College football Week 4 features a smorgasbord of mesmerizing matchups and all-ranked matchups as teams jostle for position in the race for the College Football Playoff. Before the action kicks off, our college football power rankings breaks down the runners and riders, complete with offense and defensive rankings (including PFSN College Impact score) and latest playoff odds.
25) Baylor Bears
- Last Week’s Rank: 25
- Offense Rank: 56th (78.8)
- Defense Rank: 65th (78.5)
- Playoff Odds: 12.6%
The Bears continued their dominance offensively, scoring 40-plus points for the second straight week. The difference this week was that the defense showed up for the first time all season, holding Samford’s offense to under 200 total yards and just one touchdown.
Quarterback Sawyer Robertson has played like one of the top players in the country, giving the Bears a chance against every opponent and inspiring belief that they could make a run in the Big 12.
24) USC Trojans
- Last Week’s Rank: 27
- Offense Rank: 4th (93.6)
- Defense Rank: 32nd (85.4)
- Playoff Odds: 26.1%
It wasn’t the cleanest of efforts for the Trojans, who pulled off a two-score win on the road against Purdue, but they got the job done nonetheless. Their passing trio of quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon is one of the best in the country.
23) Arizona State Sun Devils
- Last Week’s Rank: 18
- Offense Rank: 52nd (79.6)
- Defense Rank: 48th (81.2)
- Playoff Odds: 13.2%
The Sun Devils rebounded from their tough road loss to Mississippi State with a three-score win over Texas State on Saturday night. Despite two comfortable home wins, Arizona State hasn’t seemed to put it all together quite yet, with quarterback Sam Leavitt combining to throw for just 270 yards the past two games.
22) Missouri Tigers
- Last Week’s Rank: 26
- Offense Rank: 9th (90.6)
- Defense Rank: 17th (88.7)
- Playoff Odds: 31.8%
It was a defensive clinic for the Tigers, who held Louisiana’s passing game to just four yards and two completions on 14 attempts. Transfer running back Ahmad Hardy was the headliner offensively, carrying the ball 22 times for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Missouri looks to be yet another strong team in a loaded SEC.
21) Louisville Cardinals
- Last Week’s Rank: 24
- Offense Rank: 51st (79.7)
- Defense Rank: 10th (86.9)
- Playoff Odds: 19.5%
The Cardinals had the weekend off, giving them a requisite amount of rest after a physical victory over James Madison last weekend. They should be fully prepped to take on Bowling Green this coming Saturday, their final non-conference matchup before ACC play begins.
20) BYU Cougars
- Last Week’s Rank: 20
- Offense Rank: 34th (83.6)
- Defense Rank: 2 (98.9)
- Playoff Odds: 19.5%
BYU also had a bye after starting the season 2-0 with two convincing wins. They’ll travel to take on East Carolina on Saturday, putting their defense to the test. The Cougars have allowed just three points in two games.
19) Illinois Fighting Illini
- Last Week’s Rank: 23
- Offense Rank: 16th (87.9)
- Defense Rank: 26th (86.8)
- Playoff Odds: 32.3%
Though it took a few quarters to get going, Illinois pulled away for a shutout victory over Western Michigan. Quarterback Luke Altmeyer once again made his case as one of the most underrated passers in the country with a solid three-touchdown outing. A pivotal road test will come next week, as the Fighting Illini will take on Indiana in primetime.
18) Alabama Crimson Tide
- Last Week’s Rank: 22
- Offense Rank: 10th (90.5)
- Defense Rank: 28th (86.2)
- Playoff Odds: 19.5%
The Crimson Tide took care of business against Wisconsin thanks to an explosive aerial attack. Quarterback Ty Simpson completed 24 of 29 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns, two of which to star true sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams, who also added five catches for 165 yards.
17) Indiana Hoosiers
- Last Week’s Rank: 21
- Offense Rank: 12th (89.4)
- Defense Rank: 3rd (95.0)
- Playoff Odds: 27.9%
Everything was clicking for the Hoosiers, who hung 73 points on the in-state Sycamores. Transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza was nearly perfect, throwing just one incompletion on 20 pass attempts with 270 yards and five touchdowns.
Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had himself a night, finishing with 10 receptions for 207 yards and four scores.
16) Oklahoma Sooners
- Last Week’s Rank: 17
- Offense Rank: 30th (84.2)
- Defense Rank: 1st (99.9)
- Playoff Odds: 29.3%
Quarterback John Mateer continued his impressive start with the Sooners, amassing upwards of 300 total yards and scoring two total touchdowns. The defense held Temple to just seven first downs and 105 total yards, putting the wraps on a promising Owls unit.
15) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- Last Week’s Rank: 29
- Offense Rank: 25th (85.7)
- Defense Rank: 50th (81.1)
- Playoff Odds: 34.8%
Georgia Tech is for real. Quarterback Haynes King was dynamic through two weeks, but their biggest test was to come against the 12th-ranked Tigers — to which they impressed greatly in coming away with a gritty win.
They perfectly executed a run-on field goal to win the game, solidifying themselves as a top 25 team in the nation.
14) Texas A&M Aggies
- Last Week’s Rank: 19
- Offense Rank: 31st (84.1)
- Defense Rank: 44th (81.8)
- Playoff Odds: 38.7%
The Aggies came away with an absolutely thrilling victory on the road against Notre Dame. The level of play was extremely high, with quarterback Marcel Reed and running back Le’Veon Moss combining for four touchdowns. However, they benefitted from a mistimed hold that resulted in an unsuccessful PAT by the Irish; Texas A&M more than proved itself as a College Football Playoff contender.
13) Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Last Week’s Rank: 16
- Offense Rank: 11th (90.6)
- Defense Rank: 12th (89.7)
- Playoff Odds: 29.5%
Despite an early weather delay, Texas Tech easily rolled Oregon State as it notched its third blowout win of the season. Quarterback Behren Morton was on fire, throwing for 464 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. In the wide-open Big 12, the Red Raiders have to be accounted for thanks to a terrific first three weeks.
12) Florida State Seminoles
- Last Week’s Rank: 14
- Offense Rank: 6th (93.4)
- Defense Rank: 19th (87.9)
- Playoff Odds: 30.9%
The Seminoles, who were one of the most surprising stories through two weeks, had a bye this weekend before a matchup with Kent State. They should enter ACC play with a 3-0 record and should be considered amongst the favorites with quarterback Tommy Castellanos playing the way he has.
11) Iowa State Cyclones
- Last Week’s Rank: 15
- Offense Rank: 45th (81.3)
- Defense Rank: 49th (81.2)
- Playoff Odds: 40.6%
Iowa State grabbed its fourth win of the season against Arkansas State, a curiously scheduled road matchup. Running back Carson Hansen led the way, finishing with 116 yards and showcasing his physical running style all game long. The Cyclones will take a much-needed bye in Week 4 before conference play on Sept. 27 against Arizona.
10) Miami Hurricanes
- Last Week’s Rank: 13
- Offense Rank: 17th (87.9)
- Defense Rank: 25th (86.8)
- Playoff Odds: 32.8%
The Hurricanes dimmed USF’s early-season light on Saturday afternoon, coming away with a convincing 37-point victory.
Quarterback Carson Beck, despite throwing two interceptions, tossed three touchdown passes and moved further up the Heisman Trophy odds list. Beck has completely uplifted this Miami program in three short weeks.
9) Tennessee Volunteers
- Last Week’s Rank: 10
- Offense Rank: 20th (87.2)
- Defense Rank: 64th (78.6)
- Playoff Odds: 38.8%
Despite the closely-contested loss, nothing should be taken from this Volunteers squad. They demonstrated the ability to compete with the best the SEC has to offer, as seen in the Bulldogs. Quarterback Joey Aguilar was extremely impressive, registering 371 yards and four touchdowns. The UCLA transfer should be considered one of the top passers in the conference.
8) Utah Utes
- Last Week’s Rank: 7
- Offense Rank: 5th (93.5)
- Defense Rank: 11th (89.8)
- Playoff Odds: 38.1%
The Utes powered through a slow start (they held a 3-0 lead at halftime) to finish off a 25-point victory on the road against Wyoming. Quarterback Devon Dampier carried the team for the third straight week, completing 27 of 41 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns while leading the team with 86 rush yards. Utah will host Texas Tech next weekend in a very intriguing matchup.
7) Penn State Nittany Lions
- Last Week’s Rank: 4
- Offense Rank: 46th (81.1)
- Defense Rank: 6th (91.2)
- Playoff Odds: 40.9%
It was just another day at the office for Penn State, which cruised to a blowout victory at home. Their star running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen combined for 170 rushing yards and three touchdowns, leading the way for the Nittany Lions before a bye week and a crucial home test against Oregon in Week 5.
6) LSU Tigers
- Last Week’s Rank: 12
- Offense Rank: 73rd (75.1)
- Defense Rank: 22nd (87.2)
- Playoff Odds: 55.9%
Though the offense didn’t play great, the Tigers came away with a win against a tough Florida squad. LSU hasn’t made its 3-0 start look easy, failing to score more than 23 points in a game despite accomplished quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and a talented supporting cast. They’ll need to get on track if they hope to compete for an SEC title.
5) Texas Longhorns
- Last Week’s Rank: 3
- Offense Rank: 76th (74.4)
- Defense Rank: 16th (88.8)
- Playoff Odds: 43%
The Longhorns have to figure out what’s wrong with quarterback Arch Manning, who completed 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards with a touchdown and an interception apiece. He hasn’t played sharp football all season, putting a clear ceiling on Texas’ national championship chances if he doesn’t quickly improve.
4) Ole Miss Rebels
- Last Week’s Rank: 11
- Offense Rank: 24th (86.4)
- Defense Rank: 51st (80.9)
- Playoff Odds: 61.2%
Though starting quarterback Austin Simmons missed nearly the entire game due to injury, backup Trinidad Chambliss led the way for the Rebels’ high-scoring victory.
He passed for 353 yards and a touchdown, and added 62 rushing yards with two more scores. Amongst a loaded SEC, the Rebels are looking like a real factor in the conference title race.
3) Georgia Bulldogs
- Last Week’s Rank: 6
- Offense Rank: 32nd (83.9)
- Defense Rank: 34th (83.6)
- Playoff Odds: 59.3%
Road victories are hard to come by in the SEC, but the Bulldogs managed to get one against Tennessee. They showed resiliency and fight, as they were seemingly playing catch-up the entire game before claiming the game in overtime.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton did everything he needed to do, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns along with a rushing score.
2) Oregon Ducks
- Last Week’s Rank: 2
- Offense Rank: 7th (93.4)
- Defense Rank: 29th (85.7)
- Playoff Odds: 57.2%
It may not have been the prettiest outing, but the Ducks came away with their third win to start the season, staving off a 9 a.m. start. (PST) kickoff. The offense did their thing, spreading the ball around and showcasing the talent and depth on the roster. However, the defense struggled to stop the run and will need to improve that aspect of the game moving forward.
1) Ohio State Buckeyes
- Last Week’s Rank: 1
- Offense Rank: 19th (87.3)
- Defense Rank: 4th (94.0)
- Playoff Odds: 67.1%
The Buckeyes rolled to a 28-point win over the in-state Bobcats thanks to a dominant day by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who caught nine passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. Ohio managed just nine first downs and under 200 total yards as a talented Buckeyes defensive unit bottled them up.
College Football Power Rankings | 26-136
26) Auburn Tigers
27) Vanderbilt Commodores
28) Michigan Wolverines
29) Clemson Tigers
30) South Carolina Gamecocks
31) SMU Mustangs
32) Arizona Wildcats
33) Tulane Green Wave
34) NC State Wolfpack
35) Iowa Hawkeyes
36) Mississippi State Bulldogs
37) Washington Huskies
38) California Bears
39) TCU Horned Frogs
40) Nebraska Cornhuskers
41) Minnesota Golden Gophers
42) Houston Cougars
43) Kansas Jayhawks
44) Syracuse Orange
45) Pittsburgh Panthers
46) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
47) Cincinnati Bearcats
48) Rutgers Scarlet Knights
49) Kansas State Wildcats
50) Duke Blue Devils
51) Michigan State Spartans
52) South Florida Bulls
53) Virginia Cavaliers
54) West Virginia Mountaineers
55) UCF Knights
56) Boise State Broncos
57) UNLV Rebels
58) Navy Midshipmen
59) Arkansas Razorbacks
60) North Carolina Tar Heels
61) Maryland Terrapins
62) Memphis Tigers
63) Boston College Eagles
64) Wisconsin Badgers
65) Kentucky Wildcats
66) Purdue Boilermakers
67) North Texas Mean Green
68) Colorado Buffaloes
69) Florida Gators
70) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
71) Virginia Tech Hokies
72) James Madison Dukes
73) Toledo Rockets
74) Oklahoma State Cowboys
75) Stanford Cardinal
76) New Mexico Lobos
77) Fresno State Bulldogs
78) Utah State Aggies
79) Washington State Cougars
80) Northwestern Wildcats
81) South Alabama Jaguars
82) Army Black Knights
83) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
84) East Carolina Pirates
85) Bowling Green Falcons
86) Ohio Bobcats
87) Texas State Bobcats
88) Miami (OH) RedHawks
89) Old Dominion Monarchs
90) Oregon State Beavers
91) UTSA Roadrunners
92) Arkansas State Red Wolves
93) UCLA Bruins
94) Buffalo Bulls
95) Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
96) Temple Owls
97) Appalachian State Mountaineers
98) Georgia State Panthers
99) Jacksonville State Gamecocks
100) Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
101) Rice Owls
102) Troy Trojans
103) Western Michigan Broncos
104) Central Michigan Chippewas
105) Southern Miss Golden Eagles
106) Colorado State Rams
107) Liberty Flames
108) Northern Illinois Huskies
109) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
110) UConn Huskies
111) Florida Atlantic Owls
112) San Diego State Aztecs
113) San Jose State Spartans
114) UL Monroe Warhawks
115) Air Force Falcons
116) Florida International Panthers
117) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
118) Wyoming Cowboys
119) Georgia State Panthers
120) UTEP Miners
121) Charlotte 49ers
122) Eastern Michigan Eagles
123) Delaware Blue Hens
124) Sam Houston Bearkats
125) Missouri State Bears
126) UAB Blazers
127) New Mexico State Aggies
128) Tulsa Golden Hurricane
129) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
130) Nevada Wolf Pack
131) Ball State Cardinals
132) Kennesaw State Owls
133) Akron Zips
134) Kent State Golden Flashes
135) Marshall Thundering Herd
136) UMass Minutemen
