ClutchPoints’ Week 2 2026 College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
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Week 1 of the College Football season is in the books. Some of the top teams in the nation took easy wins in their first game of the year. That includes LSU’s domination of Clemson. Meanwhile, other teams struggled. Michigan needed an extra attempt on a Hail Mary to defeat Western Michigan out of the MAC.
Previous Week: Preseason
1. Ohio State (-)
Ohio State retains the top spot in the power rankings after a dominant performance in Week 1 against Ball State. The Buckeyes punted on their first drive, after a three-and-out, but proceeded to score touchdowns on each of their next three drives. Ohio State scored two touchdowns in every single quarter of the game, while giving up just three points. Julian Sayin was dominant, completing 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while playing less than three quarters of the game. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Smith brought in eight receptions for 151 yards and two scores. Next up for the Buckeyes is a trip to Texas.
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2. Texas (+1)
Texas jumps up one spot in this week’s rankings after a stellar performance against Texas State. The Longhorns scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, before adding a defensive touchdown on a 59-yard scoop-and-score by Graceson Littleton. Arch Manning started strong, but did make a mistake late in the first half. After leading the offense down the field, he threw an interception in the end zone on a third-and-11 play with just six seconds left in the half. Manning would throw for 305 yards with four touchdowns, while Ryan Wingo brought in seven receptions for 121 yards and a score. They will host Ohio State in Week 2.
3. Georgia (+1)
Georgia did not play a major opponent in Week 1, facing off against Tennessee State. They took a 63-3 victory in the game, scoring touchdowns on their first six drives of the game. The Bulldogs failed to score a touchdown on just two drives in the contest. While it is not a massive win for Kirby Smart and Georgia, it did break one major trend. Georgia was 0-10 against the spread under Smart when favored by 40 or more points. They broke that trend on Saturday. Georgia hosts Western Kentucky on Saturday.
4. Indiana (+1)
The potential demise of Indiana has been greatly exaggerated. Indiana took a 52-16 win over North Texas on Saturday, extending their nation-leading winning streak. Josh Hoover looked ready to take over for Fernando Mendoza. He passed for 231 yards, completing 13 of 16 attempts. He also threw four touchdowns in the game. There could be a small concern in the running game, and Indiana ran for just 134 yards on 30 carries, but did score three times on the ground. Indiana hosts Howard on Saturday.
5. LSU (+7)
LSU is the big mover this week, after dominating Clemson in their Week 1 game. It did not start great for the LSU Tigers, as Sam Leavitt threw an interception on the second play from scrimmage in the game. The defense stepped up and held Clemson to just two yards and a field goal. LSU would then tie the game on the next drive, before a touchdown drive and a pick-six built the lead to 17-3 at the end of the first quarter. Clemson was held to just one first down in the first half and 49 yards. They would finally have their longest drive of the game when already down 51-3, driving 71 yards for a touchdown, as LSU held Clemson to just eight first downs and 145 yards in the 51-10 victory. LSU hosts cross-state foe Louisiana Tech on Saturday.
6. Notre Dame (-)
Notre Dame took care of business against Wisconsin to open the season. Wisconsin took the early lead on a field goal, but the Irish would tie the game on the next drive. Then, on the next kickoff, Wisconsin muffed the return, and Notre Dame recovered the ball, leading to a short field and a touchdown. It was still a tight game at the end of the first half, but it would not remain so. Aneyas Williams scored on the ground on the first drive of the third quarter, and then a DJ McKinney pick-six broke open the game. CJ Carr passed for 239 yards and two scores, while Williams ran for 90 yards and two scores as Notre Dame won 41-13. Notre Dame hosts Rice on Saturday.
7. Miami (FL) (+1)
Miami was dominant in the first game of the season, taking out Stanford. Darian Mensah went off, completing 27 of 30 passes for 401 yards and five touchdowns. Malachi Toney was the star of the show, hauling in 12 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns. The Hurricanes scored touchdowns on six of their first seven full drives before turning the game over to the backups. Miami won the game 45-6. They continue their season on Thursday against Florida A&M.
8. Oregon (-6)
Oregon took the biggest drop from the preseason rankings as they struggled against Boise State. The Ducks were just four of 12 on third down, and then did not convert on any of their fourth-down attempts. They also lost the turnover battle and time of possession. Still, the Ducks took the 34-27 win while Dante Moore passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns. There should not be panic from the Ducks just yet. They will have plenty of chances to show they are still a top team in the nation. Oregon continues the season on the road against Oklahoma State in Week 2.
9. Oklahoma (-2)
Oklahoma only moves down because of the jumps from LSU and Miami. They were still dominant facing off against UTEP. John Mateer completed 11 of 17 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense held UTEP to just 198 total yards while forcing two turnovers. Oklahoma has a chance for a big win on Saturday, as they travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on Saturday.
10. Texas A&M (-1)
It was not the best start for Texas A&M, scoring just 19 first-half points and turning the ball over once. Still, the defense was dominant throughout against Missouri State. They held the Bears to just four first downs and 67 total yards. They also forced three turnovers in the contest. Texas A&M won the game 50-0. The Aggies continue their season at home on Saturday, hosting Arizona State.
11. Ole Miss (-1)
Ole Miss survived in Week 1 against Louisville in Nashville. Trinidad Chambliss threw an interception and lost a fumble in the first half, but Ole Miss still held a 10-6 lead. The Rebels took a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter before Louisville started making a comeback. They scored touchdowns on their last two drives, tying the game with just 1:28 left. Ole Miss drove the field, and Lucas Carneiro hit a 48-yard field goal to win the game. Chambliss turned his game around, passing for 336 yards and three scores, while running for 60 yards and another score. They host Charlotte on Saturday.
12. Texas Tech (-1)
While the Red Raiders expected Brendan Sorsby to start Week 1, after the gambling scandal, it was Will Hammond. Hammond opened the game, completing 14 straight passes, building a solid lead for Texas Tech. Hammond would go on to complete 26 of 33 passes for 298 yards with a touchdown and an interception. They would go on to defeat Abilene Christian, 33-10. In Week 2, it is a trip to Oregon State for the Red Raiders.
13. USC (+1)
USC has moved to 2-0 on the season after a solid game against Fresno State. After a slightly disappointing Week 0 against San Jose State, the defense stepped up in Week 1 against Fresno. They held the Bulldogs to just 116 yards of offense, while forcing two turnovers. Meanwhile, Jayden Maiava completed 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. USC went on to win the game 39-0. They play host to Louisiana in their final non-conference game on Saturday.
14. Alabama (+1)
Like many of the teams in the Top 25, Alabama was in complete control over East Carolina. The Tide put up 38 points in the first half, coasting to a 48-10 victory. Keelon Russell showed off his dual-threat ability in the game. He completed 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards while also running for 86 yards and a touchdown. Alabama opens up conference play with a road game against Kentucky on Saturday.
15. BYU (+1)
BYU could not have scripted a better start to their 2026 campaign. On the first play from scrimmage, the Cougars picked off Utah Tech quarterback CJ Tiller. They would score five plays later. After forcing a three-and-out, the team went on a 13-play, 82-yard touchdown drive. Overall, they would force three first-half turnovers and put up 42 points, even while missing a field goal. BYU defeated Utah Tech 63-7. They will have a step up in competition in Week 2, opening conference play at home against Arizona.
16. Tennessee (+1)
As the same with many of the teams in the Top 25, Tennessee did not have a big-time opponent facing Furman. Freshman Faizon Brandon showed off in his first game under center. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee’s defense held former Miami and East Carolina quarterback Jake Garcia to just 8 of 17 passes for 36 yards as Tennessee won the game 56-9. The Volunteers hit the road in Week 2 against Georgia Tech.
17. Penn State (+2)
The Matt Campbell era at Penn State got off to a great start. Rocco Becht completed 13 of 18 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns in the game. Koby Howard was the beneficiary of much of Becht’s work, bringing in six receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the defense held Marshall to just 1-for-11 on third down and 147 total yards. Penn State defeated Marshall 45-0. The Nittany Lions continue their season on the road on Tuesday, facing off against Temple.
18. SMU (-)
SMU was the last team in FBS to kick off their 2026 schedule. Due to a power outage, SMU had to wait nearly two extra hours to kick off the year. It was an odd game with limited communication and technology. Kevin Jennings passed for 430 yards and three touchdowns, but his two interceptions, along with two fumbles lost by SMU, kept the game close. Nick Reed hit a field goal with just 21 seconds left to take the lead. They would hold on to win the game 27-24. SMU hosts UC Davis on Saturday.
19. Utah (+2)
Utah opened up the post-Kyle Whittingham era with a victory over Idaho. The offense was stellar, with just two drives not ending in points. Devon Dampier passed for just 176 yards but with three touchdowns. Meanwhile, backup Byrd Ficklin completed four of eight passes for 93 yards, but with two touchdowns. Utah took a 66-14 victory. They host Arkansas next time out.
20. Iowa (+6)
Iowa jumps into the Top 25 for the first time after a big win over Northern Illinois. In true Iowa fashion, the defense was stellar. They held Northern Illinois to just seven first downs while forcing two turnovers. Northern Illinois also managed just seven rushing yards on 31 attempts. Meanwhile, Iowa actually showed some offense. Kamari Moulton ran 11 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns while the three quarterbacks passed for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Iowa hosts cross-state rival Iowa State in a battle for the Cy Hawk Trophy on Saturday.
21. Missouri (+5)
Missouri jumps into the Top 25 as well after a solid win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Tigers offense racked up 562 yards and 33 first downs, while going six of ten on third downs. Austin Simmons completed 17 of 19 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns in the game. The offense was stellar, even without Ahmad Hardy in the lineup. Missouri visits rival Kansas on Friday night.
22. Virginia (+4)
Virginia was off in Week 1, but a Week 0 win puts them up into the Top 25. UVA hosted NC State in an ACC clash. They came into the game as a small favorite and proceeded to control the game. Beau Pribula completed nine of 11 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, while running for another 110 yards. Meanwhile, NC State was held to just 168 yards and eight points. Virginia took the 34-8 win, giving them a win in their first ACC game of the year. UVA hosts Norfolk State on Saturday.
23. Houston (-1)
The Houston offense was great in Week 1 against Oregon State. They compiled 533 yards of offense while also racking up 24 first downs. Connor Weigman passed for 305 yards and a touchdown. Still, two turnovers by Houston and a rough defensive performance kept Oregon State in the game. A fourth-quarter interception by Weigman led to an Oregon State touchdown, and the Beavers made it a one-score game late in the game. Meanwhile, the defense allowed 402 yards in the 33-20 win. Houston has a chance to clean things up against Southern on Saturday.
24. Washington (-4)
Washington struggled in the Apple Cup against Washington State. The Huskies’ only touchdowns of the first half came on a short field after an interception by the defense. They also missed a field goal in the first half. The main reason for the victory was the defense. They held Washington State to 0-9 on third down while forcing three turnovers. This resulted in a 24-10 win for the Huskies over their rival.
25. Memphis (+1)
With a 2-0 record on the season, Memphis jumps in as the top non-power conference team in the rankings. They opened up the season on the road against another top contender in the Group of Six, taking out UNLV 27-21. They followed that up with a 42-24 victory over Arkansas State to move to 2-0. Jaylin Carter and Manny Covey were difficult to stop in that game. Carter ran for 183 yards and four touchdowns, while Covey added another 103 yards on 15 carries. They have a chance to make a claim as a playoff contender on Saturday when they face Boise State.
Joining the Top 25: Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, Memphis
Dropped from the Top 25: Michigan, Clemson, Louisville, Boise State
Just Missed Out: Boise State, Arizona, Louisville, Michigan
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