Ranking College Football’s Unbeaten Teams After Week 4

The college football landscape has seen significant shifts as we move past Week 4, with only 26 teams still holding onto their perfect records. Some expected upsets occurred, but there were also surprises as teams like Kansas State, Memphis, and Northern Illinois faltered, while others like Texas and Georgia continued their dominant runs.

1. Texas Longhorns

Record: 4-0
Key Performance: A commanding 51-3 victory over Louisiana-Monroe, with Arch Manning stepping in for the injured Quinn Ewers.
Why They’re No. 1: Texas leads in both SP+ and FPI rankings, showcasing dominance in points per drive and defense. Their upcoming SEC debut against Mississippi State will test their mettle.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

Record: 4-0
Next Test: A monumental clash with Alabama, marking the first real challenge for both teams this season.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Record: 4-0
Highlight: A road win against Oklahoma, displaying a robust defense that’s been the backbone of their success.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 4-0
Performance: Ohio State’s offensive firepower was on full display against Marshall, with plays showcasing their dynamic playmakers.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: 4-0
Outlook: Fresh off a bye week, Alabama faces Georgia in what could define their season early on.

6. Ole Miss Rebels

Record: 4-0
Strength: A high-powered offense led by Jaxson Dart, who’s setting records with his passing yards.

7. Miami Hurricanes

Record: 4-0
Quarterback Play: Cam Ward’s continued excellence under center has transformed Miami’s offensive output.

8. Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: 4-0
Game of Note: A record-setting offensive performance against Kent State, with Drew Allar leading the charge.

9. Oregon Ducks

Record: 3-0
Upcoming Challenge: A transition into Big Ten play with games against top-ranked teams on the horizon.

10. Utah Utes

Record: 4-0
Key: Despite Cam Rising’s injury, Utah’s depth and defensive prowess make them Big 12 contenders.

11. Missouri Tigers

Record: 4-0
Issue: Despite being unbeaten, Missouri’s red-zone efficiency and kicking woes need refinement before tougher matches.

12. Michigan Wolverines

Record: 4-0
Turnaround: A win against USC highlighted a shift to a run-heavy offense, showcasing new QB Alex Orji’s capabilities.

13. Louisville Cardinals

Record: 4-0
Victory: A crucial win over Georgia Tech, setting the stage for a significant matchup against Notre Dame.

14. Clemson Tigers

Record: 4-0
QB Performance: Cade Klubnik’s recent games suggest a trend towards consistency and excellence.

15. USC Trojans

Record: 3-1
Regret: A loss to Michigan marred by late-game execution failures, but offensive potential remains high.

16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Record: 3-0
Dual Threat: Riley Leonard’s rushing ability adds a dynamic element to Notre Dame’s offense.

17. LSU Tigers

Record: 3-1
Second Half Surge: LSU’s ability to dominate in the second half has been their saving grace, but consistency is key.

18. Iowa State Cyclones

Record: 3-0
Next Step: Aiming to cement their status with a win against Houston, moving closer to breaking historical records.

19. Illinois Fighting Illini

Record: 4-0
Highlight: An overtime victory over Nebraska, showcasing their resilience and strategic brilliance.

20. BYU Cougars

Record: 4-0
Upset: A stunning defeat of Kansas State, marking one of the season’s biggest upsets.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 3-1
Concerns: After a lackluster offensive show against Utah, the Cowboys need to regroup for their Big 12 campaign.

22. Indiana Hoosiers

Record: 4-0
Surge: Under new leadership, Indiana is making waves, aiming for a historic start.

23. Kansas State Wildcats

Record: 3-1
Setback: A humbling loss to BYU that requires a quick turnaround with Oklahoma State next.

24. Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 3-1
Struggle: Offensive woes against Tennessee point to challenges in their transition to SEC play.

25. UNLV Rebels

Record: 4-0
Opportunity: Positioned well to make a statement in the Group of 5, with significant games ahead.

This ranking reflects teams’ performances, strengths, and the challenges they face as the season progresses, with each game offering a chance to define their season’s trajectory.