ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Brent Key of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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While not on the order of Texas and Penn State, the AP preseason top two, Iowa State was yet another example of a potential playoff team losing to an unranked foe on the road last week. The Cyclones’ loss at Cincinnati prevented what could have been a 7-0 start given they are facing a so-so Colorado squad in Boulder this week.
All three paid a price as the Longhorns and Nittany Lions dropped out of the AP poll and Iowa State fell from No. 14 to No. 22, outside a cluster of teams (Nos. 12-19) that ascended. A few of those teams are more serious players than others, and at least a couple could put themselves in a wonderful position by the time the initial CFP ranking is revealed November 4.
No. 12 Tennessee (4-1/1-1 SEC)
The Volunteers, who were No. 24 in the preseason, had what could certainly be described as a good loss in coming up short (44-41) against visiting Georgia in Week 3 for their only defeat. A visit from Arkansas this week will be followed by a trip to No. 8 Alabama next week. No. 6 Oklahoma arrives in Knoxville on November 1.
No. 13 Georgia Tech (5-0/2-0 ACC)
The Yellow Jackets do not have a team that is currently ranked on their schedule until the annual regular-season finale against Georgia at Mecedes-Benz Stadium. (Tech receives a $10 million guarantee for moving the game from Bobby Dodd Stadium.) That is not to imply smooth sailing. Beginning with visiting Virginia Tech on Saturday, the next six games for Brent Key’s team will be against ACC foes chomping at the bit to ruin their season. That said, a nice path to the playoff exists.
No. 14 Missouri (5-0/1-0 SEC)
The Tigers will likely find themselves in the top 10 with a win against visiting and eight-ranked Alabama on Saturday afternoon. Of course, holding back the Tide will be a tall order and not just because ‘Bama has won all five meetings and allowed less than 20 points in each since Mizzou joined the SEC. The Tigers have a stretch beginning October 25 when they play No. 20 Vandy, No. 5 Texas A&M and No. 6 Oklahoma in the space of four games.
No. 15 Michigan (4-1/2-0 Big Ten)
Quarterback Bryce Underwood and the Wolverines seem to have found a nice rhythm. Since a Week 2 loss at Oklahoma, the maize and blue have won three straight, including conference matchups against Nebraska and Wisconsin. Michigan, which travels to USC this week, does not play Oregon, Illinois or Penn State and the only remaining game against a ranked foe is the annual showdown with Ohio State at home.
No. 16 Notre Dame (3-2)
After losing at Miami and to visiting Texas A&M by a combined four points to begin the season, the Fighting Irish have reeled off three straight wins, including the last two by a combined 84-20 over Arkansas and Boise State. Beginning with a visit from North Carolina State, Marcus Freeman’s Irish have seven games remaining with each against teams that are currently unranked. That is why a stumble, and therefore a third loss, could prove harmful especially with the lack of a conference championship game with which to make up ground.
No. 17 Illinois (5-1/2-1 Big Ten)
As unsightly as a 63-10 loss at Indiana on September 20 was, it is admirable how Bret Bielema’s Fighting Illini rebounded in defeating USC the following week. A nice showing against the visiting Buckeyes on Saturday, and not necessarily a win, could set Illinois on a path to the playoff given, following a bye, the remaining schedule features unranked teams Washington, Rutgers, Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern. The Huskies and Badgers are on the road.
No. 18 BYU (5-0/2-0 Big 12)
Little meat on the bone to this point, including wins over conference opponents (Colorado, West Virginia) that are at the bottom of the Big 12. We will find out more about the Cougars beginning Saturday at Arizona. The matchup commences a stretch of six games against teams that currently do not have more than one loss, including at No. 9 Texas Tech on November 8.
No. 19 Virginia (5-1/3-0 ACC)
One problem for Tony Elliott’s Cavs: Unranked Duke is the best of what remains on the schedule. Win out, and they likely meet Miami for the ACC title.