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Posted
9 hours ago, Hagbard Celine said:

i'm not for them, but their data insists upon itself

within this decade if georgia continues to win double digits and if corn continues to suck....

then georgia's position on the ap rankings chart is going to move their bubble ahead of corn then they will be in the top 8 in all 4 categories

ctj says there are 8 trueblues

if there are only 8 trueblues what is the formula?

ap charts?

total wins?

winning percentage?

what about ap titles?

usc are #6 in the ap rankings bubbles, #5 in AP titles and #7 in win %

are they out?

all of the ties and number of games played distorts a lot of this data

example: Texas has played 65 more games than usc even though usc started playing in 1888 and we started in 1893

wins and win % starting in 1936 would be interesting to see........

here's the chart listed by wins but with the other metrics added

                              wins        win%     ap bubbles    ap titles

1        Michigan      1012      0.733          top 8             3
2        Ohio State    978        0.735          top 8             9
3        Alabama       974        0.733          top 8             12
4        Notre Dame 962        0.732          top 8             8
5        Texas             961        0.704          top 8             3
6        Oklahoma     950        0.723          top 8             7


7        Penn State     943        0.691     NOT TOP 8        2
8        Nebraska       924        0.677      last top 8          4


9        Georgia         892        0.667     NOT TOP 8         3 
10      USC               882        0.694          top 8             5


11      Tennessee      875        0.67      NOT TOP 12       2

12      LSU                815        0.645

 

postulate: the number of trueblues, at this time, is either 6 or 10

 

Select as many variables as you want, then flatten the data to two dimensions with PCA and use something like k-means to cluster the schools around centroids. I suspect the result will look a lot like the AP overall vs. AP top 5 graph

Posted

For the top-ranking dominance, here is the top 5 vs top 2 plot. Again, very good overlap with 21 teams being in at least one top 20 list. Texas A&M and Washington drop out and Army joins as the #20 in top 2 and #23 in top 5 (they are #60 in top 25). The top 3 really stand out here and the 5 of the remaining top 8 (blue bloods) are close to more recent top teams such as Miami and FSU.

image.thumb.png.47ac6cec3af722dbc97d3e14f98f558a.png

Posted
11 hours ago, closetojumping said:

-Texas

-OU

-Nebraska

-Alabama

-Ohio State

-Michigan

-Notre Dame

-USC

I don’t remember the methodology or criteria and I am not convicted about this list changing or not.

The criteria seem to be the top one or two in conference.  Tennessee is the historic SEC#2 and should be on that list.  The Vols were down for so long that many younger fans believed that UF or UGA had always been the 2nd best team.  

I get naming only one BB from the PAC and SWC since there was a logjam at the #2 slot.  But the SEC only has one!?

Posted (edited)

Consensus AAs is a pretty good one. Pitt punches above its weight. 

Screenshot2025-08-15061301.thumb.png.e5805459ac4d84de2968ed090a1fe320.png

I'm looking at some of the draft picks stuff - like first rounders and total selections - but can't find consensus numbers anywhere. Not sure why.

Edited by ztejas
Posted
2 hours ago, notre dame joe said:

The criteria seem to be the top one or two in conference.  Tennessee is the historic SEC#2 and should be on that list.  The Vols were down for so long that many younger fans believed that UF or UGA had always been the 2nd best team.  

I get naming only one BB from the PAC and SWC since there was a logjam at the #2 slot.  But the SEC only has one!?

Tennessee just isn't that strong on a bunch of historic metrics. And the 2000s haven't been kind to them in general.

Posted

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-football/we-asked-grok-to-rank-the-top-25-teams-in-college-football-for-2025/

Spoiler

We asked Grok to rank the top 25 teams in college football for 2025

Adam Spencer

By Adam Spencer

Published: Aug 15, 2025 · 10:00 AM EDT


 
presented by toyota

The 2025 college football season is just around the corner. The preseason AP Poll and Coaches Poll are both out, and Texas is the No. 1 team in the nation in both.

But what does Grok, X’s AI assistant, think of the college football landscape entering 2025? We asked it to rank its top 25 programs for the upcoming campaign, and it included 10 SEC football squads.

Check out Grok’s top 25 below, along with explanations for why it picked each school:

Top 25 College Football Rankings for 2025 Season

1. Texas Longhorns

  • Why: Arch Manning steps in as QB, backed by elite talent across the roster. A strong offensive line, deep running back group (CJ Baxter, Quintrevion Wisner), and defensive stars like Colin Simmons make Texas a national title favorite. Their Week 1 clash at Ohio State will set the tone.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Why: Returning QB Drew Allar, star RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and a top-tier defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles give Penn State a legitimate shot at a Big Ten title. Their high ranking reflects roster continuity and a favorable schedule.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Why: Despite losing 14 players to the NFL Draft, Ohio State’s talent pool remains deep. QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith headline an explosive offense, though new coordinators and defensive depth concerns drop them slightly. The Texas game is critical.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

  • Why: Kirby Smart’s squad reloads with QB Gunner Stockton and transfers like Noah Thomas. Defensive talent (Christen Miller, CJ Allen) keeps them elite, but QB uncertainty and a tough SEC schedule place them just outside the top three.

5. Clemson Tigers

  • Why: Cade Klubnik’s development and a veteran roster make Clemson the ACC favorite. A strong defense led by TJ Parker and Peter Woods, plus a manageable schedule, positions them for a playoff run.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Why: Despite QB turnover, RB Jeremiyah Love and a stout offensive line keep Notre Dame competitive. A tough opener at Miami and a rugged schedule temper expectations, but Marcus Freeman’s squad is playoff-caliber.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide

  • Why: Kalen DeBoer’s second year brings stability, with Ty Simpson at QB and a talented roster. Alabama’s recruiting prowess ensures they remain SEC contenders, though quarterback questions linger.

8. LSU Tigers

  • Why: Garrett Nussmeier’s experience at QB, paired with a top transfer class (Nic Anderson, Barion Brown), makes LSU’s offense potent. Defensive improvements are key to a deep playoff push.

9. Oregon Ducks

  • Why: Dante Moore takes over at QB for a team with Big Ten title aspirations. A strong offensive line and playmakers like Evan Stewart keep Oregon dangerous, but a humbling 2024 playoff loss raises questions.

10. Michigan Wolverines

  • Why: Sherrone Moore navigates a post-championship rebuild with QB Bryce Underwood as a potential game-changer. A tough Big Ten slate and defensive losses drop them slightly, but talent keeps them in the top 10.

11. Arizona State Sun Devils

  • Why: Kenny Dillingham’s turnaround continues with QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson. Their best preseason ranking since 1998 reflects momentum, but replacing RB Cam Skattebo is a challenge.

12. Illinois Fighting Illini

  • Why: Bret Bielema’s squad returns 16 starters, including QB Luke Altmyer. Their highest preseason ranking since 1990 signals potential for a 10-win season and a playoff push.

13. Miami Hurricanes

  • Why: Transfer QB Carson Beck brings experience, but Mario Cristobal needs a breakthrough. A tough opener vs. Notre Dame and an inconsistent track record keep them outside the top 10.

14. South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Why: A strong 2024 finish and returning talent make South Carolina a dark horse. Their defense is a strength, but offensive consistency is key in the SEC.

15. Florida Gators

  • Why: Billy Napier’s squad returns key pieces and faces a manageable schedule. A breakout season is possible, but they must prove they can compete with SEC elites.

16. SMU Mustangs

  • Why: SMU’s move to the ACC and a talented roster keep them ranked. Their offense is dynamic, but defensive depth in a new conference is a concern.

17. Kansas State Wildcats

  • Why: A veteran team with a strong rushing attack and manageable Big 12 schedule. They’re a playoff contender but face stiff competition in conference play.

18. Texas A&M Aggies

  • Why: Mike Elko’s team has talent but faces a brutal SEC schedule. Their ranking reflects potential, but consistency is needed.

19. Indiana Hoosiers

  • Why: Coming off a strong 2024, Indiana returns key players and has momentum. A tough Big Ten schedule could limit their ceiling, but they’re a team to watch.

20. Ole Miss Rebels

  • Why: Lane Kiffin’s squad has talent but faces questions after losing key players. Their ranking reflects potential but acknowledges a step back from 2024.

21. Iowa State Cyclones

  • Why: A strong Big 12 contender with returning starters, but a tough opener vs. Kansas State could set the tone. Their ceiling is limited by depth.

22. Tennessee Volunteers

  • Why: Tennessee’s offense is explosive, but defensive losses and a tough SEC schedule drop them. They remain competitive but need to prove consistency.

23. Oklahoma Sooners

  • Why: Brent Venables’ team has talent but faces a gauntlet in the SEC. Their ranking reflects a solid roster but a challenging path.

24. Texas Tech Red Raiders

  • Why: A high-powered offense and improving defense make Texas Tech a Big 12 sleeper. Their ranking reflects potential for an upset-filled season.

25. Boise State Broncos

  • Why: A Group of 5 powerhouse with a dynamic offense. They’re a lock for a playoff bid if they dominate the Mountain West.

 

  • Like 1
Posted
10 hours ago, Earl Haffler said:

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-football/we-asked-grok-to-rank-the-top-25-teams-in-college-football-for-2025/

  Reveal hidden contents

We asked Grok to rank the top 25 teams in college football for 2025

Adam Spencer

By Adam Spencer

Published: Aug 15, 2025 · 10:00 AM EDT


 
presented by toyota

The 2025 college football season is just around the corner. The preseason AP Poll and Coaches Poll are both out, and Texas is the No. 1 team in the nation in both.

But what does Grok, X’s AI assistant, think of the college football landscape entering 2025? We asked it to rank its top 25 programs for the upcoming campaign, and it included 10 SEC football squads.

Check out Grok’s top 25 below, along with explanations for why it picked each school:

Top 25 College Football Rankings for 2025 Season

1. Texas Longhorns

  • Why: Arch Manning steps in as QB, backed by elite talent across the roster. A strong offensive line, deep running back group (CJ Baxter, Quintrevion Wisner), and defensive stars like Colin Simmons make Texas a national title favorite. Their Week 1 clash at Ohio State will set the tone.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Why: Returning QB Drew Allar, star RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and a top-tier defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles give Penn State a legitimate shot at a Big Ten title. Their high ranking reflects roster continuity and a favorable schedule.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Why: Despite losing 14 players to the NFL Draft, Ohio State’s talent pool remains deep. QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith headline an explosive offense, though new coordinators and defensive depth concerns drop them slightly. The Texas game is critical.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

  • Why: Kirby Smart’s squad reloads with QB Gunner Stockton and transfers like Noah Thomas. Defensive talent (Christen Miller, CJ Allen) keeps them elite, but QB uncertainty and a tough SEC schedule place them just outside the top three.

5. Clemson Tigers

  • Why: Cade Klubnik’s development and a veteran roster make Clemson the ACC favorite. A strong defense led by TJ Parker and Peter Woods, plus a manageable schedule, positions them for a playoff run.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Why: Despite QB turnover, RB Jeremiyah Love and a stout offensive line keep Notre Dame competitive. A tough opener at Miami and a rugged schedule temper expectations, but Marcus Freeman’s squad is playoff-caliber.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide

  • Why: Kalen DeBoer’s second year brings stability, with Ty Simpson at QB and a talented roster. Alabama’s recruiting prowess ensures they remain SEC contenders, though quarterback questions linger.

8. LSU Tigers

  • Why: Garrett Nussmeier’s experience at QB, paired with a top transfer class (Nic Anderson, Barion Brown), makes LSU’s offense potent. Defensive improvements are key to a deep playoff push.

9. Oregon Ducks

  • Why: Dante Moore takes over at QB for a team with Big Ten title aspirations. A strong offensive line and playmakers like Evan Stewart keep Oregon dangerous, but a humbling 2024 playoff loss raises questions.

10. Michigan Wolverines

  • Why: Sherrone Moore navigates a post-championship rebuild with QB Bryce Underwood as a potential game-changer. A tough Big Ten slate and defensive losses drop them slightly, but talent keeps them in the top 10.

11. Arizona State Sun Devils

  • Why: Kenny Dillingham’s turnaround continues with QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson. Their best preseason ranking since 1998 reflects momentum, but replacing RB Cam Skattebo is a challenge.

12. Illinois Fighting Illini

  • Why: Bret Bielema’s squad returns 16 starters, including QB Luke Altmyer. Their highest preseason ranking since 1990 signals potential for a 10-win season and a playoff push.

13. Miami Hurricanes

  • Why: Transfer QB Carson Beck brings experience, but Mario Cristobal needs a breakthrough. A tough opener vs. Notre Dame and an inconsistent track record keep them outside the top 10.

14. South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Why: A strong 2024 finish and returning talent make South Carolina a dark horse. Their defense is a strength, but offensive consistency is key in the SEC.

15. Florida Gators

  • Why: Billy Napier’s squad returns key pieces and faces a manageable schedule. A breakout season is possible, but they must prove they can compete with SEC elites.

16. SMU Mustangs

  • Why: SMU’s move to the ACC and a talented roster keep them ranked. Their offense is dynamic, but defensive depth in a new conference is a concern.

17. Kansas State Wildcats

  • Why: A veteran team with a strong rushing attack and manageable Big 12 schedule. They’re a playoff contender but face stiff competition in conference play.

18. Texas A&M Aggies

  • Why: Mike Elko’s team has talent but faces a brutal SEC schedule. Their ranking reflects potential, but consistency is needed.

19. Indiana Hoosiers

  • Why: Coming off a strong 2024, Indiana returns key players and has momentum. A tough Big Ten schedule could limit their ceiling, but they’re a team to watch.

20. Ole Miss Rebels

  • Why: Lane Kiffin’s squad has talent but faces questions after losing key players. Their ranking reflects potential but acknowledges a step back from 2024.

21. Iowa State Cyclones

  • Why: A strong Big 12 contender with returning starters, but a tough opener vs. Kansas State could set the tone. Their ceiling is limited by depth.

22. Tennessee Volunteers

  • Why: Tennessee’s offense is explosive, but defensive losses and a tough SEC schedule drop them. They remain competitive but need to prove consistency.

23. Oklahoma Sooners

  • Why: Brent Venables’ team has talent but faces a gauntlet in the SEC. Their ranking reflects a solid roster but a challenging path.

24. Texas Tech Red Raiders

  • Why: A high-powered offense and improving defense make Texas Tech a Big 12 sleeper. Their ranking reflects potential for an upset-filled season.

25. Boise State Broncos

  • Why: A Group of 5 powerhouse with a dynamic offense. They’re a lock for a playoff bid if they dominate the Mountain West.

 

I don't know if I've ever seen a lazier article subject

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Posted
Bill Connelly just dropped his full ranking of all 767 college football teams (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA)
Texas is 5th, behind OSU, Bama, Georgia, and PSU. 

That tOSU (-147) vs Maine maritime line is wild. Sounds like some trips to the emergency room would happen.
Posted
https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-football/we-asked-grok-to-rank-the-top-25-teams-in-college-football-for-2025/
Spoiler

We asked Grok to rank the top 25 teams in college football for 2025

f2854da3d75adfeb9d5f87bca03c986552e53f19d173442df4ce4e0ad13a61d2?s=96&d=mm&r=pg By Adam Spencer
Published: Aug 15, 2025 · 10:00 AM EDT


  presented-by-toyota-minimal-B--CgbxZ.svg The 2025 college football season is just around the corner. The preseason AP Poll and Coaches Poll are both out, and Texas is the No. 1 team in the nation in both.
But what does Grok, X’s AI assistant, think of the college football landscape entering 2025? We asked it to rank its top 25 programs for the upcoming campaign, and it included 10 SEC football squads.
Check out Grok’s top 25 below, along with explanations for why it picked each school:

Top 25 College Football Rankings for 2025 Season

1. Texas Longhorns
  • Why: Arch Manning steps in as QB, backed by elite talent across the roster. A strong offensive line, deep running back group (CJ Baxter, Quintrevion Wisner), and defensive stars like Colin Simmons make Texas a national title favorite. Their Week 1 clash at Ohio State will set the tone.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions
  • Why: Returning QB Drew Allar, star RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and a top-tier defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles give Penn State a legitimate shot at a Big Ten title. Their high ranking reflects roster continuity and a favorable schedule.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
  • Why: Despite losing 14 players to the NFL Draft, Ohio State’s talent pool remains deep. QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith headline an explosive offense, though new coordinators and defensive depth concerns drop them slightly. The Texas game is critical.
4. Georgia Bulldogs
  • Why: Kirby Smart’s squad reloads with QB Gunner Stockton and transfers like Noah Thomas. Defensive talent (Christen Miller, CJ Allen) keeps them elite, but QB uncertainty and a tough SEC schedule place them just outside the top three.
5. Clemson Tigers
  • Why: Cade Klubnik’s development and a veteran roster make Clemson the ACC favorite. A strong defense led by TJ Parker and Peter Woods, plus a manageable schedule, positions them for a playoff run.
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Why: Despite QB turnover, RB Jeremiyah Love and a stout offensive line keep Notre Dame competitive. A tough opener at Miami and a rugged schedule temper expectations, but Marcus Freeman’s squad is playoff-caliber.
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
  • Why: Kalen DeBoer’s second year brings stability, with Ty Simpson at QB and a talented roster. Alabama’s recruiting prowess ensures they remain SEC contenders, though quarterback questions linger.
8. LSU Tigers
  • Why: Garrett Nussmeier’s experience at QB, paired with a top transfer class (Nic Anderson, Barion Brown), makes LSU’s offense potent. Defensive improvements are key to a deep playoff push.
9. Oregon Ducks
  • Why: Dante Moore takes over at QB for a team with Big Ten title aspirations. A strong offensive line and playmakers like Evan Stewart keep Oregon dangerous, but a humbling 2024 playoff loss raises questions.
10. Michigan Wolverines
  • Why: Sherrone Moore navigates a post-championship rebuild with QB Bryce Underwood as a potential game-changer. A tough Big Ten slate and defensive losses drop them slightly, but talent keeps them in the top 10.
11. Arizona State Sun Devils
  • Why: Kenny Dillingham’s turnaround continues with QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson. Their best preseason ranking since 1998 reflects momentum, but replacing RB Cam Skattebo is a challenge.
12. Illinois Fighting Illini
  • Why: Bret Bielema’s squad returns 16 starters, including QB Luke Altmyer. Their highest preseason ranking since 1990 signals potential for a 10-win season and a playoff push.
13. Miami Hurricanes
  • Why: Transfer QB Carson Beck brings experience, but Mario Cristobal needs a breakthrough. A tough opener vs. Notre Dame and an inconsistent track record keep them outside the top 10.
14. South Carolina Gamecocks
  • Why: A strong 2024 finish and returning talent make South Carolina a dark horse. Their defense is a strength, but offensive consistency is key in the SEC.
15. Florida Gators
  • Why: Billy Napier’s squad returns key pieces and faces a manageable schedule. A breakout season is possible, but they must prove they can compete with SEC elites.
16. SMU Mustangs
  • Why: SMU’s move to the ACC and a talented roster keep them ranked. Their offense is dynamic, but defensive depth in a new conference is a concern.
17. Kansas State Wildcats
  • Why: A veteran team with a strong rushing attack and manageable Big 12 schedule. They’re a playoff contender but face stiff competition in conference play.
18. Texas A&M Aggies
  • Why: Mike Elko’s team has talent but faces a brutal SEC schedule. Their ranking reflects potential, but consistency is needed.
19. Indiana Hoosiers
  • Why: Coming off a strong 2024, Indiana returns key players and has momentum. A tough Big Ten schedule could limit their ceiling, but they’re a team to watch.
20. Ole Miss Rebels
  • Why: Lane Kiffin’s squad has talent but faces questions after losing key players. Their ranking reflects potential but acknowledges a step back from 2024.
21. Iowa State Cyclones
  • Why: A strong Big 12 contender with returning starters, but a tough opener vs. Kansas State could set the tone. Their ceiling is limited by depth.
22. Tennessee Volunteers
  • Why: Tennessee’s offense is explosive, but defensive losses and a tough SEC schedule drop them. They remain competitive but need to prove consistency.
23. Oklahoma Sooners
  • Why: Brent Venables’ team has talent but faces a gauntlet in the SEC. Their ranking reflects a solid roster but a challenging path.
24. Texas Tech Red Raiders
  • Why: A high-powered offense and improving defense make Texas Tech a Big 12 sleeper. Their ranking reflects potential for an upset-filled season.
25. Boise State Broncos
  • Why: A Group of 5 powerhouse with a dynamic offense. They’re a lock for a playoff bid if they dominate the Mountain West.
 

Appreciate the copy pasta. That website is a popup ad machine as bad as those recipe websites. Refuse to go there any longer.
Posted
1 minute ago, Park Gothic said:

Reddit: Everyone overrates the SEC!

Also Reddit: Ranks 10 SEC teams. 

Yeah, but when it came time to pick the highest ranked SEC team, the best they could do was #3, solely because of who it would be. 

Posted
11 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

I like Sagarin towards the end of the season, but at this point it's just a crap shoot.

By the end of the season he will have vaulted the teams over the opponents that just beat them.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

ESPN Week 2 Power Rankings

Quote

There's some shuffling at the top after big games this weekend, and here's a look at how we see the Top 25 coming out of Week 1. -- Adam Rittenberg

194.png&h=60&w=601. Ohio State Buckeyes

Preseason ranking: 5

Despite debuting eight new starters and a new coordinator in Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes defense shined in a 14-7 victory over Texas. Ohio State came up big when it mattered most, stuffing Texas four times on fourth down, including twice inside the Buckeye 10-yard line. Offensively, quarterback Julian Sayin played a clean game in his first career start. He completed 13 of 20 passes, while avoiding any big mistakes. He didn't take a sack and didn't turn the ball over. Coach Ryan Day suggested the Buckeyes will gradually open up the offense moving forward. But while their young passer settles in, the Buckeyes showed they can win with defense. The defending national champs also showed they remain the team to beat. -- Jake Trotter


213.png&h=60&w=602. Penn State Nittany Lions

Preseason ranking: 2

The Nittany Lions did not mess around in their opener, rolling to a 46-11 win over Nevada. Quarterback Drew Allar was extremely sharp, hitting 22 of 26 passes for 217 yards with one TD and no turnovers. Pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton got off to a dominant start and forced two fumbles. New transfer wideouts Kyron Hudson and Trebor Pena enjoyed productive debuts with a combined 163 yards on 13 catches. Nevada didn't punch in a touchdown until the final minute of garbage time. This squad shouldn't get seriously challenged until it's time to open Big Ten play against Oregon on Sept. 27, but it's still encouraging to see them play clean and totally in control as they kick off one of the most anticipated Penn State seasons in a long time. -- Max Olson


99.png&h=60&w=603. LSU Tigers

Preseason ranking: 8

The Tigers spent about $18 million overhauling their roster this past offseason, with much of the investment being spent on defense. The early results were promising in Saturday night's 17-10 victory at No. 4 Clemson. LSU not only snapped its five-game losing streak in season openers, but it did it against the defending ACC champions in a hostile road environment. LSU limited Clemson to only 32 rushing yards and harassed quarterback Cade Klubnik for much of the night. Cornerback Mansoor Delane, a transfer from Virginia Tech, had an interception and received a game ball for his work in the secondary. Along with NC State transfer Tamarcus Cooley and former Houston safety A.J. Haulcy, Delane vastly improved the back end of LSU's defense, which has been the team's trouble spot the past few seasons. -- Mark Schlabach


61.png&h=60&w=604. Georgia Bulldogs

Preseason ranking: 4

Quarterback Gunner Stockton passed his first test as the Bulldogs' starting quarterback, albeit against rebuilding Marshall, which figures to be one of the worst teams in the FBS this season. Stockton was forced into action in this past season's SEC championship game against Texas and a CFP quarterfinal against Notre Dame after Carson Beck was hurt. Against the Thundering Herd, Stockton passed for 190 yards with two touchdowns and ran for 73 yards with two scores in the Bulldogs' 45-7 victory. He looked confident and wisely used his legs in the red zone. Georgia ran for 239 yards, which was an emphasis this past offseason since it ranked next-to-last in the SEC in that department in 2024. USC transfer Zachariah Branch looked as good as advertised, hauling in three catches for 95 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown. Georgia gets another warmup against FCS program Austin Peay next week before opening SEC play at Tennessee on Sept. 13. -- Schlabach


2390.png&h=60&w=605. Miami Hurricanes

Preseason ranking: 10

A year ago, Miami's playoff hopes were dashed by a defense that couldn't get a stop. In Week 1, it was the Hurricanes' defense that saved the day. After the offense stagnated down the stretch and Notre Dame tied the game at 24, things could've fallen apart, but a pass rush led by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor stole the show, enveloping CJ Carr on back-to-back plays on the final drive for the Irish. The question now is whether Miami can sustain. Last year, the Canes opened with a big Week 1 win, too. Now, it's time for Miami to prove it can play at this level week after week. -- David Hale


2483.png&h=60&w=606. Oregon Ducks

Preseason ranking: 9

Even though coach Dan Lanning did not name Dante Moore the starting quarterback for the Ducks ahead of their season opener against Montana State, Saturday's matchup showed why there was no official declaration necessary. Moore took the reins of an offense previously led by Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel and seamlessly made it hum on their way to a commanding 59-13 win over an FCS opponent. In his first game as a starter, Moore threw for three touchdowns; as a team, Oregon threw for 253 yards and ran for 254 yards. The balanced attack, complemented by a defense that once again looks stout and held the Bobcats to 244 total yards, made for a proper opening statement. As Lanning said after the game, this was "certainly a better start than we had last season" when the Ducks barely beat both Idaho and Boise State. -- Paolo Uggetti


251.png&h=60&w=607. Texas Longhorns

Preseason ranking: 1

Texas ended four drives on downs, including one on the 1-yard-line and another in the red zone, and lost by just one touchdown in a 14-7 loss at Ohio State on Saturday. Arch Manning struggled, particularly in the first three quarters, going 0-for-5 with an interception on passes of five or more air yards in the first three quarters, and ended the game with 37% of his passes missing the target, the worst percentage by a Texas quarterback in the past 10 seasons. Breaking in four new offensive linemen on the road in Columbus along with a new quarterback was always going to be a challenge, but it really showed up on the 10 plays Texas ran in the red zone, with just 26 yards and no scores. Returning home to face San José State next week gives Texas a chance to get Manning and the offense untracked. -- Dave Wilson


87.png&h=60&w=608. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Preseason ranking: 6

If the concern entering the season was the QB, those questions were largely answered in a loss to Miami. CJ Carr accounted for three touchdowns and led the Irish from down 14 to tie it late in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late. The lack of touches for the tailbacks, particularly Jeremiyah Love, was frustrating, but if the result wasn't what Notre Dame fans hoped for, the overall performance -- particularly in the second half -- showed this year's Irish are still a worthy playoff contender. -- Hale


228.png&h=60&w=609. Clemson Tigers

Preseason ranking: 3

It would be easy to write off Clemson after they dropped their opener to LSU at home. It was Clemson's third straight loss in an opener and its fourth in the past five seasons. Clemson scored a combined 23 points in those four defeats, which has to be concerning for coach Dabo Swinney. But this past season would serve as a cautionary tale for anyone ready to dismiss the Tigers as a CFP contender.

After Georgia routed Clemson 34-3 in the first game of the 2024 season, the Tigers rebounded to go 9-3 in the regular season and beat SMU 34-31 in the ACC championship game. Cade Klubnik didn't play well against LSU, completing 19 of 38 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown. LSU's defense did a great job keeping him in the pocket. The Tigers clearly missed star receiver Antonio Williams, who left the game on Clemson's second possession with a hamstring injury. Swinney doesn't know his status for next week's contest against Troy. -- Schlabach


2579.png&h=60&w=6010. South Carolina Gamecocks

Preseason ranking: 12

In an opener that was extremely meaningful to Shane and Frank Beamer, South Carolina pulled away for a 24-11 win over Virginia Tech by flexing its big-play ability. The Gamecocks broke up a 10-8 game in the fourth quarter with an 80-yard punt return touchdown by Vicari Swain followed by a 64-yard touchdown shot to Nyck Harbor. If Harbor is ready to take the next big step as a complete and reliable wideout after a career-high 99 receiving yards, that's an exciting development for this LaNorris Sellers-led offense. It's no surprise that an impact special teams play helped decide this one, and South Carolina's defense deserves credit for allowing just three field goals on the day. -- Olson


245.png&h=60&w=6011. Texas A&M Aggies

Preseason ranking: 15

The Aggies made adding explosiveness on offense a priority this offseason, adding transfers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver at wide receiver. It paid off in Game 1, with QB Marcel Reed throwing a career-high four TDs, with 194 yards and three of those TDs going to those two. Concepcion also added an 80-yard punt return. The Aggies struggled to get the running game going (23 carries, 108 yards, Reed led all rushers with 39 yards) and couldn't stop the run, allowing 6.2 yards per carry to UTSA, with Robert Henry Jr. running for 177 yards and two TDs. But they pulled away in a tight game and got the win. -- Wilson


66.png&h=60&w=6012. Iowa State Cyclones

Preseason ranking: 18

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht was nearly flawless as Iowa State routed South Dakota, an FCS semifinalist a year ago, 55-7. Becht completed 19 of 20 passes for 278 yards with three touchdowns, making quick work against a dangerous opponent. The Cyclones are 2-0 for the fourth time under Matt Campbell with the Cy-Hawk Trophy on the line this week against Iowa. -- Kyle Bonagura


52.png&h=60&w=6013. Florida State Seminoles

Preseason ranking: NR

This is not 2024, when Florida State went 2-10. That was the emphatic statement the Seminoles delivered in a 31-17 win over the Crimson Tide. Eager to put last season behind them, the Seminoles played with the type of physicality, aggressiveness and emotion that coach Mike Norvell promised the college football world would see. Transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos set the tone from the beginning, backing up his summer trash talk with 152 yards passing and a team-leading 78 yards rushing. Florida State rushed 46 times for 236 yards -- imposing its will on the ground under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. Meanwhile, Alabama transfer Earl Little Jr. dominated on defense with nine total tackles. -- Andrea Adelson


130.png&h=60&w=6014. Michigan Wolverines

Preseason ranking: 13

True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood lived up to the hype in his debut after winning the starting job during preseason. The former No. 1 recruit completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown, as the Wolverines coasted by New Mexico, 34-17. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns, providing a glimpse of what could be a dynamic Michigan backfield. Underwood will be tested next weekend at Oklahoma. The Wolverines defense will be tested, too, especially if standout linebacker Jaishawn Barham can't play in the first half after he was ejected for targeting in the third quarter during a sack. Coach Sherrone Moore said the Wolverines will appeal the ruling with hopes of getting Barham back. -- Trotter


356.png&h=60&w=6015. Illinois Fighting Illini

Preseason ranking: 14

The Illini will learn a lot about themselves in September, when they visit both Duke and Indiana. There wasn't much to extract from Friday's 52-3 opening win against Western Illinois, but Illinois dominated throughout like a good team is supposed to do. Gabe Jacas looked every bit like a national awards candidate, recording two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup, while senior quarterback Luke Altmyer had an extremely efficient night, completing 17 of 21 passes for 217 yards and three scores. An offense looking for explosive plays has a threat in Hank Beatty, and if the veterans play to their potential, this team will be tough to beat. -- Rittenberg

CBS Sports Week 2 Power Rankings

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