Oregon State 46-41. Maddux Madsen returned to action and threw for 371 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman Rasean Jones had 230 receiving yards.
The Broncos also clinched home-field advantage in the rebuilt Pac-12 Championship Game.
## 15. Oregon Ducks (7-3)
**Previous rank:** 18
**Result:** 31-7 win vs. Michigan
Oregon put together a result that could strengthen its case with the selection committee, beating Michigan 31-7. The Ducks became the first team to score more than 30 points against the Wolverines this season, and Dylan Raiola threw four touchdown passes.
At 7-3, Oregon still has work to do. However, the dominant win gives the Ducks a more compelling argument than they had before Week 11.
## 16. Ole Miss Rebels (6-3)
**Previous rank:** 19
**Result:** Game at Oklahoma rescheduled to Sunday
Ole Miss rises three spots in this projection. Its game at Oklahoma was rescheduled to Sunday, leaving the Rebels’ next result still to come. At 6-3, Ole Miss will need a strong finish to improve its postseason position.
## 17. USC Trojans (7-3)
**Previous rank:** 15
**Result:** 27-13 loss at Indiana
USC drops two places after losing 27-13 at Indiana. Jayden Maiava’s interception near the goal line was a costly moment, and the Trojans struggled to finish several promising drives.
The road defeat makes Lincoln Riley’s team’s path to the playoff more difficult.
## 18. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-3)
**Previous rank:** 21
**Result:** 28-19 win vs. Northwestern
Ohio State ended its losing streak with a 28-19 win over Northwestern. Luke Fahey threw a touchdown, Jeremiah Smith caught 11 passes for 117 yards and a score, and Bo Jackson rushed for 114 yards.
The Buckeyes still have issues to address, but the victory provides a needed reset after a difficult stretch.
## 19. Kentucky Wildcats (7-3)
**Previous rank:** 13
**Result:** 21-14 loss vs. Florida
Kentucky falls six places after losing 21-14 at home to Florida. The Wildcats gave up 211 rushing yards and were unable to stop Aaron Philo late in the game.
The defeat significantly damages Kentucky’s playoff hopes. Florida, meanwhile, earned bowl eligibility with the road win.
## 20. Houston Cougars (7-3)
**Previous rank:** 14
**Result:** 42-32 loss at Colorado
Houston’s 42-32 loss at Colorado was a costly one. The Cougars led 20-7 before the Buffaloes scored 28 unanswered points to take control of the game.
The defeat dealt a major blow to Houston’s Big 12 title hopes and its playoff ambitions.
## 21. Louisville Cardinals (7-3)
**Previous rank:** Unranked
**Result:** 16-14 win at North Carolina
Louisville enters the rankings after a narrow 16-14 victory at North Carolina. Jabari Mack intercepted a pass late to end the Tar Heels’ comeback hopes, and the Cardinals recorded six sacks.
Jeff Brohm’s team has won five straight ACC games and remains in the conference race.
## 22. Liberty Flames (9-1)
**Previous rank:** Unranked
**Result:** 28-23 win vs. Middle Tennessee
Liberty joins the Top 25 after beating Middle Tennessee 28-23. The Flames relied heavily on their rushing attack, gaining 370 yards on the ground while finishing with 64 passing yards.
The win also secured Liberty’s place in the Conference USA Championship Game.
## 23. Florida Gators (6-4)
**Previous rank:** Unranked
**Result:** 21-14 win at Kentucky
Florida rounds out the projected rankings after defeating Kentucky 21-14 in Lexington. Aaron Philo scored the decisive rushing touchdown, and the defense held firm during Kentucky’s final possession.
Jon Sumrall’s team is now bowl-eligible, giving the Gators a positive result in a challenging season.
## 24. Arizona Wildcats (7-3)
**Previous rank:** 22
**Result:** 40-39 loss at Utah
Arizona drops two spots after coming close to handing Utah its first loss. The Wildcats led 39-33 with just over three minutes remaining, but Devon Dampier answered with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Creed Whittemore.
The one-play response proved decisive in a dramatic finish. Arizona’s loss was its third in conference play.
## 25. LSU Tigers (6-4)
**Previous rank:** 24
**Result:** 22-21 loss vs. Texas
LSU falls out of the Top 25 after letting a late lead slip away against Texas. The Tigers outgained the Longhorns 366-273, but Arch Manning found Raleek Brown for a four-yard touchdown with three seconds remaining to secure a 22-21 Texas win.
The defeat dropped LSU to 6-4 and likely ended its playoff hopes. After having Texas on the ropes, the Tigers could not close out the game.
