College football rankings just got a major shake-up, and it’s leaving fans buzzing with excitement—and a few controversies. Georgia has soared to No. 4 in the AP Top 25, trailing only behind Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M, but here’s where it gets interesting: North Texas is back in the rankings for the first time since 1959, joining two other Group of Five teams in the Top 25. Yes, you read that right—66 years later, the Mean Green are making history. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the Group of Five finally getting the respect it deserves, or is this just a fleeting moment in the spotlight? Let’s dive in.
For the fifth consecutive week, Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M held their ground at the top. Ohio State’s dominant 10-0 start, capped by a rout of UCLA, earned them 57 of 66 first-place votes. Indiana, now 11-0 after beating Wisconsin, snagged eight first-place votes, while Texas A&M’s miraculous 27-point comeback against South Carolina secured them one. But this is the part most people miss: Georgia’s rise to No. 4 isn’t just about their 35-10 win over Texas—it’s their sixth straight victory and their second against a top-10 opponent. Mississippi, who lost to Georgia a month ago, is back in the top five after beating Florida, though they trail the Bulldogs by over 100 points.
Oklahoma’s resurgence is another headline-grabber. The Sooners climbed three spots to No. 8 after stunning Alabama, ending the Crimson Tide’s eight-game win streak. Alabama, meanwhile, plummeted six spots to No. 10. Notre Dame held steady at No. 9 after a commanding 22-point win over Pittsburgh. And speaking of surprises, Oregon and Texas Tech are tied at No. 6—a testament to the unpredictability of this season.
Now, let’s talk about the Group of Five. James Madison, from the Sun Belt Conference, crushed Appalachian State and jumped to No. 21. North Texas, at No. 22, isn’t just ranked—they’ve matched their best start in program history at 9-1. The last time they were this good? 1959. This year, they’re bowl-eligible for the second straight year and in the hunt for the Group of Five’s automatic CFP bid. But here’s the question: Can they sustain this momentum, or will they fade like so many before them?
Missouri (No. 23) and Tulane (No. 24) also made their mark, with Missouri returning after a one-week absence thanks to Ahmad Hardy’s 300-yard rushing performance. Tulane, meanwhile, has won two straight since losing to UTSA. Houston rounds out the rankings at No. 25, though they’ve been here before this season.
Teams like Louisville, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and South Florida dropped out, but the real drama lies in the conference breakdown. The SEC leads with nine teams, followed by the Big Ten with five. The Big 12, ACC, American, Sun Belt, and Independents each have a presence, but the SEC’s dominance is undeniable. Is this the year the SEC takes over college football, or will another conference rise to challenge them?
Looking ahead, two matchups could reshape the playoff picture: No. 16 Southern California vs. No. 6 Oregon and No. 23 Missouri vs. No. 8 Oklahoma. Both games have CFP implications, but which team will step up and solidify their case? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With so many upsets and surprises this season, is the CFP selection committee ready to embrace the chaos, or will they stick to the status quo?
What do you think? Is the Group of Five finally getting its due, or is this just a temporary blip? And which team do you think will crash the playoff party? Let us know in the comments—this conversation is just getting started.
