PFN’s College Football Power Rankings: Indiana Surges, Ohio State Slumps After Wild Week 2
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The 2026 college football season is officially in full swing, and the latest PFN Power Rankings have a new team sitting at the top. After another weekend of results reshaped the national picture, Indiana has emerged as the No. 1 team in the country, with Miami, Georgia, and Notre Dame rounding out the top four.
Unlike traditional polls, the PFN CFB Power Rankings are powered by data and PFN Impact Grades, evaluating all 138 FBS programs based on their performance across the season. With conference play coming up fast and the College Football Playoff picture already coming into focus, here is where the nation’s best teams stand.
25) Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats enter the PFN Top 25 at No. 25 after opening the season 2-0. The Bearcats’ offense has been particularly impressive, ranking 13th nationally in PFN’s offensive impact metrics, while their defense has provided enough balance to make them a legitimate Big 12 team to watch.
The schedule will get considerably more difficult from here, but Cincinnati has already done enough to establish itself as one of the most intriguing teams outside the traditional national-title contenders. A 35th-ranked strength of schedule gives the Bearcats plenty of opportunities to strengthen their résumé.
24) Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh has quietly positioned itself inside the PFN Top 25 at No. 24. The Panthers are 2-0, and their defensive profile provides the foundation for their early success.
The offense hasn’t been dominant, but a defense ranked 24th nationally in PFN’s impact metrics gives Pitt a high enough floor to remain competitive. The offense looked great in week 1 and struggled in week 2 mainly due to weather conditions but star QB Mason Heinstchel looks to be the real deal. The Panthers will need to prove they can maintain that balance as the ACC schedule intensifies.
23) Louisville Cardinals
Louisville comes in at No. 23 after splitting its opening two games. The Cardinals’ offense ranks among the better units in the country, sitting 17th nationally in PFN CFB Offensive Impact. Transfer QB Lincoln Keinholz has looked like a revelation for this team in his first two games after coming over from Ohio state.
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The problem is on the other side of the ball. Louisville’s defense ranks 69th, leaving Jeff Brohm’s team with plenty to prove before it can be considered a serious ACC contender. Still, the offensive upside makes the Cardinals a dangerous opponent for anyone on the schedule and a crucial matchup is coming up against SMU in week 3.
22) Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa is once again doing Iowa things.
The Hawkeyes are 2-0, and while the offense has not exactly overwhelmed anyone, the defense ranks 11th nationally in PFN’s impact metrics. That’s more than enough to make Kirk Ferentz’s team a difficult matchup every Saturday.
The question is whether Iowa can generate enough offense to compete with the Big Ten’s elite. The Hawkeyes continue to rely on their traditional ground-and-pound style, controlling the clock while getting solid performances from the offense, defense, and special teams. That balance makes Iowa a pesky team to deal with on any given week. For now, the Hawkeyes are doing enough in the areas they have historically relied upon to earn a spot in the Top 25.
21) SMU Mustangs
SMU remains one of the ACC’s most intriguing teams, checking in at No. 21. The Mustangs are 2-0 and have a balanced profile, with the offense ranked 21st and defense 34th nationally in PFN’s impact metrics.
That balance matters. SMU doesn’t need to be spectacular on one side of the ball if it can continue winning the battle across the entire roster. The schedule should provide opportunities to move even higher in the rankings and they’ll need a near perfect record being in the ACC where the top isn’t as “good” as other conferences.
20) Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia’s rise continues.
The Cavaliers are 2-0 and rank inside the Top 10 nationally in defensive impact, giving them one of the strongest defensive profiles among the teams in this part of the rankings.
The offense is no slouch either, ranking 22nd nationally. Virginia has found a new identity with a physical run game and the dual-threat ability of new QB Beau Pribula. With both sides of the ball playing at a high level, the Cavaliers have a legitimate opportunity to remain relevant in the ACC race rather than simply being an early-season surprise.
19) Washington Huskies
Washington enters the rankings at No. 19 after starting 2-0. The Huskies’ defense has been the driving force, ranking 15th nationally in PFN CFB Defensive Impact.
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The offense, meanwhile, has room to grow surprisingly after last season this being their strong suit. Washington ranks 106th nationally in offensive impact, which is a glaring weakness for a team hoping to compete in the Big Ten. If that unit improves, the Huskies have the defensive foundation necessary to make noise in the big ten as the season winds on.
18) Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma may be one of the most fascinating teams in the country at No. 18.
The Sooners have one of the toughest schedules in the nation, ranking third in strength of schedule. Their defense has held up extremely well, ranking ninth nationally in PFN Defensive Impact which is a staple under head coach Brett Venables.
The concern is the offense. Oklahoma ranks 95th nationally in offensive impact, and that imbalance was exposed in the loss to Michigan. QB John Mateer needs to play much better if this team wants to take the next step. Brent Venables’ team still has plenty of time to climb, but the Sooners need more consistency on offense if they’re going to survive the SEC.
17) Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee sits at No. 17 after opening the season 2-0. The Volunteers have a strong offensive profile, ranking 19th nationally, while the defense sits 30th.
That combination makes Tennessee one of the more complete teams in the middle of the rankings. The Vols also have the 13th-toughest strength of schedule to date, so there will be plenty of opportunities to prove whether they belong closer to the top of the SEC or if they’ll slide down these rankings. There are still plenty of questions about just how good this team can be with true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon.
16) Missouri Tigers
Missouri has quietly put together one of the more impressive profiles in the SEC.
The Tigers are 2-0 and rank ninth nationally in strength of schedule, while their defense sits 17th in PFN Defensive Impact. The offense is also inside the national Top 30.
That balance makes Missouri a legitimate threat to climb these rankings. The Tigers won’t have an easy road through the SEC, but they’re already showing enough on both sides of the ball to demand attention. If they can keep that momentum going, this might be the team Coach Drinkwitz takes to its first College Football Playoff.
14) Utah Utes
Utah is tied for No. 14 with a 2-0 record, and the Utes’ offensive numbers immediately stand out.
Utah ranks fifth nationally in offensive impact, giving it one of the most explosive attacks in the country. The defense is also solid, ranking 33rd nationally.
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The Utes don’t have the easiest path to a national title, but their combination of offensive firepower and defensive consistency makes them one of the Big 12’s most dangerous teams and look to capitalize on a vulnerable Texas tech squad and wide opem conference race.
14) Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech occupies the other half of the No. 14 tie.
The Red Raiders are 2-0, although their overall profile is somewhat different from Utah’s. Texas Tech’s defense ranks 37th nationally, while the offense sits 58th.
That may not look spectacular on paper, but the Red Raiders don’t need to dominate every statistical category. They aren’t the same team defensively as they were a year ago, so the offense will need to be that much better, and that hasn’t been seen just yet. The 2025 Big 12 champions remain firmly in the national conversation for the time being.
13) BYU Cougars
BYU moves into the No. 13 position after starting 2-0.
The Cougars boast a strong offense, ranking 15th nationally in PFN Offensive Impact, while the defense sits inside the Top 50. That’s a solid foundation for a team hoping to challenge for the Big 12 title.
The biggest question is whether BYU can continue producing against a stronger portion of its schedule. The big game on their schedule is the rivalry matchup against Utah and also against Notre Dame later on in the season which will be a nice test. For now, however, the Cougars look like a legitimate contender and a slight favorite over the reigning Big 12 champs the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
12) Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s placement at No. 12 is one of the more surprising spots in the current rankings if this was said before the season.
The Ducks are 1-1, and the biggest concern is their offense, which ranks 100th nationally in PFN’s impact metrics. That’s a startling number for a program expected to compete for championships.
The defense hasn’t completely solved the problem, either, ranking 64th. The recent loss to Oklahoma State has raised some eyebrows about just how good this team actually is and if the pressure is starting to mount for the program. Oregon still has an enormous amount of talent, but the Ducks have work to do before they can reclaim their preseason status among the nation’s elite.
11) USC Trojans
USC is unbeaten at 3-0 and sits just outside the Top 10.
The Trojans have arguably one of the most dangerous offenses in the country, ranking second nationally in PFN Offensive Impact. That’s a massive advantage, particularly with the program averaging enough production to overwhelm opponents through the air and on the ground running the ball as well.
Defense remains the question. USC ranks 65th nationally on that side of the ball. If the Trojans can become even moderately more reliable defensively, they have the offensive ceiling to challenge virtually anyone with the schedule getting much harder and a resume that would rival any team in the nation.
10) Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama rounds out the Top 10.
The Crimson Tide are 2-0 and have one of the strongest defensive profiles in the country, ranking eighth nationally. The offense is less dominant, coming in at 46th, but it looks like it could improve as new quarterback Keelon Russell gets more comfortable and gains more game experience.
That’s still a strong enough overall profile to make Alabama a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. With the Crimson Tide’s schedule and talent level, there is plenty of room for Kalen DeBoer’s team to climb.
8) Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M is tied for No. 8 after opening the season 2-0.
The Aggies have one of the most impressive defensive units in the country, ranking sixth nationally in PFN Defensive Impact. They also have the seventh-toughest strength of schedule, meaning their ranking isn’t being built against a soft slate and won’t get much easier the rest of the facing the SEC gauntlet they have.
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The offense is still developing a flow, but the defense gives Mike Elko’s team an exceptionally high floor as the offense does continue to take shape with star QB Marcel Reed at the helm. If the Aggies can become more consistent offensively, they have the profile of a legitimate SEC contender.
8) Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss also lands at No. 8.
The Rebels are 2-0, with a Top 10 strength of schedule already providing some context for their strong position. The offense ranks 40th nationally, while the defense ranks 67th.
That defensive ranking may be the biggest question surrounding Ole Miss as the season progresses. Still, Lane Kiffin is no longer on the sideline, and Pete Golding’s team has enough talent and early-season momentum to remain firmly in the playoff conversation. A huge matchup against Kiffin and LSU will give the Rebels a chance to prove to the country that they don’t need him as their coach.
7) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State falls to No. 7 after suffering a one-point loss to Texas.
That result shouldn’t erase everything the Buckeyes were expected to be this season. Ohio State remains one of the most talented teams in the country, and both its offensive and defensive impact grades remain comfortably inside the national Top 40.
The loss does, however, change the margin for error with how difficult the schedule was already slated to be. As long as they have the duo of Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith on the field they’ll be in every single game. The Buckeyes now need to navigate the rest of the Big Ten without allowing another setback to derail their playoff ambitions.
6) Texas Longhorns
Texas makes one of the biggest statements in the latest rankings by landing at No. 6 after defeating Ohio State.
The Longhorns are 2-0 and have faced the toughest schedule in the country according to PFN. That matters when evaluating the early résumé.
The underlying numbers are less impressive than the record, with Texas ranking 43rd offensively and 56th defensively. But the Longhorns have already shown they can win a heavyweight matchup after losing the last two meetings against the Buckeyes. They were also on the brink in Week 2, and that carries significant weight as the playoff race begins to take shape.
5) LSU Tigers
LSU enters the Top Five at No. 5, and the defense is the primary reason why.
The Tigers are 2-0 and boast the No. 1 defense in the country according to PFN’s Defensive Impact rankings. That’s an enormous advantage for a team navigating the SEC.
The offense ranks 29th nationally, giving LSU a respectable balance on top of its elite defense. The Tigers’ eighth-ranked strength of schedule also means there won’t be any shortage of opportunities to validate this ranking. Next up is the Ole Miss Rebels in a game both sides will most definitely be up and ready for.
4) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame sits at No. 4 with a 2-0 start and the nation’s sixth-highest PFN rating.
The Irish have been particularly impressive in the early going, including a dominant victory over Rice. Their defense ranks 21st nationally, while the offense sits 32nd.
Notre Dame also owns an 85.9% projected chance of reaching the College Football Playoff, according to PFN’s current projection. The Irish have positioned themselves extremely well, but they’ll need to keep improving as the season progresses. Their schedule doesn’t offer much difficulty, with one big game circled against the Miami Hurricanes in November.
3) Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia remains one of the most complete teams in the country at No. 3.
The Bulldogs are 2-0, with an offense ranked third nationally and a defense ranked 12th. That balance is exactly what you would expect from a Kirby Smart team.
Georgia’s schedule is also among the more challenging in the country, ranking 22nd nationally. The Bulldogs aren’t simply piling up numbers against weak opposition. They’re building a profile that looks increasingly like that of a College Football Playoff contender.
2) Miami Hurricanes
Miami moves into the No. 2 spot, and it’s easy to understand why.
The Hurricanes are 2-0 and have the No. 1 offense in the country according to PFN’s impact metrics. The defense ranks 18th, giving Miami one of the strongest overall profiles in college football. The offense is led by transfer qb Darian Mensah who’s hit the ground running and getting the ball often to his star receiver Malachi Toney.
The Hurricanes also have an 80.8% projected chance of reaching the College Football Playoff and a 11.8% chance of winning the national championship. Mario Cristobal’s team has already demonstrated that last year’s run was no fluke and are looking to go the distance this season.
1) Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers are the new No. 1 team in the PFN College Football Power Rankings.
That might sound strange if you’re still thinking about the preseason landscape, but this isn’t a preseason poll. PFN’s rankings are driven by data, and Indiana’s current profile puts the reigning national champion at the top.
The Hoosiers’ PFN rating of 29.25 is the highest in the country. Their offense ranks eighth nationally and their defense ranks 20th, giving them the kind of two-sided profile necessary to remain among the nation’s elite.
Of course, repeating as national champion is a different challenge altogether. Indiana is projected to go 10-2, with a 65.7% chance of making the College Football Playoff and a 9.4% chance of winning another national championship.
For now, the reigning champions have earned the benefit of the doubt and rightfully so as they haven’t shown many signs of slippage as an overall team even with the departures.
And according to PFN’s numbers, they’re the team everyone else is chasing.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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