2024 college football rankings have seen Oregon claim the top spot after a thrilling victory over Ohio State. Fans nationwide had eagerly anticipated October 12, a date marked by significant matchups, and the games did not disappoint. This day showcased intense competition among the elite teams in college football, ultimately leading to Oregon’s ascent to No. 1.
Currently, nine teams remain undefeated as the season reaches its midpoint. However, no single squad appears invincible, and none have convincingly distinguished themselves as favorites for the upcoming months. This unpredictable nature is what makes college football an exhilarating sport, where the unexpected is always possible. The adage rings true: anything that can happen will happen, especially in this dynamic season.
With that backdrop, here are the latest rankings following Week 7 of the college football season:
1. Oregon (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated Ohio State, 32-31
The Ducks triumphed over the Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium, marking a significant milestone as their first victory against a top-five opponent since joining the Big Ten. Their impressive home record, winning 35 of their last 36 games at Autzen, speaks volumes about their formidable presence on their turf. They managed to score 32 points against a defense that had previously allowed just 6.8 points per game.
2. Texas (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated Oklahoma, 34-3
Oklahoma seemed poised for a competitive game early on, but the Longhorns quickly took control, scoring 21 points in the second quarter and finishing the game with 34 unanswered points. Quarterback Quinn Ewers made a strong comeback from injury, throwing for 199 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing a rushing score.
3. Ohio State (5-1)
Week 6 result: Lost to Oregon, 32-31
Despite their loss, the Buckeyes remain a formidable contender in the college football landscape and are still viewed as one of the top four teams capable of challenging for the Big Ten title.
4. Penn State (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated USC, 33-30
The Nittany Lions staged a remarkable comeback from a 14-point deficit, securing their first road victory since late August. This win positions them as one of the three remaining unbeaten teams in the Big Ten. Tight end Tyler Warren’s standout performance, with 17 catches for 224 yards and a touchdown, could earn him a prestigious Mackey Award.
5. Georgia (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Mississippi State, 41-31
Although the Bulldogs did not cover the 33.5-point spread, they secured a win that sets the stage for a crucial SEC showdown next week against Texas. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for an impressive 459 yards, yet the defense’s allowance of 306 passing yards raises concerns ahead of facing a top-10 Texas offense.
6. Miami (Fla.) (6-0)
Week 6 result: Idle
7. Clemson (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Wake Forest, 49-14
8. Iowa State (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated West Virginia, 28-16
Coach Matt Campbell’s squad continues to impress with consistent victories. Quarterback Rocco Becht completed 18 of 26 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown, while running back Carson Hansen contributed significantly with 20 carries for 96 yards and three touchdowns.
9. BYU (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated Arizona, 41-19
The Cougars showcased their defensive prowess by forcing four turnovers against the Wildcats, achieving a 6-0 record for the first time since 2020. This victory solidifies BYU’s position at the top of the Big 12 standings in a tightly contested race.
10. LSU (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Ole Miss, 29-26 (OT)
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier delivered a dramatic 25-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Lacy on the first play of overtime, securing a thrilling walk-off win for the Tigers. Nussmeier’s performance included 337 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, marking a pivotal victory in a competitive SEC landscape.
11. Tennessee (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Florida, 23-17
Despite a struggling passing game, the Volunteers managed to secure a win against a depleted Florida team. This victory marks their second in SEC play, setting the stage for a challenging matchup against Alabama next week.
12. Alabama (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated South Carolina, 27-25
The Crimson Tide managed to edge out a victory, aided by a missed field goal and a mismanaged final possession by South Carolina. Despite their struggles, including a previous loss to Vanderbilt, Alabama’s defense shone with four takeaways and four sacks.
13. Notre Dame (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Stanford, 49-7
The Fighting Irish showcased their offensive strength, scoring 35 points in the second and third quarters. Quarterback Riley Leonard had an impressive outing, completing 16 of 22 passes for 229 yards and four total touchdowns.
14. Texas A&M (5-1)
Week 6 result: Idle
15. Missouri (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated UMass, 45-3
Missouri made a strong comeback, with wide receiver Luther Burden showcasing his skills by accumulating 127 total yards, including a 61-yard rushing touchdown, on just seven touches against the Minutemen.
16. Boise State (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Hawaii, 28-7
Ashton Jeanty continued to impress, rushing for 217 yards and scoring a touchdown while also contributing another score through the air in the Broncos’ victory over Hawaii.
17. Kansas State (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Colorado, 31-28
The Wildcats faced a tough battle in Boulder but managed to secure a win, thanks to a strong performance from halfback DJ Giddens, who rushed for 182 yards on 25 carries.
18. Illinois (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Purdue, 50-49
19. Indiana (6-0)
Week 6 result: Idle
20. Pitt (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated Cal, 17-15
With this win, Pitt reached a 6-0 record for the first time since 1982, establishing themselves as a serious contender in the ACC title race. Remarkably, they achieved this with only 277 yards of total offense, significantly below their average from the first five games.
21. Ole Miss (5-2)
Week 6 result: Lost to LSU, 29-26 (OT)
Despite generating 464 yards of offense, Lane Kiffin’s team could not contain LSU’s attack at crucial moments. Quarterback Jaxson Dart passed for 284 yards and one touchdown but struggled with accuracy, completing only 24 of 42 attempts, likely diminishing his Heisman hopes.
22. Arizona State (5-1)
Week 6 result: Defeated Utah, 27-19
Senior running back Cam Skattebo was instrumental in the Sun Devils’ victory, rushing for 158 yards and two touchdowns. This win also enabled Arizona State to exceed their preseason win total of 4.5.
“For those who won,” ASU coach Kenny Dillingham remarked, “put the money back in the NIL collective.”
23. SMU (5-1)
Week 6 result: Idle
24. Army (6-0)
Week 6 result: Defeated UAB, 44-10
Quarterback Bryson Daily showcased his skills, accounting for five total touchdowns in a dominating performance that began with a 20-point first quarter. This victory marks Army’s first 6-0 start in 28 years, extending their winning streak to 10 games.
25. Navy (5-0)
Week 6 result: Idle
