College Football Rankings: Tennessee Nears Top 5, Michigan Has Life

This week was again headlined by Arch Manning, this time getting his first career start. Texas dominated lesser competition and retained their crown of the top team in the nation. Missouri survived quite the scare at home, Kansas State falls to the Mormons, and OU is in trouble after revealing they have no quarterback. Let's take a look and see who the biggest risers and fallers were in this week's TYB Top 25.

By Ryan Galloway | September 23, 2024

Photo by Kennedy Weatherby/The Daily Texan

Top 10

1. Texas Longhorns (4-0, Previous: 1st)

The Horns took care of business in Austin on Saturday, handily defeating the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. Arch Manning had his share of impressive highlights but also demonstrated his humanity with some young quarterback struggles. He finished with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, one of which was a ball tipped off his receiver and into a ULM DB's hands. My big takeaway from this game was how impressive the Texas defense looked, only allowing 111 total yards and 3 points.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, Previous: 2nd)

Georgia was idle this week. They have a date in Tuscaloosa next weekend.

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

Ohio State took care of business at home against Marshall. Quinshon Judkins is going to get PAID next year. Will Howard looked good despite early shakiness. It'll be interesting to see the identity of this offense when they finally face a real team. I'm undecided on if they will be a run-heavy team, or rely more on the pass game. They have the talent for both, but it will depend on Howard's ability to settle in after transferring from K-State last season.

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

Ole Miss put the hurt on Georgia Southern in Oxford. I feel like I say it every week, but man do I love Jaxson Dart. He threw for 382 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Rebels run game also makes me kick my feet. I'm really excited to see what Ole Miss does in conference play, but for now, the Lane Train keeps rolling!

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, Previous: 5th)

Alabama was idle this week. All eyes are on the Tide as they host 2nd-ranked Georgia next week.

6. Tennessee Volunteers (4-0, Previous: 10th)

The Volunteers marched into Norman and flat-out dominated the Sooners. Dylan Sampson rushed for 92 yards. QB Nico Iamaleava was efficient, going 13/21 with a touchdown. The defense, however, crushed Oklahoma. It was bad. Jackson Arnold looked like it was his first time playing football, and the "future of the SEC" was benched for backup Michael Hawkins Jr. who performed better in relief. It'll be interesting to see what OU does at quarterback from here. Arnold was awful, I don't think anyone is sold on Hawkins, and Texas Ex Casey Thompson is sitting on the bench.

Photo by Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

7. Miami Hurricanes (3-0, Previous: 9th)

Miami beat down the team that gave Alabama trouble in Tuscaloosa a couple of weeks back. Cam Ward delivering yet another masterclass, with 404 yards and 3 TDs. I really want to see him play a legitimate opponent, not to take away from USF, but you know. Jordan Lyle also had 104 yards and a touchdown on only 6 carries. This Miami team looks more complete and all-around more competent than in previous years, but we'll have to wait and see.

8. Missouri Tigers (4-0, Previous: 6th)

Hmmm. Missouri escaped at home against Vanderbilt. While the Commodores (2-2) are much better than the embarrassment they have been in the past decade, top teams don't lose to Vanderbilt at home. Brady Cook was fine, and Nate Noel rushed for 199 yards, but man the Tigers' defense left a lot to be desired. Vanderbilt should've won that game. We were a couple of shanked field goals away from having a very different conversation.

9. Oregon Ducks (3-0, Previous: 8th)

Oregon was idle this week. They match up against UCLA on the road next week.

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

So Penn State beat Kent State 56-0 at home this week. And to be honest, they probably shouldn't be dropping in the rankings, but when you look at 2-15, you could argue the top 10 a million different ways. I like the teams ahead of them a bit better, and we'll have a much better feel for all these teams when they start conference play. Side note: Drew Allar knows how to throw a football, logging his second career 300-yard game.

Photo by Mark Selders/Penn State Athletics

Remaining 11-25

11.  Michigan Wolverines (3-1, Previous: 18th)

12.  Utah Utes (4-0, Previous: 12th)

13.  USC Trojans (3-1, Previous: 11th)

14.  LSU Tigers (3-1, Previous: 17th)

15.  Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-1, Previous: 15th)

16.  Louisville Cardinals (3-0, Previous: 19th)

17.  Clemson Tigers (2-1, Previous: 20th)

18.  Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0, Previous: NR)

19.  Iowa State Cyclones (3-0, Previous: 22nd)

20.  Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1, Previous: 13th)

21.  BYU Cougars (4-0, Previous: NR)

22.  Oklahoma Sooners (3-1, Previous: 16th)

23.  Kansas State Wildcats (3-1, Previous: 14th)

24.  Boston College Eagles (3-1, Previous: 24th)

25.  Washington State Cougars (4-0, Previous: NR)