Power Rankings: Who Rises and Falls After a Wild Rivalry Week?
Rivalry Week delivered exactly what college football fans crave: drama, surprises, and season-defining moments. From shocking upsets to dominant performances, the final week of the regular season shook up the landscape as teams jockeyed for playoff positioning. Let’s dive into the latest Power Rankings and see how the chaos impacted the top 25.
No. 1 Oregon Ducks
Previous ranking: 1
The Ducks (12-0) capped off their undefeated regular season in style, dismantling Washington 49-21. Oregon’s defense was relentless, racking up 10 sacks, while the offense cruised behind five rushing touchdowns and zero sacks allowed. The offensive line, which struggled early in the season, has been a revelation since moving Iapani Laloulu to center. With the Big Ten title game and College Football Playoff looming, Oregon looks like the team to beat. — Paolo Uggetti
No. 2 Texas Longhorns
Previous ranking: 3
Texas (11-1) showcased its defensive dominance in a 17-7 win over Texas A&M, holding the Aggies to their lowest home point total since 2002. The Longhorns lead the FBS in yards per play allowed and yards per pass attempt, a stark improvement from last year’s 116th-ranked pass defense. With a power running game that churned out 243 yards, Texas controlled the game from start to finish. — Dave Wilson
No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous ranking: 4
Notre Dame (11-1) punched its playoff ticket with a 49-35 win over USC. Since a shocking Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois, the Irish have outscored opponents 441-134. Their rushing attack, led by Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, has been unstoppable, surpassing 200 yards in five straight games. The Irish are peaking at the perfect time. — Uggetti
No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions
Previous ranking: 5
Penn State (11-1) enters the Big Ten title game with momentum after a 44-7 rout of Maryland. Tight end Tyler Warren has been a revelation, leading all Power 4 tight ends with 81 receptions and 978 yards. His versatility has been a game-changer for the Nittany Lions. — Jake Trotter
No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs
No. 5 Previous ranking: 6
Georgia (10-2) is back in the CFP mix, but this year’s team has been defined by its struggles on defense. The Bulldogs rank ninth in the SEC in run defense and seventh in scoring defense, a far cry from their championship-winning units of 2021 and 2022. They’ll need to tighten up before facing Texas in the SEC title game. — Mark Schlabach
No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes
No. 6 Previous ranking: 2
Ohio State (10-2) suffered a crushing 13-10 loss to Michigan, ending its Big Ten title hopes. Freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith has been a bright spot, breaking Cris Carter’s freshman records with 57 catches for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, the Buckeyes’ second-half offensive struggles against Michigan raise questions heading into the postseason. — Trotter
Key Takeaways from Rivalry Week
- Biggest Surprise: Arizona State, picked to finish last in the Big 12, is now playing for the conference title.
- Defensive Dominance: Texas and Tennessee have leaned on their defenses to secure playoff spots.
- Playoff Picture: Oregon, Notre Dame, and Penn State are surging, while Ohio State and Miami face uncertainty.
As the regular season concludes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With conference championships and playoff berths on the line, the next few weeks promise even more excitement. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!
Originally Written by: Paolo Uggetti
