College Football Rankings: Danny Kanell releases updated top 12 with massive surprise at No. 1

CBS Sports’ Danny Kanell released his updated Top 12 college football rankings, potentially indicating his current College Football Playoff. There was a massive surprise at No. 1 overall going into Week 3.

As he says, this is Kanell’s “resume based #DKTop12.” Take that with what you will going into the new week.

So, let’s dive into Kanell’s rankings, starting at the top. And how about this, the new No. 1 team is not a Power Four squad.

1. USF

The USF Bulls! That’s right, that school from Tampa tops Kanell’s list after Week 2. They took down Florida 18-16 in Gainesville Saturday night.

USF actually jumped up to No. 18 in the latest AP Poll too. In the win, QB Byrum Brown had 263 yards, one touchdown and 66 rushing yards. Nico Grammatica hit the game-winning field goal as time expired.

2. Ohio State

Ohio State blew by Grambling State over the weekend to improve to 2-0. But despite a win over Texas, who’s not on Kanell’s list, they only ranked No. 2 this week!

Julian Sayin looks like the real deal through two weeks, so he’s the latest solid QB under Ryan Day. Can the defending champs keep it rolling all season?

3. Florida State

Kanell’s alma mater is now 2-0 this season after winning just two games all of last season. The Seminoles won 77-3 over East Texas A&M on Saturday.

Thomas Castellanos kept it rolling. In fact, three different QBs threw touchdown passes for Florida State. Next up is Kent State in two weeks.

4. Miami

Miami has been impressive so far, going 2-0 against Notre Dame and Bethune-Cookman. They blew out the latter.

Carson Beck looks surgical so far this season. They round out the top four in Kanell’s rankings as well. Next up is USF, the No. 1 team on this list, in Coral Gables, err Hard Rock Stadium!

5. Auburn

Here’s some Auburn love from Kanell and they’re actually the top team in the SEC according to his rankings. The Tigers just beat Ball State 42-3 to improve to 2-0.

Jackson Arnold was 24-of-28 passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Jeremiah Cobb added 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

6. LSU

LSU wasn’t as impressive in the win over Louisiana Tech as they were against Clemson as a whole. Still, it was a win at home, a controlling effort.

Garrett Nussmeier threw for 237 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the win. The Tigers’ defense gave up just 154 yards and they are in the top half of Kanell’s rankings going into Week 3.

7. Iowa State

The Cyclones won the Cy-Hawk rivalry, beating Iowa 16-13 at home. They’re in playoff position for Kanell in his rankings.

Rocco Becht didn’t light up the scoreboard, but threw for 134 yards and a touchdown, not throwing an interception. Iowa State shutout the Hawkeyes in the fourth quarter.

8. Illinois

Illinois smoked Duke on the road in a Big Ten-ACC battle. Coming in, some thought Duke could continue a special run under Manny Diaz. But, they put that to bed at least this weekend, getting into Kanell’s top right.

The Fighting Illini were too much as Luke Altmyer threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns. In the 45-19 win, Illinois outscored Duke 31-6 in the second half.

9. Oklahoma

Oklahoma showed off its grittiness and beat Michigan at home with ferocious defense. Texas? Nope, it’s Boomer Sooner for Kanell.

In the 24-13 win, the Sooners’ defense held Bryce Underwood to just nine completions for 142 yards. John Mateer threw for 270 yards, one touchdown, one interception and ran for 74 yards and two scores.

10. Ole Miss

Ole Miss improved to 2-0 on the season with a 30-23 win over Kentucky. Despite the Wildcats giving them fits, the Rebels made it into Kanell’s top 10 this week.

Austin Simmons threw two picks, but Kewan Lacy picked up the slack with 138 rushing yards and one touchdown. Ole Miss will host Arkansas this coming weekend.

11. Oregon

Oregon absolutely whacked Oklahoma State on Saturday. It was funnier considering the verbal sparring between Dan Lanning and MIke Gundy leading up to it, but the Ducks got the last laugh, or laughs, in a 69-3 win.

Kanell likes them in the back end of his top 12 at the moment. The Ducks look dominant and could contend for a second straight Big Ten title.

12. Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets finish out Kanell’s top 12 teams and are the third ACC team on the list. They dominated Gardner-Webb 59-12 on Saturday.

Aaron Philo had 373 yards passing, one touchdown and one pick. Malachi Hosley and Jamal Haynes combined for 192 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.