College Football Rankings: Joel Klatt releases updated Top 15 after Week 13

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt released his latest Top 15 college football teams after Week 13. There was some movement ahead of rivalry week.

Some teams made some statements and this is actually a decent look at a potential playoff field. Not the entire thing of course, but a good amount of Klatt’s top 15 could compete for a national title.

So as we get into one of the best weekends of the year, let’s dive into Klatt’s Top 15. We start at the top!

1. Ohio State

The Buckeyes are the top team in the sport according to Klatt. Ohio State is 11-0 and will head to Ann Arbor for “The Game.”

A spot in the Big Ten Championship Game is on the line as well as bragging rights, again. Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell State, Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese will do whatever it takes to win this one. A win here practically cements a top two seed in the CFP.

2. Indiana

Klatt has Indiana right behind Ohio State going into the final week. The Hoosiers had a week off and will take on rival Purdue this weekend.

They’ve already clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff, we think. IU still has to win to get to Indianapolis, but Curt Cignetti and crew should finish 12-0.

3. Georgia

The Bulldogs remained in the No. 3 spot for Klatt’s rankings this week. Georgia Tech looks more vulnerable now, but this is a must-see rivalry game this weekend.

Georgia, if they keep chugging along, are going to be a scary team in the CFP. You don’t want to play Kirby Smart in crunch time at this point.

4. Texas A&M

The Aggies won a non-conference tilt over the weekend and are 11-0. Now, Klatt’s No. 4 team will take on Texas in a pivotal game in the SEC and for the College Football Playoff.

Texas A&M losing this game could shakeup the CFP big time. But a win clinches an undefeated regular season and probably makes Mike Elko’s crew a favorite in the SEC Championship.

5. Oregon (+1)

Oregon moved up a spot in Klatt’s rankings this week after beating a ranked USC team at home. In an old school Pac-12 now Big Ten matchup, Oregon proved itself worthy of the CFP once again.

Dante Moore threw for 257 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while Noah Whittington had 104 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Ducks are now 10-1 and still have an outside shot at the Big Ten title game.

6. Texas Tech (-1)

Texas Tech moved down a spot in Klatt’s rankings, only due to Oregon moving up. The Red Raiders have a head to head win over BYU, which helps in the Big 12 standings.

At 10-1, Texas Tech looks like a College Football Playoff team right now. They’ll end the season at West Virginia this weekend.

7. Ole Miss

Ole Miss also had a week off and the Lane Kiffin drama just keeps intensifying. The Rebels will end with the Egg Bowl on Friday as they await their coach’s decision, as well as their CFP fate.

A win will get this talented team to 11-1, maybe into the SEC Championship Game and most likely into the bracket. Maybe they’ll even move up Klatt’s rankings next week.

8. Notre Dame (+1)

Notre Dame moved up one spot in Klatt’s rankings this week, vaulting Oklahoma. Hard not to push them up, considering the 70-7 win over Syracuse.

Heck, the Irish led 21-0 before their offense took the field for their first snap of the game! Marcus Freeman and crew have won nine in a row and one more win should lock up a playoff spot. 

9. Oklahoma (-1)

Speaking of the Sooners, they battled their way to a gritty win over Missouri. It wasn’t pretty, but Oklahoma is 9-2 on the season and in a good spot, despite moving down a peg in Klatt’s rankings.

John Mateer only threw for 173 yards, but tossed two touchdowns and led the team in rushing with 60 yards on the ground. Isaiah Sategna added 109 yards and a touchdown Saturday.

10. Alabama

Alabama dominated Eastern Illinois, so there was no movement in Klatt’s rankings this week. The Crimson Tide have to win their way into the SEC Championship Game by beating AUburn this week.

A lot is on the line in the Iron Bowl as they look to return to the College Football Playoff and get there for the first time under Kalen DeBoer. If they’re a national title threat, it has to start with Heisman contender Ty Simpson and a more balanced offensive attack, starting this weekend.

11. BYU
12. Michigan (+3)
13. Texas (+1)
14. Miami (NR)
15. Vanderbilt (NR)