ESPN shakes up FPI Top 25 rankings after wild Week 5 of college football

ESPN shook up its FPI Top 25 rankings after a wild Week 5 of college football and there were some massive changes. Some teams established themselves as true contenders while others faltered a bit this week.

But, it’s only the beginning of the second third of the season so there’s plenty more football to come. There were two primetime games to watch out for and both games lived up to the hype in the Big Ten and SEC.

So without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s latest FPI rankings. We start at the top.

1. Oregon

An epic showing in Happy Valley as Oregon remained undefeated and in the top spot in the FPI. The Ducks took down Penn State 30-24 in double overtime.

Dan Lanning’s crew nearly blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, but battled back to take it. Questions remain for Penn State, but the Ducks are certainly a national championship contender again.

2. Ohio State

It was gritty early on, but the Buckeyes eventually wore down Washington on the road. Ohio State remained in the second spot in the FPI this week.

Ohio State does not play Oregon this season, just Penn State. But with the way things are lining up, maybe we get that matchup in the Big Ten Championship.

3. Alabama

It was over for Alabama after one week, remember? The Crimson Tide just beat Georgia 24-21 on the road Saturday to get to 3-1. 

So yeah, Kalen DeBoer quickly turned things around. Alabama remained in the top three of the FPI and shook up the SEC in 2025 after it looked like they would have to play catch up.

4. Texas (+1)

Texas moved up one spot in the FPI in a bye week by virtue of other movement. After beating down Sam Houston State last week, the Longhorns went into an off week feeling a little bit better about the offense.

Next up is Florida on the road next weekend. Texas went into the weekend ranked top 10 in the AP Poll as well, so they could keep climbing before Red River.

5. Indiana (+1)

Indiana absolutely blasted Illinois last week but had a tough time against Iowa. The Hoosiers still came away with the win, 20-15, outscoring the Hawkeyes 10-5 in the fourth quarter.

If this game is any indication, the Hoosiers are the current third best team in the Big Ten. They do have Penn State in November, so that’ll be the tell tale sign. But Curt Cignetti’s crew is for real.

6. Notre Dame (+7)

Notre Dame returned to the top 10 of the FPI this week following a 56-13 win over Arkansas. The Razorbacks have been struggling this season, but the Fighting Irish made a statement.

Since losing two straight games to Miami and Texas A&M, Notre Dame has gotten back to .500. They probably need eight more in a row to make the CFP, but this is a good start.

7. Georgia (-3)

Georgia dropped three spots in the FPI this weekend following the aforementioned 24-21 loss to Alabama. A similar situation to last year, according to Kirby Smart.

The Bulldogs no longer have the head to head against Alabama, but are by no means out of the SEC race. There are still eight games left! But this one stings.

8. Ole Miss (-1)

How about Ole Miss getting to 5-0, beating LSU at home and dropping a spot in the FPI?! Lane Kiffin and crew might pull a Rodney Dangerfield and say they’re not getting “no respect.”

Still, this was massive for the Rebels. Trinidad Chambliss showed out again at QB and Ole Miss is suddenly a player for the SEC!

9. Miami (+2)

Miami moved up two spots in the FPI despite having a bye week. The Hurricanes last beat Florida at home and will travel to Florida State next weekend.

Miami could essentially put Florida State out of it, or at least make it really difficult, for the College Football Playoff picture with a win. The ACC is the Hurricanes’ to lose.

10. USC (-2)

The Trojans suffered their first loss of the season, a 34-32 thriller to Illinois on the road. USC fell two spots in the FPI and funny enough, the Illini aren’t in the top 25 this week.

USC certainly has the offense, but the defense was gashed a bit against Illinois. They’ll have to go back to the drawing board this week.

ESPN shakes up FPI Top 25 after Week 5

11. Penn State (-1)
12. Michigan
13. Tennessee (-4)
14. Vanderbilt (+1)
15. Oklahoma (+2)
16. Texas A&M
17. Missouri (-3)
18. BYU
19. LSU
20. Texas Tech
21. Nebraska
22. Utah (+6)
23. Auburn
24. Florida State (-2)
25. TCU (+1)