College football risers, fallers: BYU, Florida surge as LSU, Oklahoma face trouble
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A trio of SEC teams took hits to their College Football Playoff hopes in Week 3, while two teams from the Big 12 and ACC improved their resumes.
BYU and Texas Tech have positioned themselves as the clear leaders of the Big 12 so far this season, with both programs on track to rematch in the conference championship game again in 2026. The Cougars have yet to be tested, but have risen to No. 9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, one spot ahead of No. 10 Texas Tech.
No. 6 Ole Miss took down then-No. 7 LSU, 32-24, at home in Week 3, thanks to a Heisman Trophy-level performance from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. The win solidified the Rebels’ resume as they look to get back to the CFP, while it complicates things for first-year coach Lane Kiffin.
Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s risers and fallers heading into Week 4 of the college football season:
College football's risers
BYU Cougars
BYU only has one ranked conference game on its entire schedule this season, and it’s not against Texas Tech.
The No. 9 Cougars travel to face in-state rival No. 15 Utah on the road in November but otherwise face a very manageable Big 12 schedule as they look to avenge their conference championship loss to the Red Raiders last season. Even if BYU loses both of its ranked games this season to Utah and Notre Dame, it can still win the Big 12 championship to lock up a CFP bid.
BYU’s offense wears its opponents down, and is led by star running back LJ Martin, who’s averaging 7.2 yards per carry this season. Second-year starting quarterback Bear Bachmeier has limited sacks and turnovers, too, and is completing an efficient 71% of his passes.
Florida Gators
Florida’s offense has been lights out, and is coming off a 44-point showing against Auburn in first-year coach Jon Sumrall’s first SEC game and win. Running back Jadan Baugh is getting fed early and often and rightfully so, as he’s averaging 8.5 yards per carry and ranks second nationally with 458 rushing yards.
The Gators’ defense has struggled at times, but a potential home win against No. 6 Ole Miss looms. A win would stamp Florida’s return to the limelight.
Louisville Cardinals
Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has been one of the most-underrated transfer portal additions in the country, as the former Ohio State backup has excelled as a first-time starter under Jeff Brohm, who has a track record of developing quarterbacks.
Kienholz scored three touchdowns with 219 total yards in the Cardinals’ 41-31 win over SMU in Week 3, putting Louisville on the CFP radar.
Louisville has scored 38 or more points in every game this season, and lost to Ole Miss 41-38 in a second-half shootout in Week 1. It’s a team capable of competing for an ACC title behind Miami.
College football fallers
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M sorely missed former offensive coordinator Collin Klein against Kentucky, as the Aggies’ offense was mostly stymied against the new-look Wildcats under first-year coach Will Stein.
Quarterback Marcel Reed completed only 26-of-49 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown to two interceptions in the loss, although he rushed 10 times for 80 yards and a score. Reed is completing 59.6% of his passes this season, and his QBR has fallen to a pedestrian 54.3, which ranks 73rd nationally.
Texas A&M is going to need some quick improvements if it wants to make it back to the CFP, especially with an upcoming road game against LSU. The upset loss puts the Aggies off track for the 12-team playoff, with games later this season against Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.
Oklahoma Sooners
Speaking of bad offenses, the Sooners boast one of the worst in Power Four. Oklahoma was held to an abysmal 1.9 yards per carry in a 14-6 win over New Mexico at home in Week 3.
OU hasn’t had a trip to the red zone since Week 1, scoring from outside its opponents’ 20-yard line on each of its past three touchdowns scored in games against Michigan and New Mexico. It’s not ideal for a team that had high hopes entering 2026, and quarterback John Mateer hasn’t looked much better than he did last season while battling a hand injury.
Injuries are also starting to hamper the Sooners, with standout offensive tackle Michael Fasusi and defensive tackle David Stone dealing with shoulder and knee ailments, respectively. Things could really fall off the tracks when the Sooners travel to face Georgia on the road in Week 4.
LSU Tigers
LSU and Kiffin’s passing attack led by quarterback Sam Leavitt has been concerning this season.
The Arizona State transfer has five interceptions through three games while completing 61.3% of his passes this season. He has excelled as a runner — 40 carries for 198 yards with six touchdowns this season — but has struggled to move the ball through the air.
The Tigers face the also-desperate Aggies in Week 4, as both teams need wins to keep their CFP hopes going strong.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football risers, fallers: BYU, Florida surge as LSU, Oklahoma face trouble
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