ESPN shakes up Top 25 Power Rankings after Week 10 of College Football

The calendar has officially turned to November and Week 10 of the college football season is in the books. With that, ESPN has updated and shaken up its Top 25 Power Rankings for the sport.

Week 10 was another week that saw multiple ranked matchups and upsets. So, there’s plenty of reason to expect major changes in the Power Rankings. That includes two new teams entering the Top 10 of the Power Rankings and three teams that were not ranked at all a week ago.

These Power Rankings are a glimpse into the season at a particular moment. This is an important moment, though. The first College Football Playoff rankings are set to come out this week and championship races are heating up. So, every game matters from this point forward.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Before the season began, the Ohio State vs. Penn State game seemed like the matchup of the season. Things went sideways for Penn State, though, and it lost mystique. Still, Penn State is a talented team that hung around for a half before Ohio State pulled away.

In the end, Ohio State is still sitting atop the ESPN Power Rankings. With just four games left, all of which are in the Big Ten, it appears the Buckeyes are heading back to the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. That is, assuming they avoid upsets.

2. Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers have been absolutely dominant this season. That continued over the weekend against Maryland. There, the Hoosiers went on the road and walked out with a 55-10 win. It was their second week in a row winning by at least 45 points.

Indiana, like Ohio State, controls its own destiny in the regular season. Avoid upsets and the Hoosiers will find themselves in the Big Ten Championship Game, looking to have their best season in program history.

3. Texas A&M Aggies

The Texas A&M Aggies had a bye in Week 10. That didn’t hurt them in the ESPN Power Rankings, though. Their position didn’t move from that No. 3 ranking, as they look to continue what’s been a fantastic season into November.

The Aggies are currently the last unbeaten SEC team and one of two SEC teams unbeaten in conference play. That means they control their own destiny. Avoid any future losses, they’ll play in the conference championship and the College Football Playoff.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide got a scare from South Carolina in Week 9 and a bye to reset in Week 10. That hasn’t cost them a spot in these Power Rankings, though. They’re still considered among the best teams in the country as they prepare to take on LSU.

Alabama, like Texas A&M, is unbeaten in SEC play. As a result, they control their own destiny, especially with their tiebreaking win over Georgia. However, a non-conference loss did hurt the Crimson Tide, giving a little less cushion against a late-season collapse.

5. Oregon Ducks (+3)

The Oregon Ducks are the first team to make a major jump in the ESPN Power Rankings, moving up three spots. That’s despite being on a bye week. After quarterback Dante Moore was banged up against Wisconsin in a close win the week before, it’s an interesting move.

Oregon only has one loss on the season, but it’s to Indiana. That, effectively, puts them two games behind the Hoosiers. They also won’t get a chance to take on Ohio State in the regular season. So, Oregon needs some help to repeat as Big Ten Champions.

6. Ole Miss Rebels

Since losing to Georgia, Ole Miss has bounced back well with a pair of wins. That included beating South Carolina on Saturday. That was on an excellent defensive effort, forcing two interceptions and six sacks.

As far as these power rankings go, Ole Miss stood steady. That’s likely saying more about what ESPN thought of the South Carolina team they played than anything else. Still, to win the SEC this season, they’ll need some help to get into the championship game.

7. BYU Cougars (+3)

The BYU Cougars are the last remaining unbeaten team in the Big 12. So, even off a bye week, ESPN has plenty of reason to move them up once again in these power rankings. That’s got them in a great position for the conference championship game and the College Football Playoff.

There is a major challenge ahead, though. In the final four games of the season, BYU will see both Big 12 teams tied for second in the conference. So, they could either take a stranglehold on that race or miss out entirely. That starts this weekend against Texas Tech.

8. Georgia Bulldogs (-3)

The Georgia Bulldogs slipped three spots in the ESPN Power Rankings. That’s despite beating Florida over the weekend. Of course, the problem is how Georgia won the game. It was a closer game than anyone expected and that’s hurt the perception of this year’s team.

Ultimately, Georgia is more focused on getting back to the SEC Championship Game. However, without Texas A&M on the schedule and a loss to Alabama on the books, that’s going to be something they need help with. In the meantime, they have to avoid upsets.

9. Texas Tech Red Raiders (+3)

Texas Tech has been considered one of the top Big 12 teams all season long. Now, after a dominant win over Kansas State, the Red Raiders are moving back up in the Power Rankings. This comes as they prepare for their biggest game of the season.

What the Red Raiders can’t afford to do is lose again. That would be a second conference loss and could throw them into chaos. So, all the more pressure now rests on their shoulders against BYU this weekend.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3)

Notre Dame had a slow start against Boston College over the weekend before pulling away. That would be the Irish’s sixth win in a row. It also pushed them back into the Top 10 of the ESPN Power Rankings.

Perception is so important for the Irish, as they don’t have a conference to win. Where Notre Dame stands is going to be revealed with the new College Football Playoff rankings coming out. In particular, fans will keep an eye on where they compare to a Miami team they lost a close game to in Week 1, who has now slipped way behind in these Power Rankings.

11. Oklahoma Sooners (+8)
12. Virginia Cavaliers (+2)
13. Texas Longhorns (+9)
14. Louisville Cardinals (+2)
15. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-8)
16. Vanderbilt Commodores (-5)
17. Utah Utes (+7)
18. Missouri Tigers
19. Miami Hurricanes (-10)
20. USC Trojans (+5)
21. Michigan Wolverines
22. Memphis Tigers (NR)
23. Tennessee Volunteers (-8)
24. Washington Huskies (NR)
25. Iowa Hawkeyes (NR)