2024 college football rankings reveal a significant shift as Notre Dame and Arizona State make impressive leaps, while Alabama and Ole Miss experience notable declines. Ohio State showcased its strength with a commanding win over Indiana, a team that made history by achieving its first-ever top-five ranking in the College Football Playoff era. The Buckeyes are now on the brink of securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, where a victory against Michigan could set up a rematch with the Oregon Ducks.
Regardless of the outcomes in the upcoming matchups, teams vying for the Big Ten title are likely to secure their places in the 12-team playoff. If Ohio State triumphs over Michigan and Indiana defeats Purdue, the Hoosiers will still have a fighting chance for a playoff spot.
The prospect of Indiana not being among the 12 playoff contenders seems unlikely. Their only defeat this season came against Ohio State, a team boasting two victories over top-five opponents, with their sole loss to the nation’s top-ranked team. Indiana has demonstrated enough resilience this season to warrant playoff consideration, but the spotlight on Saturday was firmly on the Buckeyes, who are emerging as strong contenders for the national title.
1. Oregon (11-0)
Week 13 result: Idle
2. Ohio State (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Indiana, 38-15
In a pivotal match, Ohio State overpowered Indiana with a score of 38-15, turning the tide after a slow start. The Buckeye defense finally found its rhythm, recording five sacks and showcasing its ability to control the game.
3. Texas (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Kentucky, 31-14
The Longhorns delivered a well-rounded performance, with Quinn Ewers passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns, while Quintrevion Wisner added 158 rushing yards and a touchdown. Texas’s defense stifled Kentucky, limiting them to just 232 total yards.
4. Notre Dame (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Army, 49-14
Jeremiyah Love shined for the Fighting Irish, rushing for 130 yards and scoring three touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to a decisive victory over Army and ending the Black Knights’ 13-game winning streak.
5. Penn State (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Minnesota, 26-25
In a nail-biting finish, Drew Allar led the Nittany Lions to a narrow victory over Minnesota, throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a score. His clutch play helped Penn State maintain its playoff aspirations.
6. Indiana (10-1)
Week 13 result: Lost to Ohio State, 38-15
Kurtis Rourke struggled against a fierce Buckeye defense, completing only 8 of 18 passes for 68 yards. Indiana’s offense faltered, managing just 151 total yards and failing to score after their opening touchdown.
7. Georgia (9-2)
Week 13 result: Defeated UMass, 59-21
Georgia returned to form with a dominant performance against UMass, scoring 59 points and showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Bulldogs are gearing up for their next challenge against Georgia Tech.
8. SMU (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Virginia, 33-7
The Mustangs continued their impressive run in their first year in the ACC, clinching a spot in the ACC Championship with a solid victory over Virginia.
9. Miami (Fla.) (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Wake Forest, 42-14
Miami rebounded from their previous loss with a strong performance, highlighted by running back Jordan Lyle’s 115 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping the Hurricanes dominate Wake Forest.
10. Tennessee (9-2)
Week 13 result: Defeated UTEP, 56-0
The Volunteers showcased their offensive prowess, scoring 49 points in the first three quarters against UTEP, with Nico Iamaleava throwing for 209 yards and four touchdowns.
11. Arizona State (9-2)
Week 13 result: Defeated BYU, 28-23
Arizona State continues to impress, aiming to become the first Power Conference team to reach a league title game after a poor previous season.
12. Alabama (8-3)
Week 13 result: Lost to Oklahoma, 24-3
Alabama faced a tough loss against Oklahoma, with Jalen Milroe struggling significantly, completing only 11 of 26 passes for 164 yards and throwing three interceptions.
13. Boise State (10-1)
Week 13 result: Defeated Wyoming, 17-13
Ashton Jeanty continued to impress with 169 rushing yards, leading Boise State to a narrow victory and securing a spot in the Mountain West title game.
14. Army (9-1)
Week 13 result: Lost to Notre Dame, 49-14
Army’s potent rushing attack was stifled by Notre Dame, leading to their 16th consecutive loss to the Irish.
15. Iowa State (9-2)
Week 13 result: Defeated Utah, 31-28
Iowa State kept its Big 12 title hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over Utah, showcasing a solid defensive performance.
16. Clemson (9-2)
Week 13 result: Defeated The Citadel, 51-14
Clemson cruised past The Citadel, scoring 35 points in the first half and dominating throughout the game.
17. Ole Miss (8-3)
Week 13 result: Lost to Florida, 24-17
Ole Miss saw its playoff aspirations dim after a tough loss to Florida, who has recently found their form.
18. South Carolina (8-3)
Week 13 result: Defeated Wofford, 56-12
LaNorris Sellers had an impressive outing for South Carolina, completing 23 of 27 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns.
19. BYU (9-2)
Week 13 result: Lost to Arizona State, 28-23
BYU’s strong start to the season has faltered, as they find themselves in a tie for the top of the Big 12 standings after two consecutive losses.
20. Texas A&M (8-3)
Week 13 result: Lost to Auburn, 43-41
Texas A&M fought back from a 21-point deficit to force overtime, but ultimately fell short against Auburn in a thrilling matchup.
21. Colorado (8-3)
Week 13 result: Lost to Kansas, 37-21
Despite a strong performance from Travis Hunter, Colorado’s defense struggled against Kansas, leaving them needing a win against Oklahoma State to keep their championship hopes alive.
22. Tulane (9-2)
Week 13 result: Idle
23. Missouri (8-3)
Week 13 result: Defeated Mississippi State, 39-20
Missouri’s defense shined with Daylan Carnell returning a fumble for a touchdown, while Brady Cook threw for 268 yards, leading the Tigers to their eighth victory of the season.
24. Illinois (8-3)
Week 13 result: Idle
Illinois pulled off a thrilling last-minute victory against Rutgers, with Luke Altmyer connecting on a 40-yard touchdown pass to secure the game.
25. UNLV (9-2)
Week 13 result: Defeated San Jose State, 27-16
UNLV matched its win total from last year, maintaining its push for the Mountain West title with a strong performance against San Jose State.
