ESPN releases updated FPI Top 25 rankings after Week 12 of college football

In the fallout of another exciting week of college football action, ESPN has overhauled its FPI rankings. Week 12 brought with it no shortage of high profile matchups and star-making performances.

Keep in mind, the Football Power Index (FPI) is a tool ESPN uses to measure team strength as the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season. These rankings are the projected results based on 20,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, as well as results to date, and each team’s remaining schedule.

That being said, here’s how ESPN’s FPI shook up after Week 12. Did your team make the list?

1. Ohio State

The Buckeyes took care of business, again, and stayed atop of the FPI this week. This time, Ohio State dominated UCLA 48-10 where everyone got involved.

Next up is Rutgers, so they’ll be heavily favored again. Realistically, Ryan Day and crew will be 11-0 before going to Ann Arbor for the final game of the regular season.

2. Indiana

Indiana didn’t want to fall victim to another Wisconsin upset and they beat the Badgers 31-7 to get to 11-0 for the first time. They’re neck and neck with Ohio State for the top spot in the FPI.

Fernando Mendoza continued his Heisman campaign with 299 yards on 22-of-24 passing and tossed four touchdowns. Charlie Becker had five catches for 108 yards and a score.

3. Oregon

The Ducks used Friday night to get a head start on the weekend! Oregon dominated Minnesota 42-13 to improve to 9-1 and keep pace at the top of the FPI and Big Ten.

Dante Moore had 306 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Whittington added 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

4. Georgia (+2)

Georgia moved up two spots in the FPI with a home win over Texas, dominating the Longhorns. That’s right, the SEC title is still a possibility.

Gunner Stockton had 229 yards and four touchdowns, despite throwing a pick. He also had a rushing touchdown!

5. Notre Dame

Notre Dame won its eighth game in a row, beating Pitt 37-15 on the road. How’s that for a convincing win?

CJ Carr was picked off twice, but threw for 212 yards and ran for another. Jeremiyah Love was the man, once again, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown.

6. Alabama (-2)

Alabama stayed in the FPI top 10 this week, despite the loss to Oklahoma at home. It was Kalen DeBoer’s first home loss in nearly two years, so you have to go back to his Washington days to find that!

Too many inconsistencies plagued the Crimson Tide, as well as an early pick six thrown by Ty Simpson. They’re not out of the SEC or CFP race, but this loss hurts.

7. Utah (+2)

Utah is quietly making a case for themselves as we get closer to the College Football Playoff. They moved up two spots in ESPN’s FPI rankings and improved to 8-2 with a 55-28 win over Baylor.

Devon Dampier didn’t have to do much: 80 yards passing and two touchdowns. Byrd Ficklin and Wayshawn Parker combined for 295 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while NaQuari Rogers added two scores.

8. Texas Tech (+3)

The Red Raiders continued their domination, beating down UCF 48-9 at home Saturday. They built a 38-2 halftime lead and did not look back.

With that, Texas Tech is back in the top 10 of the FPI this week. Cameron Dickey and Reggie Virgil combined for 112 yards and four touchdowns. The defense forced two turnovers.

9. Texas A&M (-2)

The Aggies dropped two spots in the FPI but remained undefeated, getting to 10-0 on the season following an epic comeback. Texas A&M beat South Carolina 31-30 at home after trailing 30-3 at halftime.

Marcel Reed turned on the jets in the second half and finished the day with 439 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. They just need a win next week and they’ll lock up an SEC title game berth.

10. USC

USC is still lurking boys and girls, so don’t forget about the Trojans. A motivated Iowa team was shutout by this USC defense in the second half as Lincoln Riley and crew won 26-21.

Now at 8-2 and in the top 10 of the FPI, USC can make a College Football Playoff push. Jayden Maiava might be the guy to lead them as he threw for 254 yards and a touchdown.

ESPN updates FPI Top 25 after Week 12

11. Miami (+2)
12. Texas (-4)
13. Ole Miss (-1)
14. BYU (+1)
15. Oklahoma
16. Tennessee (-2)
17. Vanderbilt (-1)
18. Michigan
19. Missouri (+1)
20. Penn State (+1)
21. Iowa (-2)
22. LSU
23. Washington (+3)
24. Auburn
25. SMU (-2)