Undefeated college football teams: Ranking 9 remaining from worst to best

College football is starting to get serious as the season moves toward Week 7, and several national title contenders are no longer undefeated. Many fans expected the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns to run the table before the College Football Playoff, but that hasn’t been the case.

Georgia maintained its perfect record on Saturday with a monster victory over Alabama. Meanwhile, Indiana and UCLA boosted their Big Ten resume with important road wins against Nebraska and Oregon, respectively.

Out of all the major conferences, the Big 12 actually features the most remaining unbeatens with three. BYU, Texas Tech and Utah are all making strong cases for this season’s playoff.

Here are the final 9 undefeated teams entering Week 7 and how they compare.

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Who’s the top remaining undefeated team?

9. James Madison Dukes

James Madison Dukes wide receiver Jaylan Sanchez (0) runs after making a catch as Oregon Ducks defensive back Ify Obidegwu (7) defends during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Dukes reached the 2025 CFP, and it’s certainly a possibility once again in 2026 after another perfect start. The Sun Belt doesn’t have a lot of strength at the top of the conference, which gives James Madison a solid shot at making some noise throughout the regular season.

8. UCLA Bruins

UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Bruins’ massive victory in Oregon will propel them up the next AP Top 25 rankings. However, Nico Iamaleava’s status is seriously in question after sustaining a lower-body injury and receiving a brutal smack to the face on Saturday.

7. Utah Utes

Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) stiff-arms Iowa State Cyclones safety Duhron Goodman (21) during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

It’s tough to know what kind of team Utah really has in light of a soft schedule through six weeks. We’re about to learn if the Utes are capable of disrupting the college football landscape when they take on Houston and BYU over the next four games.

6. Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti during the Indiana versus Northwestern football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Indiana might not have the same prolific offense that it did with Fernando Mendoza last season, but the good news for the Hoosiers is their defense holds up against anyone. Next week’s test against Ohio State will really prove that theory, but if they win, they’re right back in the national championship mix.

5. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Quinten Joyner (0) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Matt Ludwig (5) in the fourth quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Red Raiders have one of the easiest schedules of any remaining undefeated team, which bodes well for their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the combination of Quinten Joyner and J’Koby Williams has become an elite running duo for Texas Tech’s offense.

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4. BYU Cougars

BYU Cougars defensive tackle Anisi Purcell (94) celebrates a second half sack with defensive end Hunter Clegg (90) and defensive tackle Viliami Po’uha (45) during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Big 12 program has the chance to announce its arrival in Week 7. BYU’s showdown with Notre Dame on Saturday will solidify one team’s high ranking in the next AP Top 25 poll.

The good news for the Cougars is that even if they lose, they still face ranked rival Utah later in the season. The 2026 version of the Holy War could have significant postseason implications for both Utah-based schools.

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) celebrates with offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp (54) after a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

CJ Carr and Co. are blowing teams out this season, but we’re about to learn how good the Fighting Irish truly are. Notre Dame faces three ranked teams over the next month, including tough battles with BYU, Miami and SMU.

There’s a good chance that head coach Marcus Freeman needs to pick up at least two wins during those ranked matchups in order to secure a CFP spot. Last season, Notre Dame was one of the first teams left out.

2. Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Miami’s offense looks even more dangerous than the team they fielded a season ago, and that one went to the CFP National Championship Game. Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney are as good of a connection in the passing game as anywhere in the country.

Barring a major slipup during ACC play, the Hurricanes should cruise into the 12-team playoff before making another run at a title.

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1. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Hezekiah Millender (19) and quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) warms up before the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Saturday’s signature win over Alabama confirmed everything Georgia fans already knew about their squad. Kirby Smart’s group is poised for another national championship push behind an elite defense and Gunner Stockton’s clean play at quarterback.

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