by Wayne Root
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026Chaos hasn't quite stormed the field this season, but at least we're seeing changes at the top of the sport with some competitive games.
Texas' miraculous, fourth-quarter comeback against Ohio State was memorable and inexplicable, but not shocking. Ohio State controlled the game for most of the night, Texas displayed its elite talent when it mattered most and get the top award this week becoming ranked number 1.
I remember last year that the early polls and rankings did not resemble anything by the end of college football. I’m thinking preseason unranked Indiana U.
Without further ado, let's jump straight into this week's power rankings.
1. Texas
On Sept. 12, Texas might already have the win of the season. Down 20-3 in the second half, the Longhorns found a way to come back and beat Ohio State. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium was sent into a frenzy. Now, they are the No. 1-ranked team in college football per the Coaches Poll. One more nonconference game remains for Texas before turning to a difficult SEC schedule. Big opportunities ahead on the 40 Acres.The Longhorns became the first team to come back from a 20-point deficit to defeat the AP's No. 1-ranked team in 30 years. After a good game, a historic comeback and the best win of the season, Texas deserves the top spot.
2. Georgia
As is often the case when top-tier teams play Group of Six squads, Georgia made light work of the Hilltoppers in a game that will do wonders for Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton’s Heisman Trophy campaign. And he put up some Tecmo Bowl stats: completed 13-of-16 passes for 234 yards with five passing touchdowns. So, we are still waiting to see UGA get tested this season. Thankfully, the schedule begins to ramp up for the Bulldogs. SEC play will begin on Saturday, starting with a trip to Fayetteville.
3. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish led their Group of Six opponent, 42-0, at halftime, and quarterback CJ Carr had his way against an Owls team that doesn’t represent the kind of competition we’d expect to test Notre Dame. Carr's stat line — 16-of-20 completed passes for 253 yards with four touchdowns — is indicative of how easy beating Rice was for him and this team. The Irish defense also forced four turnovers all coming off fumbles. Next on the schedule is Michigan State, marking Notre Dame’s second Big Ten opponent so far — who were picked 12th and 16th out of 18 teams in the Big Ten preseason poll.
4. Indiana
The Hoosiers performed exactly as they should against a private HBCU to which they guaranteed $525,000 for visiting Bloomington. Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker caught three passes, and all three went for touchdowns. This happened alongside Hoosiers running backs Leo Beebe, Jr. and Turbo Richard each rushing for more than 100 yards. Indiana hosts Western Kentucky next week, which should be another blowout.
5. Miami
Pad the stats, Miami. Putting up a school record of 856 offensive yards against an HBCU program you paid $760,000 — including $40,000 to The Marching 100 — to travel eight hours south isn’t as impressive as Canes fans would like to think. But, sure, go off. Miami goes to Wake Forest next week for their second conference road game in 15 days.
6. Ohio St
Ohio State blowing a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter was not on anyones bingo card. However, the loss doesn’t take away from the Buckeyes being National Title contenders, Big Ten contenders, or any of that. Before losing to Texas, the Buckeyes had won 115 consecutive games when leading by 20 points or more. Prior to this game, the last team to come back and win against the Buckeyes while down 20 points was 2011 Nebraska. But hey, best loss of anyone so far.
7. LSU
The Tigers committed four turnovers in the first half. Three of those were interceptions thrown by quarterback Sam Leavitt, and the Bulldogs were in a 10-7 rock fight with the Tigers, despite Louisiana Tech accruing zero — yes, zero — total yards in the first half. LSU goes to Ole Miss, where Kiffin spent 2020-2025. It’s going to be one of the biggest games of the year and LSU won’t survive if they lose the turnover battle.
8. USC
USC is the Big Ten's only Week 2 top-10 team that played like one. Neither the offense nor the defense gave an inch to Louisiana, and Riley’s Trojans continue to look formidable. USC put up a season-high 49 points in Week 2 as Jayden Maiava came back down to Earth...a little. Maiava did throw his first interception of the season and go 19-of-29 passing (65.5%), which was by far the lowest mark of the season — but he also threw five touchdowns and 261 yards. Next, the Trojans travel across the country for an afternoon game at an inept 0-2 Rutgers.
9. Texas A&M
Unlike some in the top 10, the Aggies hosted a Sun Devils program that could’ve given them a game — and did. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko will take a hard look at his secondary after it allowed Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris to make nine catches for 189 yards with two touchdowns. Next, the Trojans travel across the country for an afternoon game at 0-2 Rutgers.
10. Ole Miss
Charlotte is in a tailspin of its own. The Niners haven’t beaten an FBS program since 2024 and haven't beaten a Power Four one since 2021. Ole Miss beating Charlotte was less a win and more of a formality. Next up, Ole Miss hosts Lane Kiffin and LSU for the game of the week! The winner will have an inside track to be on the three or four teams in the SEC to make the College Football Playoff.
1. Texas
On Sept. 12, Texas might already have the win of the season. Down 20-3 in the second half, the Longhorns found a way to come back and beat Ohio State. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium was sent into a frenzy. Now, they are the No. 1-ranked team in college football per the Coaches Poll. One more nonconference game remains for Texas before turning to a difficult SEC schedule. Big opportunities ahead on the 40 Acres.The Longhorns became the first team to come back from a 20-point deficit to defeat the AP's No. 1-ranked team in 30 years. After a good game, a historic comeback and the best win of the season, Texas deserves the top spot.
2. Georgia
As is often the case when top-tier teams play Group of Six squads, Georgia made light work of the Hilltoppers in a game that will do wonders for Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton’s Heisman Trophy campaign. And he put up some Tecmo Bowl stats: completed 13-of-16 passes for 234 yards with five passing touchdowns. So, we are still waiting to see UGA get tested this season. Thankfully, the schedule begins to ramp up for the Bulldogs. SEC play will begin on Saturday, starting with a trip to Fayetteville.
3. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish led their Group of Six opponent, 42-0, at halftime, and quarterback CJ Carr had his way against an Owls team that doesn’t represent the kind of competition we’d expect to test Notre Dame. Carr's stat line — 16-of-20 completed passes for 253 yards with four touchdowns — is indicative of how easy beating Rice was for him and this team. The Irish defense also forced four turnovers all coming off fumbles. Next on the schedule is Michigan State, marking Notre Dame’s second Big Ten opponent so far — who were picked 12th and 16th out of 18 teams in the Big Ten preseason poll.
4. Indiana
The Hoosiers performed exactly as they should against a private HBCU to which they guaranteed $525,000 for visiting Bloomington. Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker caught three passes, and all three went for touchdowns. This happened alongside Hoosiers running backs Leo Beebe, Jr. and Turbo Richard each rushing for more than 100 yards. Indiana hosts Western Kentucky next week, which should be another blowout.
5. Miami
Pad the stats, Miami. Putting up a school record of 856 offensive yards against an HBCU program you paid $760,000 — including $40,000 to The Marching 100 — to travel eight hours south isn’t as impressive as Canes fans would like to think. But, sure, go off. Miami goes to Wake Forest next week for their second conference road game in 15 days.
6. Ohio St
Ohio State blowing a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter was not on anyones bingo card. However, the loss doesn’t take away from the Buckeyes being National Title contenders, Big Ten contenders, or any of that. Before losing to Texas, the Buckeyes had won 115 consecutive games when leading by 20 points or more. Prior to this game, the last team to come back and win against the Buckeyes while down 20 points was 2011 Nebraska. But hey, best loss of anyone so far.
7. LSU
The Tigers committed four turnovers in the first half. Three of those were interceptions thrown by quarterback Sam Leavitt, and the Bulldogs were in a 10-7 rock fight with the Tigers, despite Louisiana Tech accruing zero — yes, zero — total yards in the first half. LSU goes to Ole Miss, where Kiffin spent 2020-2025. It’s going to be one of the biggest games of the year and LSU won’t survive if they lose the turnover battle.
8. USC
USC is the Big Ten's only Week 2 top-10 team that played like one. Neither the offense nor the defense gave an inch to Louisiana, and Riley’s Trojans continue to look formidable. USC put up a season-high 49 points in Week 2 as Jayden Maiava came back down to Earth...a little. Maiava did throw his first interception of the season and go 19-of-29 passing (65.5%), which was by far the lowest mark of the season — but he also threw five touchdowns and 261 yards. Next, the Trojans travel across the country for an afternoon game at an inept 0-2 Rutgers.
9. Texas A&M
Unlike some in the top 10, the Aggies hosted a Sun Devils program that could’ve given them a game — and did. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko will take a hard look at his secondary after it allowed Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris to make nine catches for 189 yards with two touchdowns. Next, the Trojans travel across the country for an afternoon game at 0-2 Rutgers.
10. Ole Miss
Charlotte is in a tailspin of its own. The Niners haven’t beaten an FBS program since 2024 and haven't beaten a Power Four one since 2021. Ole Miss beating Charlotte was less a win and more of a formality. Next up, Ole Miss hosts Lane Kiffin and LSU for the game of the week! The winner will have an inside track to be on the three or four teams in the SEC to make the College Football Playoff.
