2024 college football rankings highlight Oregon and Ohio State at the top, with Colorado making a notable entry into the top 12. This season has showcased a competitive landscape, with teams vying for supremacy in their respective conferences.
Travis Hunter has made a compelling case for the Heisman Trophy, paralleling Colorado’s quest for its best season since 2016. In a standout performance against Utah, Hunter recorded five receptions, a rushing touchdown, and an interception, showcasing his versatility on the field. This rushing touchdown marked his first of the season, adding to his impressive tally of nine receiving touchdowns, a rushing score, a forced fumble, and three interceptions.
Remarkably, Hunter has achieved this feat twice, joining former Georgia standout Champ Bailey as one of only two players in the past 27 years to accumulate at least 40 receptions and three interceptions in a single season.
With 69 catches for 856 yards and nine touchdowns, Hunter has already eclipsed his offensive production from last year, which included 57 catches for 721 yards and five touchdowns. His nine receiving touchdowns lead the Big 12, solidifying his status as a top contender for individual honors.
As previously noted, the Heisman winner is likely to be found in Boulder, a sentiment echoed by Coach Deion Sanders. “It’s supposed to go to the best college player,” he stated, emphasizing his belief in Hunter’s capabilities since Week 2.
The Buffaloes are now just two victories away from competing for the Big 12 title, two wins away from achieving a 10-win season, and six wins away from a potential national championship. This ambitious outlook is well-deserved, as Colorado fans are eager to see their team reach these heights.
Here’s a look at the top 25 rankings following Week 12 of the college football season:
1. Oregon (11-0)
Week 12 result: Defeated Wisconsin, 16-13
The Ducks converted a fourth-and-9 to score their first touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter, tying the match at 13-13. Atticus Sappington sealed the victory with a 24-yard field goal, maintaining Oregon’s undefeated streak.
2. Ohio State (9-1)
Week 12 result: Defeated Northwestern, 31-7
Jeremiah Smith recorded four receptions for 100 yards, while the running back duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for 150 rushing yards in the Buckeyes’ decisive victory.
Since allowing 32 points to Oregon in Week 7, the Buckeye defense has limited opponents to just 27 points over the last four games.
3. Texas (9-1)
Week 12 result: Defeated Arkansas, 20-10
The Texas defense restricted Arkansas to just 231 total yards, achieving six sacks and forcing two turnovers during the contest. The Longhorns have successfully held eight of their ten opponents to 17 points or fewer this season.
4. Indiana (10-0)
Week 12 result: Idle
5. Penn State (9-1)
Week 12 result: Defeated Purdue, 49-10
Drew Allar threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Tyler Warren contributed 190 total yards and two touchdowns in a commanding win over Purdue.
6. Notre Dame (9-1)
Week 12 result: Defeated Virginia, 35-14
The Fighting Irish enjoyed a strong performance from running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense forced five turnovers.
7. Alabama (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Mercer, 52-7
The Crimson Tide dominated their FCS opponent, with Jalen Milroe contributing 229 total yards and three touchdowns to the victory.
8. Georgia (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Tennessee, 31-17
Quarterback Carson Beck delivered an impressive outing, completing 25 of 40 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns, while the Georgia defense held Tennessee scoreless in the second half.
9. SMU (9-1)
Week 12 result: Defeated Boston College, 38-28
Quarterback Kevin Jennings excelled, completing 24 of 35 passes for 298 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, keeping the Mustangs unbeaten in conference play.
10. Ole Miss (8-2)
Week 12 result: Idle
11. Miami (Fla.) (9-1)
Week 12 result: Idle
12. Colorado (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Utah, 49-24
The Buffaloes achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first team to score 49 points against Utah since 2014. Colorado’s defense recorded 34 sacks through ten games, just two short of the 36 sacks achieved by the 2016 team in 14 games.
13. Army (9-0)
Week 12 result: Idle
14. Texas A&M (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated New Mexico State, 38-3
The Aggies led 31-0 before allowing their first score of the game. Quarterback Marcel Reed had a strong outing, completing 20 of 31 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
15. Tennessee (8-2)
Week 12 result: Lost to Georgia, 31-17
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava faced challenges, being sacked four times, as the Vols’ offense struggled in the second half, marking their second loss of the season.
16. BYU (9-1)
Week 12 result: Lost to Kansas, 17-13
The Cougars’ undefeated season ended as Kansas running back Devin Neal scored the game-winning touchdown, securing the victory for the Jayhawks.
17. Boise State (9-1)
Week 12 result: Defeated San Jose State, 42-21
The Broncos rallied from a 14-0 deficit, led by Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns, putting him within striking distance of Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
18. Clemson (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Pitt, 24-20
Quarterback Cade Klubnik led the Tigers to a thrilling comeback victory, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns, including a critical 50-yard touchdown run to seal the game.
19. South Carolina (7-3)
Week 12 result: Defeated Missouri, 34-30
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers delivered a standout performance, completing 21 of 30 passes for 353 yards and five touchdowns, leading South Carolina to a narrow victory.
20. Arizona State (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Kansas State, 24-14
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson had a remarkable game, catching 12 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while the ASU defense limited their opponents to fewer than 14 points.
21. Iowa State (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Cincinnati, 34-17
The Cyclones rebounded from consecutive losses, with Rocco Becht throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown, along with a rushing touchdown, to secure the victory.
22. Tulane (9-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated Navy, 35-0
Tulane remained undefeated in conference play, with their only losses coming from Power 4 teams. The shutout against Navy marked their first against an FBS opponent since 1997.
23. Missouri (7-3)
Week 12 result: Lost to South Carolina, 34-30
24. Memphis (9-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated UAB, 53-18
25. UNLV (8-2)
Week 12 result: Defeated San Diego State, 41-20
Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams contributed significantly, passing for 241 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two more scores, leading the Rebels to a dominant performance.
