ClutchPoints’ Week 6 2026 College Football Top 25 Power Rankings

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Week 5 of the College Football season has come to an end. This was the first week with many teams being out of action and on open weeks. It was also one of the first weeks without a major shakeup in the Top 10. The top-ranked team to lose was Florida, as Missouri dominated the Gators on the way to a 45-17 victory. This week, just two new teams join the Top 25, as much of the shakeup was found in the middle of the rankings.

Previous Weeks: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3| Week 4| Week 5

1. Texas (-)

Texas has been great this year, with ranked wins over Ohio State and Tennessee. This past week was their first bye week of the season, and it came at a perfect time. Texas will be facing off against Oklahoma in their annual rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. After Oklahoma, Texas will have five straight games against ranked opponents.

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2. Georgia (-)

Georgia just continues to take care of business. This week, the victim was Vanderbilt. Vandy was able to hang around in the first half, scoring late and being down just 21-14. The defense for Georgia took over from there. In the second half, Vanderbilt had the ball just three times, turning it over on downs once, turning it over via an interception once, and then punting. Gunner Stockton went off, throwing for 295 yards and three touchdowns for Georgia. That helped the Bulldogs move to 5-0 with a 38-14 win. They have a massive game next week, as Georgia hits the road to face Alabama.

3. Indiana (-)

Indiana had a little bit of a scare last week facing Northwestern. Now, with Northwestern beating Penn State this past week, the scare does not look nearly as bad. Further, the Hoosiers were back to their dominant selves against Rutgers. Indiana built a 23-0 lead heading into the halftime break, and would extend the lead to 37-0 before Rutgers scored. Josh Hoover was solid, throwing for 251 yards and four scores. Meanwhile, the ground game was dominant. Turbo Richard ran for 204 yards and a score while Lee Beebe Jr. ran for 122 yards and a score. Indiana won the game 47-15. They will hit the road to face an undefeated Nebraska next Saturday.

4. Notre Dame (-)

Notre Dame was down early in the game. Billy Edwards Jr. found Shamar Easter for a touchdown in the first quarter to take the 7-0 lead. Then, CJ Carr found Jordan Faison for a 28-yard touchdown. After an Edwards interception, Carr threw another touchdown pass as Notre Dame put up 14 points in 15 seconds. North Carolina hung around, though. Jaden Jefferson returned the opening kick of the second half for a touchdown, but a missed two-point conversion made it 21-20 for the Irish. Notre Dame then put up 17 straight points, holding on to win the game 37-26. Jordan Faison was a star, bringing in eight receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. The Irish return home next week hosting Stanford, before a date with BYU on the road the next week.

5. Miami (FL) (-)

The Dabo Swinney era at Clemson may be coming to its conclusion, after the Tigers were dominated by Miami. The offense was great for Miami, scoring 17 first-half points and another 24 in the second half, including a touchdown on defense. Meanwhile, the defense was stellar for Miami. They held Clemson to just 350 yards and 55 on the ground. Further, they allowed just one touchdown by Clemson. Mark Fletcher was great, running for 77 yards and two touchdowns, as Miami beat Clemson 41-13. Miami will be off in Week 6, before a home date with Florida State when they return.

6. Ohio State (-)

Jeremiah Smith has put himself not only in the conversation for the best player in college football this year, but also as one of the best receivers in college football of all time. With 11 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns, Smith is now the Ohio State career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. While Smith dominated on offense, the defense against Iowa was also great. They forced a fumble on the first drive, which immediately led to a touchdown. Meanwhile, they held Iowa to just six points in the first half. Overall, Ohio State shut down Iowa’s run game, as they racked up just 39 yards on 21 carries. Ohio State won the game 31-14. Next up for the Buckeyes is a visit from a dreadful Maryland squad.

7. Alabama (-)

Alabama left no doubt against Mississippi State in Week 5. The Tide took an early lead on a Ryan Coleman-Williams touchdown reception and grew the lead with a Dijon Lee Jr. pick-six. Alabama had a 28-17 lead heading into the halftime break. That is when Alabama took over the game. Keelon Russell threw two touchdown passes and shut out Mississippi State in the fourth quarter on the way to a 56-23 win. Russell was a star in the game, passing for 285 yards and three touchdowns, while also running one in on the ground. It is a battle of undefeated SEC rivals next week, as Alabama hosts Georgia.

8. BYU (-)

BYU did not have the best week, but stays at eight in the Top 25 with another win. The Cougars were on the road facing TCU this past week. They scored first in the game, finding the end zone on a Bear Bachmeier touchdown run midway through the second quarter. TCU responded with just 27 seconds left in the first half to be tied at seven heading to the break. BYU added a field goal in the third quarter, and then Bachmeier scored again on a 21-yard run to extend the lead. TCU got it close, but did not have enough time to make the comeback as BYU won the game 17-10. BYU will host Iowa State on Friday night this week.

9. Texas Tech (-)

Texas Tech was dominant against Colorado this past week. Colorado scored on the first drive of the game, but Texas Tech answered with a field goal. Colorado missed a field goal on their next drive, and then the offense died out. From there, Colorado had just 236 yards of offense, and their quarterbacks threw four interceptions. The poor offensive showing led to Colorado fans chanting for Coach Prime to be fired. Meanwhile, Will Hammond threw for just 134 yards and a touchdown, but it was enough as Texas Tech won 29-7. The Red Raiders will be off in Week 6 and then host Arizona State the next week.

10. Utah (-)

A third straight team from the Big 12 rounds out the Top 10. Utah has been great all year. So far this season, they are 4-0, have scored 43.25 points per game, and are giving up just 10.25 points per game. Utah looks the part of a conference contender, but has not faced a major team yet. Iowa State has been the toughest opponent. They were off this week and will host Kansas next week. The path to the Big 12 championship has a huge matchup to start November, as they will host BYU on November 7.

11. Ole Miss (+1)

Ole Miss is the first team to move up in the rankings, but that is just because of a loss in front of them. The SEC standings are all jumbled as teams keep beating each other, outside of Alabama and Georgia. Ole Miss had a week off to get healthy after losing to Florida last time out. They are 3-1 on the year, with wins over Louisville and LSU. The Rebels are hopeful to get Kewan Lacy back after he missed the game against Florida. They will visit Vanderbilt this week on Saturday.

12. LSU (+1)

LSU moved to 4-1 on the year after a dominating Week 5. The Tigers faced off with McNeese on Saturday, putting up 731 yards of offense on the way to a 63-14 win. Sam Leavitt completed 18 of 23 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns, although he was intercepted once. Meanwhile, Harlem Berry and Stacy Gage combined for 21 carries for 235 yards and three touchdowns. The defense held McNeese to just six first downs, and one for 12 on third down in the 63-14 victory. LSU has a slightly more difficult test next week, as they will visit Kentucky.

13. Tennessee (+3)

Tennessee is now 4-1 on the year and rebounded from their loss to Texas the week before. The Vols hosted Auburn in Week 5. It was a punting festival to open the game. The first eight drives of the game resulted in a combined 30 yards and eight punts before Tennessee scored on a field goal in the second quarter. Auburn would fumble on the next drive, but Tennessee gave it right back on a fumble. Faizon Brandon was intercepted late in the second quarter, leading to an Auburn touchdown and a 7-3 Auburn lead heading into halftime. Brandon would be benched after going three for eight for zero yards and an interception. George MacIntyre led Tennessee on a touchdown drive to open the second half, and then an interception led to Tennessee points right after that. Auburn would keep it tight, but Tennessee would go on to win 24-14. The Volunteers visit Arkansas next week.

14. Oregon (+3)

Oregon jumps up three spots as teams in front of them fall. The Ducks are 4-1 on the year, with wins over Boise State, Portland State, and USC. The loss was on the road to Oklahoma State by eight points. It is also a loss that is not looking nearly as bad as it did at the time. The Ducks were off this past week, which gives Dante Moore a chance to recover from the concussion he received against USC. If Moore is not able to go, it will be Dylan Raiola who will make the start when Oregon hosts UCLA this upcoming week.

15. Florida (-4)

Florida drops in the rankings after suffering their first loss of the season. A week after upsetting Ole Miss at home, they hit the road to face Missouri. It was nothing short of a disaster for Florida. Jadan Baugh came in as the top running back in the nation and a possible contender for the Heisman Trophy. He ran the ball 12 times, but managed just 13 yards. He also had three receptions for 17 yards. Meanwhile, the defense allowed 560 yards from Missouri on the way to a 45-17 loss. Florida will be looking for a get-right game next week at home against South Carolina. The get-right needs to happen quickly, with the next two games being a road trip to Texas and a home game against Georgia.

16. Mississippi State (-1)

The health of Kamario Taylor will be of the utmost concern for Mississippi State. After dealing with an injury in Week 4, he left the game early against Alabama and is now considered day-to-day. Taylor completed 19 of 34 passes with three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. He was not the only major injury for Mississippi State. Fluff Bothwell was injured in the first quarter, running just once for one yard. There was a bright spot in the loss to Alabama, as Anthony Evans III hauled in 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The open week comes at a perfect time for Mississippi State. They will be off this upcoming week, giving them a chance to get healthy before visiting LSU on October 17.

17. Missouri (+9)

Missouri makes the big jump in the Top 25 after rebounding from a loss. The Tigers opened up SEC play with a 31-24 loss on the road to Mississippi State. They returned home to face Florida this past week. Austin Simmons and Jamal Roberts put on a show for the Tigers. Simmons completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Roberts ran the ball 24 times for 211 yards and three scores. The Missouri defense was solid, holding Florida ot just 42 yards on the ground. Missouri hosts Texas A&M this upcoming week with a chance to move to 5-1.

18. Iowa (-4)

Iowa drops in the Top 25 after their first loss of the year. The Hawkeyes kept the game against Ohio State tight early, despite turning the ball over on the first drive of the game. They were down just 17-6 going into the halftime break, after they gave up a touchdown to Jeremiah Smith with just 12 seconds left in the half. Smith would add a 57-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. On the next drive, an interception from Iowa led to more points for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes won 31-14. Iowa returns to the field on Friday night, visiting Washington.

19. USC (-)

USC and Washington both enter their game this week needing a win. Washington looked good early, holding a 14-10 lead heading into the halftime break. They would then score on their first possession of the third quarter to extend the lead. Jayden Maiava found Tanook Hines for a touchdown in the third, but missed on the two-point conversion. Then, Jahkeem Stewart picked up a fumble, returning it 48 yards for the touchdown. They once again went for two and missed, leading just 22-21. Still, the defense held on as USC won the game 25-21. The 5-1 Trojans hit the road next week, visiting Penn State.

20. Kentucky (-)

Kentucky started the game against South Carolina slowly, but it did not stop them from making the comeback. South Carolina scored 17 straight points to open the game. With 2:37 left in the first half, CJ Baxter found the end zone. They would then force a quick punt and hit a field goal. Still, Kentucky allowed South Carolina to hit a field goal before the end of the half, as the Wildcats trailed 20-10. Kentucky scored twice in the third quarter to take the lead, but LaNorris Sellers led South Carolina to a touchdown to take the lead back in the fourth quarter. Kentucky tied the game and forced overtime. In overtime, South Carolina scored first. Kenny Minchey found Henry Boyer to answer. Then, Kentucky coach Will Stein decided to go for two and the win. Minchey found Willie Rodriguez for the two-point conversion as Kentucky won 35-34.

21. Oklahoma State (-)

The loss in Week 1 of the season for Oklahoma State against Tulsa has long been forgotten. Since the loss, Oklahoma State has defeated Oregon, Murray State, and West Virginia, moving to 3-1. They were off in Week 5, and will come home to face UCF next week. With just two games left against ranked opponents, including a fixture with Texas Tech, the Cowboys could make a run in the Big 12.

22. North Dakota State (-)

North Dakota State is a legitimate playoff contender this year, their first at the FBS level. They moved to 5-0 on the season after beating Wyoming. Nathan Hayes was great in the game. He completed just 14 of 25 passes for 185 yards, but also showed off with his legs. He ran for 79 yards and two touchdowns against Wyoming. North Dakota State put up 407 yards of offense, while holding Wyoming to just 162 total yards. North Dakota State will visit a struggling UNLV next week, and without another ranked opponent on the schedule, they could be on the way to an undefeated season.

23. Pitt (+3)

Pat Narduzzi was not happy that Pitt was not ranked after starting 4-0. They are now 5-0 and should be ranked this week. Virginia Tech took a 24-14 lead over Pitt late in the first half, but Mason Heintschel drove the field to make it 24-21 at the end of the first half. Pitt would take the lead on a Damon Ferguson Jr. touchdown run in the third quarter, but Heintschel left the game with an injury in the third quarter. It is a torn ACL that will cost the quarterback the rest of the season. Pitt would still score another touchdown, with backup Holden Geriner throwing a touchdown pass. Virginia Tech made it a 35-33 game in the fourth quarter. On the last drive of the game, the Hokies drove the field. They attempted a 36-yard field goal as time expired, but it missed, leading to the Pitt victory. Pitt will host North Carolina next week.

24. Nebraska (-)

The last time Nebraska was 5-0 was in 2016. They are 5-0 once again. The first quarter was not good for the Nebraska defense, as they were down 16-7 against Maryland. Still, they were able to put up points in the second quarter, as they led 28-23 at the end of the first half. The defense was dominant in the second half. They forced four punts and a turnover on downs in the second half, as Nebraska went on to win 48-23. Nebraska has won all five games by 17 or more points. It is the first time they have done that since 2001. They would go on to lose to Miami in the national championship that year. If Nebraska wants to repeat history, they will need to upset Indiana at home next week.

25. Boise State (-)

Boise State has continued to look great. After losing to Oregon by seven points to open the season, they have won four straight. This past week, the victim was Utah State. Maddux Madsen completed 17 of 21 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Meanwhile, Dylan Riley ran for 93 yards and two scores as Boise State beat Utah State 37-18. They visit Fresno State next week.

Joining the Top 25: Missouri, Pitt

Dropped from the Top 25: Michigan, Virginia Tech

Just Missed Out: Houston, SMU, UCLA

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