CFB: Top 25 Heading Into Week 3

Now it all starts to get a bit more interesting! Let's review this week's biggest risers, and see who could be on their way out of the nation's premier college football rankings.

Remember what we said last week about Boston College...

By Ryan Galloway | September 9, 2024

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Top 10

1. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0, Previous: 1st)

The Bulldogs did what they were supposed to do and completely dominated Tennessee Tech. Carson Beck looked outstanding. I’m not going to give too many flowers for their victory over such lesser competition, but there is no reason for Georgia to lose their top spot.

2. Texas Longhorns (2-0, Previous: 3rd)

So Texas and Quinn Ewers walked into the Big House and absolutely killed the defending national champions. Yes, Michigan lost A LOT of talent and coaching to the NFL, but this team bore zero resemblance to the squad that went 15-0 a year ago. Texas was commanding on both sides of the ball, Ewers had a masterclass, and Isaiah Bond was phenomenal. This team is not only a contender, but I would argue they are 1B to Georgia, and we get to see who deserves the 1 spot in a few weeks.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0, Previous: 2nd)

The Buckeyes killed Western Michigan at home. They did what they were supposed to do against a weak opponent, but I’m giving the nod to Texas to leapfrog them here. Ohio State doesn’t have much of an opportunity until October to prove themselves, but I won’t punish them too harshly.

4. Ole Miss Rebels (2-0, Previous: 5th)

The Rebels took care of business. They move up. The run game is glorious and Jaxon Dart is great. I cannot wait to see Ole Miss play against a legitimate opponent, look for Ole Miss to provide pure entertainment every Saturday and win a lot of games in the process.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0, Previous: 4th)

Oh boy. The Tide has a USF problem. The Bulls were not only competitive, but they also had a great chance to lead late. Ultimately, it was no surprise the Tide turned it up at the end and outlasted. Depth and skill can only be battled against for so long. I’m more concerned about the way USF competed with Bama. They had an alarming amount of success running the football and stopping the Tide offense. This is an early season red flag and we will have to see if Coach Deboer can remedy many of the weak points we saw get exposed yesterday.

Photo by Gary Cosby Jr./Imagn Images

6. Missouri Tigers (2-0, Previous: 9th)

Hello Tigers. You’re doing what you’re supposed to do. First real challenge against Tommy Touchdowns and Boston College next week. Missouri looks good, but this high-ranking is

more of a result of the teams ahead of them looking miserable or losing.

7. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0, Previous: 4th)

The Nittany Lions survived a scare against Bowling Green this week. Penn State’s defense had a rough afternoon, allowing scores on 4 of BG’s first 5 drives. Penn State recovered, ran the ball well in the second half, and escaped with the win.

8. Utah Utes (2-0, Previous: 11th)

Beating Baylor, especially at home, is not the biggest accomplishment in the world. Cam Rising left the game with another injury and Utah did not score again after that. Alarming, but Rising’s injury is said to not be serious, and I believe the Utes are a top-10 team if he can go.

9. Oregon Ducks (2-0, Previous: 6th)

Fine, you can be here. Boise State is a pretty good team. But close wins at home to lesser opponents in back-to-back weeks is a tough look.

10.  Miami Hurricanes (2-0, Previous: 14th)

Cam Ward is a good player. The jury is still out on Miami, but they look to be a top-ranked team as a result of an easy early schedule. We’ll see how they fare later.

Photo by Associated Press

Remaining 11-25

11.  USC Trojans (2-0, Previous: 21st)

12.  Tennessee Volunteers (2-0, Previous: NR)

13.  Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0, Previous: 15th)

14.  Kansas State Wildcats (2-0, Previous: 18th)

15.  Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-1, Previous: 7th)

16.  Oklahoma Sooners (2-0, Previous: 13th)

17.  LSU Tigers (1-1, Previous: 16th)

18.  Michigan Wolverines (1-1, Previous: 10th)

19.  Arizona Wildcats (2-0, Previous: 20th)

20.  Clemson Tigers (1-1, Previous: 17th)

21.  Louisville Cardinals (2-0, Previous: 23rd)

22.  Iowa State Cyclones (2-0, Previous: NR)

23.  Boston College Eagles (2-0, Previous: NR)

24.  Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0, Previous: NR)

25.  Syracuse Orange (2-0, Previous: NR)