2026 College Football Rankings Top 25 – Week 4: Expert picks, analysis, projections including Ole Miss, LSU
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Week 3 of the College Football season did not disappoint! LSU and Ole Miss came down to the very last possession and Lane Kiffin is undefeated no more with the Tigers, but that wasn't the only big win of the weekend. West Virginia knocked off Virginia in a one-sided contest, Louisville beat SMU in a shootout, and South Carolina went to Mississippi State earning a monumental road win to put Kamario Taylor on the Heisman map. We have three new teams in the top 25, which means three squads were bumped off the list. Let’s take a look at my Top 25 rankings and where each team belongs!
2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 30-6 win vs UTSA
Next Game: At #15 Tennessee — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET
As expected, Texas built up an early lead against UTSA and cruised in the second half. Texas on 30-6 and led at the half 20-3 behind two early touchdown passes from Arch Manning to Cam Coleman. The Longhorns defense held UTSA to 70 passing yards and 142 overall for arguably the most dominant outing of the week (vs a FBS team). Texas held UTSA to nine first downs and a 1-of-11 mark on third downs too. Next up is a road trip to Tennessee before the bye week. Everything is going perfect for Texas entering Week 4.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 45-17 win at Arkansas
Next Game: Vs #24 Oklahoma — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
Georgia is 3-0 for the 12th consecutive seasons and have now scored 178 points through three games. The Bulldogs are taking no prisoners in 2026 as the highest scoring team in the country. Georgia ran for 254 yards in the 45-17 win at Arkansas, averaged 6.0 yards per rush and 10.0 yards per completed pass. The defense held Arkansas to three points in the first half and the Razorbacks had 17 rushing yards 20 carries (0.7 ypc). There are no visible weaknesses for this Georgia team so far.
2026 Record: 3-0 (2-0)
Last Game: 33-20 win at Wake Forest
Next Game: Vs Central Michigan — Saturday at 6:30 PM ET
Darian Mensah was nearly perfect in the 33-20 win at Wake Forest. Mensah broke an ACC record with 24 consecutive completions en route to a 30-of-34 outing for 220 yards and three touchdowns. His Heisman odds continue to drop, as does Malachi Toney who caught all 12 targets for 114 yards and one touchdown. The Hurricanes defense also showed out in the win over Wake Forest with a 4-of-12 mark on third downs and 22 rushing yards allowed on 16 attempts (1.4). Central Michigan is up next as Miami's dream schedule continues.
2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 38-0 win vs Howard
Next Game: Vs Northwestern — Saturday at 8:00 PM ET
Indiana shut out Western Kentucky 38-0 in a hard watch. The Hoosiers were tied 0-0 at the end of the first quarter and led 14-0 at the half. Indiana outgained WKU 513-186 and allowed 10 first downs. The Hoosiers' big three shined. Turbo Richard led the way with 149 rushing yards and one touchdown, Charlie Becker added five catches for 127 yards and a score, plus Josh Hoover posted 273 yards on 18-of-24 for two touchdowns. Indiana hosts Northwestern next week. Indiana last played Northwestern in 2024, Curt Cignetti's first year, and the Hoosiers won 41-24.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 59-3 win vs Kent State
Next Game: Vs Illinois — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET
Jeremiah Smith became Ohio State's all-time leading receiver. Smith had five receptions for 85 yards and surpassed Michael Jenkins' career record of 2,898 yards from 2000-03. Ohio State managed 527 total yards, forced three turnovers, only committed three penalties, and held Kent State to 134 yards and 4-of-16 on third downs. Somehow, Ohio State went 1-of-8 on third downs. Illinois is up next. Ohio State won 34-16 last year and I'd say there's a wider margin in talent between the two teams this year.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 32-24 win vs #7 LSU
Next Game: At Florida — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
I mean, wow! What a game it was between Ole Miss and LSU. When it looked like Ole Miss was going to 21 Lane Kiffin and kick him off the sticks, the offensive mastermind kicked his team into gear. LSU almost puled it off, but once again, turnovers bit them in the rear end, but not before Trinidad Chambliss kicked it a little. Chambliss posted his 10th 300-yard performance at Ole Miss (363) and total three touchdowns, including his 13-yard game-winning scramble. Chambliss is now the Heisman favorite following the sensational win. The Rebels head to The Swamp next for a letdown spot at Florida before the bye week.
2026 Record: 3-0
Last Game: 27-10 win vs Michigan State
Next Game: At Purdue — Saturday at 2:00 PM ET
Notre Dame had a fight on its hands in the first half versus Michigan State before shutting the Spartans out in the second half of a 27-10 win. The Irish's defense was outstanding with 167 yards given up and 11 first downs in the entire game. MSU ran for 44 yards on 27 carries (1.6 ypc) and only completed nine passes. Nolan James Jr. was the player of the game for the offense topping out at 128 total yards and a touchdown on 28 touches.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 28-26 win vs #22 Houston
Next Game: Vs Sam Houston — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET
Texas Tech survived Houston 28-26 on Friday night and boy oh boy was it a thriller. Houston was centimeters short of sending the game into OT and that's back-to-back weeks the Red Raiders were involved in second half sweats. Texas Tech allows 282 passing yards, so that's 699 passing yards given up in the last two games, plus 49 first downs! Luckily, Texas Tech hosts Sam Houston next week which will be a cakewalk.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 50-36 win vs Florida State
Next Game: Vs South Carolina — Saturday at 7:00 PM ET
After two lighting delays, Alabama smothered Florida State, 50-36. The Tide trailed 21-6 at one point in the second quarter, but ended the half up 26-21. Alabama outgained FSU 567-471 in yards and ran for 247 to the Seminoles 94. The Tide won the turnover battle 3-0 with three pick and added three sacks, which made it easier for Keelon Russell to shine. Russell had his best game yet with four total touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush), 320 passing yards, and 56 rushing yards.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 41-23 win at Colorado State
Next Game: At TCU — Saturday at TBD
BYU stormed past Colorado State by the legs of LJ Martin. The Cougars lead back had 176 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns — all coming in the first quarter. On the second play of the game, he exploded for a 56-yard touchdown, then from two and three-yards out en route to the second-most yards of his career. Surprisingly, Bear Bachmeier had a dud in the touchdown department, but didn't need any behind 332 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground from the rest of the offense. BYU goes to TCU next for the Cougars only back-to-back road games of the season.
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2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 33-0 win vs Utah State
Next Game: At Iowa State — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
Utah is once again becoming my favorite team in the Big 12. The Utes defense is full of brutes that fly around. Utah held Utah State 33-0 and have allowed 24 points through three games! The Aggies had 188 total yards of offense and 10 first downs. The Utes have allowed averages of 2.2 and 2.3 yards per carry over the last two games and had four sacks. Utah goes to Iowa State next before a bye week. Iowa State scored 13 points in their only P4 gams this season. The Utes defense should have another dominant effort.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-1)
Last Game: 32-24 loss at #8 Ole Miss
Next Game: At Florida — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
Against Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin had to have said a million cuss words at halftime because LSU came out a different team in the second half compared to the first. LSU outscored Ole Miss 17-8 in the second half, but when the Tigers had all the momentum, they couldn't stop Trinidad Chambliss. LSU's top-three rated passing attack was only able to muster 158 yards, 5.9 yards per pass, one touchdown, and one interception, but the rush defense was subpart limiting the Rebels to 63 rushing yards, including 43 from Kewan Lacy. LSU hosts Texas A&M in a night game on Saturday. A win for the Tigers and their back in the top 10 more than likely.
2026 Record: 4-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 42-35 win at Rutgers
Next Game: Vs #21 Oregon — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET
Well, the USC offense traveled across the country just fine, but the defense may have been a little sleepy. The Trojans put up 42 point on Rutgers and have now scored at least 39 points in all four games. Jayden Maiava had his first shaky performance with two interceptions, three touchdowns, and 277 passing yards. USC outgained Rutgers by one yard, 461-460 and allowed the Scarlet Knights to throw for 292 yards. With Oregon up next, USC's fight for the playoffs starts now. USC is favored by 1.5 point at home to Oregon on NBC and Peacock.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 84-0 win vs Portland State
Next Game: At #12 USC — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET
A bloodbath might not describe what happened to Portland State. Oregon scored 84 points! The Ducks didn't slow down, scoring in the final seconds just in case win margin or style points come into play for the committee. If Oregon loses at USC next Saturday night, then the Ducks are 99.9% out of the playoff field in my opinion with beating Ohio State as their only chance back in.
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2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 52-17 win vs UTEP
Next Game: Vs #18 Iowa — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
If you watched the first quarter of Michigan versus UTEP and most of the second quarter, it was clear Michigan was in jeopardy of losing. However, something clicked going into halftime and Michigan went on a 35-3 run in the second half. Bryce Underwood threw two touchdowns and had 245 total yards, Savion Hiter posted 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus Jordan Marshall recorded 59 yards and a score. The defense held UTEP to 93 passing yards, 57 rushing yards (150 total), and nine first downs. Look for the defense to rule the day again when the Iowa Hawkeyes visit Saturday afternoon.
2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 44-39 win at Auburn
Next Game: Vs #8 Ole Miss — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
Florida led by as many as 17 points in the 44-39 win at Auburn. The Gators grabbed seven sacks, nine TFL's, held the Tigers to 102 rushing yards on 31 carries (3.3 ypc), and limited Auburn to 20:44 minutes for time of possession. Florida dominated the ball, running for 247 yards, as Jaden Baugh was the star of the game (162 rush yards, 3 TDs). However, the Gators did have 16 penalties for 138 yards! The mental miscues will need cleaned up with Ole Miss up next and five ranked matchups over the next six games.
2026 Record: 2-1 (1-0)
Last Game: 41-31 win vs #16 SMU
Next Game: Vs Wake Forest — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET
Louisville put up 27 points in the second half on SMU in one of the most exciting games of the weekend. The Cardinals forced three turnovers from SMU, which has plagued the Mustangs. Louisville got two interceptions and a fumble, plus held SMU to 6.3 yards per pass. The Cardinals run game was insane. It was all about not one, but what can two Browns do for you? Keyjuan Brown ran for 163 yards and two impressive touchdowns, while Isaac Brown had 67 yards and a score. Louisville ran for 265 yards, but also allowed 257 rushing yards to SMU. Louisville will face another run-heavy team in Wake Forest who was stuffed against Miami.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 59-0 win vs Murray State-31
Next Game: At West Virginia — Saturday at 7:00 PM ET
Oklahoma State pounded Murray State as expected, 59-0. Drew Mestemaker threw a career-high five touchdowns as the Cowboys scored on nine of its first 10 drives. Oklahoma State goes to West Virginia next which will end up as one of the sneaky games of the week. WVU is off a big road win at Virginia, which sets the Mountaineers up with potential ranked wins back-to-back weeks.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-1)
Last Game: 31-21 loss vs Kentucky
Next Game: At #7 LSU — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET
The most shocking outcome of the weekend was certainly Kentucky beating Texas A&M at Kyle Field. The 12th man was stunned when Kentucky jumped out to a 21-7 lead then again at 28-7. Marcel Reed threw two interceptions and averaged 4.8 yards per pass. The Aggies defense couldn't top the Wildcats run game (156 yards, 2 TDs) as rookie head coach Will Stein won his first road game with Kentucky. A&M doesn't get a break as they go to LSU next weekend for a night game in Death Valley. Good luck!
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 14-6 win vs New Mexico
Next Game: At #2 Georgia — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
Yikes. That's the only word to describe Oklahoma's offensive outing against New Mexico. The Sooners won 14-6 and had 299 yards of offense, which was only 10 more yards than their losing effort at Michigan. Oklahoma ran for 62 yards on 31 carries (2.0 ypc), John Mateer threw two interceptions, and Isaiah Sategna III fumbled a punt. The Sooners defense was the only reason they won. Oklahoma held the Lobos to 185 total yards, 12 first downs and 3-of-14 on third downs despite the great field position New Mexico had all night.
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2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 27-17 win vs Troy
Next Game: At Mississippi State — Saturday at 7:45 PM ET
Jamal Roberts ran for 128 yards on 22 carries and added a touchdown in what could be the last game without Ahmad Hardy. The two could be a dynamic duo with Austin Simmons who only had 91 passing yards versus Troy. The Tigers only averaged 4.8 yards per pass against the Trojans and were outgained 323-230 in yards. Missouri goes to Mississippi State next and it smells like a good spot for the Bulldogs to earn a ranked win if Missouri struggles to throw.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 41-34 win at South Carolina
Next Game: Vs #20 Missouri — Saturday at 7:45 PM ET
Kamario Taylor and Mississippi State put themselves on the map a little with a win at South Carolina. The Bulldogs defense grabbed two interceptions that turned into 10 points and overcame 14 penalties for 98 yards to win 41-34. Mississippi State has the hardest schedule in the country over the next five games: Missouri, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas, so this ranking will be short lived.
2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 48-16 win vs Eastern Washington
Next Game: Vs Minnesota — Saturday at 11:00 PM ET
The Washington offense put up 546 yards of offense with 373 coming from the arm of Demond Williams Jr. The Huskies slinger threw four touchdowns on 27-of-33 and somehow, none of them went to either of my fantasy players from the Washington offense. I'll try not to hold it against them. The Huskies defense did allow 315 yards to FCS Eastern Washington with 142 on the ground, which raises some eyebrows. Washington will stay in the West Coast for a fourth-straight week as they start Big Ten play with Minnesota at 11 PM Eastern!
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 38-24 win vs South Dakota
Next Game: At Western Michigan — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET
With 10:33 in the fourth quarter, South Dakota tied the game at 24-24 before Boise State went on a 14-0 run to close the game. Week 3 wasn't the most efficient outing from the Broncos who crushed the Coyotes in total yards (533-279), first downs (29-11), rushing yards (325-36), and time of possession (39:26-20:34). The box score doesn't really tell the whole story of this game. South Dakota had turnover on downs at the Boise State 17-yard line right before the Broncos broke off a 83-yard touchdown run to extend the lead from 31-24 to 38-24. South Dakota threw a pick on the very next drive. It was a much closer game than the score indicates.
2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 31-20 win vs Tulane
Next Game: At Cincinnati — Saturday at 7:00 PM ET
Filling last spot of my poll was the toughest. Do I keep SMU or South Carolina after great games, but hard losses? Nah. I am a Pennsylvania guy, so how about Penn State or Pitt? I really don't believe either at top 25 teams after the past two weeks. Well, there's Iowa or Tennessee, which were the next two after Kansas State. All three, Iowa, Tennessee, and Kansas State have terrific ground games. The Wildcats Avery Johnson just ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns, plus threw for 227 yards on 21-of-28 passing. The K-State defense held Tulane to 260 total yards and Washington State to 166 over the past two games. I give the nod to K-State at 25.
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Out of the Top 25
2026 Record: 2-1 (1-1)
Last Game: 41-31 loss at Louisville
Next Game: Vs Missouri State — Saturday at 9:00 PM ET
Kevin Jennings was a quarterback I was excited to see this season and how he progresses as a passer. Well, between miscommunications and errant throws, Jennings has four interceptions and a fumble through two DI games. The offense is built to sling it around, but with all the turnovers and penalties (20 in three games), SMU is SMU's biggest enemy this season.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-1)
Last Game: 41-34 loss vs Mississippi State
Next Game: At #10 Alabama — Saturday at 7:00 PM ET
Down 28-23, LaNorris Sellers threw interceptions on back-to-back drives and Mississippi State turned those two turnovers into 10 points, which ended up being the margin of victory for the Bulldogs (41-31). Over the next through weeks, South Carolina goes to Alabama, hosts Kentucky, then heads to Florida. This could be the start of a rough stretch for the Gamecocks.
2026 Record: 2-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 38-21 loss vs West Virginia
Next Game: Vs Delaware — Saturday at 6:00 PM ET
Well, it's settled, West Virginia is the better state. The Mountaineers surprised the Cavaliers with a 38-21 win in Charlottesville to hand Virginia its first loss of the season. Beau Pribula was held to under 200 passing yards and the offense barely crossed 300 yards overall, while West Virginia ran wild for 292 yards themselves and three scores.
New to the Top 25
2026 Record: 2-1 (1-0)
Last Game: 41-31 win vs #16 SMU
Next Game: Vs Wake Forest — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET
Most of the hype talk about Louisville has been regarding QB Lincoln Kienholz, but it was all about the running back duo in Week 3. Keyjuan Brown rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns, while Isaac Brown pitched in 67 yards and a score. Louisville's offense is well balanced and has found a rhythm since the fourth quarter of the Ole Miss game.
2026 Record: 3-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 41-34 win at South Carolina
Next Game: Vs #20 Missouri — Saturday at 7:45 PM ET
Mississippi State starts a stretch against five-straight ranked opponents: Missouri, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Bulldogs will have to fight tooth and nail to stay ranked over the next six weeks.
2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 31-20 win vs Tulane
Next Game: At Cincinnati — Saturday at 7:00 PM ET
Kansas State's defense has been terrific through three weeks and Avery Johnson has been solid. The senior quarterback and three-year starter at K-State, Johnson has nine total touchdowns, over 850 total yards, and a 70% completion rate to start the season. K-State has a road game at Cincinnati before the bye week, then a physical matchup versus Houston following. Looking at the schedule, there is a chance the Wildcats don't play a ranked game all regular season.
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