B/R's 2026 College Football Experts Top 25 Rankings After Week 9

The biggest surprise of the Week 9 college football slate was USC knocking off Ohio State, but the weekend was almost significantly more chaotic.

Miami, Indiana and BYU all avoided suffering their own upset losses, escaping with narrow victories, and in the case of the Hoosiers needing overtime to do it.

As more teams on the fringe of the Top 25 rankings add a second and third loss to their resume, the door has opened for one-loss Group of Six contenders UTSA and New Mexico to enter the conversation.

Ahead is an updated look at how the college football experts here at B/R line up the nation's top 25 teams following Week 9 action.

Week 9 Result: WIN at San Jose State (21-16) Next Week: at Nevada

The Lobos' only loss this season was a 14-6 game against Oklahoma in Week 3, and their stingy defense has yet to allow 20 points to an opponent this season while going undefeated in Mountain West play. They overcame three interceptions by Toa Fa'avae with a strong running game, led by Kiefer Sibley (12 carries, 102 yards) and Scottre Humphrey (16 carries, 87 yards, 2 TD). A road game against Wyoming on Nov. 21 is their toughest remaining game.

Week 9 Result: BYE Next Week: at Florida Atlantic

The Roadrunners' only loss this season was a Week 3 non-conference game against Texas, and while they are still chasing Boise State in the Group of Six picture, they sit alongside New Mexico as the potential next team up for a playoff bid if the Broncos falter. Veteran quarterback Owen McCown gives them stability under center, while the rushing attack is averaging 184.9 yards per game. The defense will have its hands full slowing down Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp in Week 10.

23. South Carolina (5-3, Previous Rank: NR)

Week 9 Result: WIN at Oklahoma (42-25) Next Week: vs. Texas A&M

After an 0-3 start to SEC play, the Gamecocks have beaten Florida, Tennessee and Oklahoma to climb back into the national picture. LaNorris Sellers had 301 passing yards, 96 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. It was a dominant win for South Carolina, despite three turnovers and nine penalties for 90 yards, proving they can beat a quality conference foe on the road even without playing their best all-around game.

Week 9 Result: WIN at Arkansas (34-10) Next Week: vs. Texas

The Tigers are now 3-2 in conference play with both of those losses coming on the road against Mississippi State and Ole Miss, and as the list of three-loss SEC teams continues to grow, they have leapfrogged several teams in the national picture. Austin Simmons (20/31, 179 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) and Jamal Roberts (23 carries, 138 yards, 1 TD) led the way offensively, while the Missouri defense came up with four takeaways.

Week 9 Result: LOSS at Texas Tech (26-34) Next Week: vs. TCU

The Wildcats led 23-17 late in the third quarter, but allowed 17 unanswered points and ran out of time on their comeback attempt, taking a second loss that pushes their Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff outlook into longshot territory. Noah Fifita threw for 417 yards, but the Arizona running game was completely neutralized with just 12 rushing yards, and that turned them into a one-dimensional attack down the stretch.

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Wisconsin (30-0) Next Week: at Northwestern

The Wisconsin defense shutting down USC's offense in a 24-7 victory was one of the biggest stories in college football a week ago, but the Badgers were on the wrong end of a dominant defensive performance on Saturday. The Hawkeyes bounced back from their Week 8 loss to Minnesota by surrendering just nine first downs and 235 total yards while pitching a shutout, logging three takeaways and giving up just 2.2 yards per carry. Quarterback Hank Brown (20/24, 222 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) had his best game of the season under center.

Week 9 Result: BYE Next Week: vs. Cincinnati

Conner Weigman ranks in the top 10 nationally in total yards (2,302, 10th) and total touchdowns (26, 3rd), and he has the Cougars eyeing a second straight 10-win season. Next week's matchup against Cincinnati stands as their toughest remaining game, and even with losses to Texas Tech and Utah, finishing with a 10-2 record might be enough to keep them alive in the College Football Playoff conversation as the list of three-loss SEC teams continues to grow.

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Ohio State (30-18) Next Week: BYE

The Trojans set the tone with a pair of first quarter touchdowns, and the defense bent but didn't break in allowing 464 yards of offense but only one touchdown. It was a terrific bounce-back performance for USC following last week's offensive dud against Wisconsin. Jayden Maiava (15/22, 222 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) and Trent Mosley (5 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD) led the way offensively, and now they have two weeks to prepare for a huge Week 11 matchup with Indiana.

17. Boise State (7-1, Previous Rank: 17)

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Texas State (46-45) Next Week: at Colorado State

The Broncos trailed 39-28 with 7:50 remaining in the fourth quarter when starting quarterback Maddux Madsen was sidelined with a knee injury. Backup Max Cutforth took the reins for a chaotic finish, throwing for 131 yards on 13 pass attempts and completing three straight drives with touchdown passes. With that, Boise State remains atop the Group of Six picture, as a second loss would have dropped them below teams like UTSA and New Mexico.

16. Wake Forest (7-1, Previous Rank: 16)

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Virginia (51-7) Next Week: vs. Merrimack

Fresh off a bye week, the Wake Forest offense rolled to 538 total yards while putting points on the board in each of their first nine offensive possessions. Gio Lopez had 229 passing yards and a touchdown, while Ty Clark III tallied three rushing scores to lead a running game that finished with 309 yards and five scores. There is a very real path to an 11-1 finish for this team, starting with a cupcake next weekend.

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Auburn (45-15) Next Week: vs. Georgia

The Ole Miss defense contained Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown (195 passing yards, 5 rushing yards, 2 TD), came up with two turnovers and held the Tigers to 2.3 yards per carry, and that was more than enough to support a high-powered offense. Trinidad Chambliss had 263 passing yards and two touchdowns to go along with a rushing score, and the Rebels converted 13-of-16 on third down to help rebound in decisive fashion following last week's road loss at Texas.

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Arizona (34-26) Next Week: vs. West Virginia

Quarterback Thomas Castellanos had 144 passing yards, 117 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in his first start for Texas Tech after Will Hammond was benched following last week's loss to Cincinnati. J'Koby Williams (14 carries, 175 yards, 1 TD) also had a big day on the ground, and the Red Raiders finished with a staggering 328-12 advantage in rushing yardage. They are still chasing Utah and BYU in the Big 12 standings, but a one-loss Texas Tech team would still have a playoff case even if they miss the Big 12 championship game.

Week 9 Result: LOSS at USC (18-30) Next Week: vs. Oregon

The Ohio State offense failed to consistently move the ball with true freshman Luke Fahey (21/38, 260 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) under center in place of the injured Julian Sayin, and the Buckeyes didn't score a touchdown until there was 2:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (10 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD) was held in check, and the Buckeyes will need to find some answers over the final four games to avoid a potentially catastrophic third loss.

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Mississippi State (31-3) Next Week: at Missouri

An efficient game from Arch Manning (16/20, 220 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) and a defense that allowed just 2.8 yards per play led the way for the Longhorns in a dominant win, as they improved to 3-2 in SEC play and now have back-to-back victories. The Mississippi State offense had 10 empty possessions with seven punts, one turnover on downs, one missed field goal and one interception, as they struggled to move the ball with Kamario Taylor again watching from the sidelines.

The Crimson Tide rebounded from back-to-back losses with a Week 8 victory over Texas A&M, and Keelon Russell bounced back from a couple shaky individual performances with 311 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Week 10 showdown with LSU could end up being an elimination game in the College Football Playoff picture, and if Alabama can come away with a victory, they will close out the year favored in their final three games against Vanderbilt, Chattanooga and Auburn.

Week 9 Result: BYE Next Week: vs. Kentucky

Quarterback play is the big question mark for the Volunteers. True freshman Faizon Brandon is dealing with injuries and was benched for George MacIntyre, who has been used more as a game manager while the offense leans heavily on DeSean Bishop (171 carries, 957 yards, 11 TD). Their Week 8 loss to South Carolina gives them very little wiggle room going forward if they are going to make the College Football Playoff field, and they still have home games against Kentucky and LSU on the horizon.

Week 9 Result: BYE Next Week: vs. Alabama

With 742 total yards and eight touchdowns the last two weeks in victories over Mississippi State and Auburn, Sam Leavitt has hit his stride after a shaky start to his LSU tenure. He leads the SEC in total yards (2,497) and total touchdowns (25), and he will be the X-factor in the Tigers' push to avoid a third loss as they face off against Alabama, Texas and Tennessee coming out of their bye week. Despite their two losses, they have outscored the opposition by a staggering 321-128 margin on the year.

Week 9 Result: BYE Next Week: at Tennessee

The Wildcats are off to their best start since 2018, and with a 5-1 record in SEC play, they entered Week 9 perched atop the conference standings. They control their own destiny in what has been a surprise season, but the road ahead is tough, as they face Tennessee, Florida and Missouri coming out of their bye week. Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey (69.0 cmp%, 1,755 yards, 14 TD, 1 INT) has been a revelation at quarterback.

Week 9 Result: WIN at Navy (35-13) Next Week: vs. Miami

Navy's triple-option offense entered Saturday's game averaging 307.7 rushing yards per game, but they were limited to 48 carries for 212 yards and one touchdown, effectively corralling their offensive attack. The Fighting Irish led just 14-13 at halftime before scoring 21 unanswered points during the second half, and a prime trap game was successfully navigated with a huge showdown against Miami now on the horizon next weekend. CJ Carr (19/29, 210 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) and Nolan James Jr. (9 carries, 107 yards, 2 TD) were the standouts offensively.

Week 9 Result: WIN at Arizona State (27-20) Next Week: at Utah

A week after suffering their first loss of the season to UCF, the Cougars narrowly avoided disaster, kicking a go-ahead field goal early in the fourth quarter before sealing the victory with an 11-play, 95-yard drive that chewed six minutes off the clock. The BYU rushing attack was non-existent, finishing with 47 yards on 30 carries, and Bear Bachmeier (19/30, 236 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) did just enough through the air. Next week's showdown with Utah is on track to be the first time in the history of the Holy War both teams were ranked inside the top 10.

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Nevada (27-0) Next Week: at Minnesota

The Bruins had their first shutout at the Rose Bowl since 2007 in a game where they were 22.5-point favorites, holding Nevada to 176 total yards and 1.9 yards per carry while coming up with four interceptions.

The defense did most of the work, including a first quarter touchdown, and Ty Dieffenbach played a clean game under center with 186 total yards and two scores.

With no Indiana or Ohio State on the schedule, they don't play a ranked opponent the rest of the way.

4. Indiana Hoosiers (8-1, Previous Rank: 4)

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Minnesota (23-16, OT) Next Week: BYE

Starting quarterback Josh Hoover was benched at halftime as the Hoosiers trailed 10-7, and backup Grant Wilson (9/17, 156 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 26 rush yards) threw the go-ahead touchdown pass to Charlie Becker on the first play of overtime.

The Hoosiers offense has averaged just 17.8 points over the past four games, and it took a 60-yard field goal from Paddy McAteer as time expired in regulation to force overtime. That came after Minnesota kicker Luke Drzewiecki drilled his own 60-yarder just 19 seconds earlier.

It might not be the same dominant Indiana squad we saw a year ago, but they have USC, Washington and Purdue after next week's bye, putting them in prime position to return to the College Football Playoff and the Big Ten championship game.

Week 9 Result: WIN at Cincinnati (49-25) Next Week: vs. BYU

After a hard-fought victory over Houston last weekend to remain undefeated, the Utes steamrolled their way to a 42-6 halftime lead and cruised the rest of the way to improve to 8-0 for the first time since 2010.

The first half featured four touchdown drives and two defensive scores in an utterly dominant performance on both sides of the football, and they pounded out 42 carries for 268 yards to dominate time of possession by more than 10 minutes and bring home the win.

With a victory over BYU next weekend, the Utes will have a legitimate case for the No. 1 spot in the Top 25 poll.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1, Previous Rank: 3)

Week 9 Result: WIN vs. Florida (27-8) Next Week: at Ole Miss

The Bulldogs had four takeaways, including a 66-yard fumble return touchdown by Chris Cole, and that was too big of a hole for Florida to overcome. That helped cover up an inconsistent day from the Georgia offense.

Gunner Stockton had just 101 passing yards, 45 rushing yards and zero touchdowns, and the Bulldogs averaged a middling 4.8 yards per play. Nate Frazier and Bo Walker each had a rushing touchdown to cap off long drives.

It wasn't the most well-rounded victory, but it was still a relatively easy win to help keep Georgia tied atop the SEC standings with an idle Kentucky team.

1. Miami Hurricanes (8-0, Previous Rank: 1)

Week 9 Result: WIN at North Carolina (38-35) Next Week: at Notre Dame

North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (28/34, 341 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT) outplayed Darian Mensah (22/29, 274 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) and the Hurricanes trailed 28-24 early in the fourth quarter, but they managed to pull out the victory with a clutch fourth quarter.

The Miami offense ripped off back-to-back touchdown drives, sandwiched around the only turnover of the game when Marquise Lightfoot knocked the ball loose on one of his two sacks of Edwards.

Mark Fletcher Jr. (13 carries, 43 yards, 2 TD) and Malachi Toney (7 catches, 75 yards, 2 TD) still managed to find the end zone twice each, despite less gaudy yardage totals than usual, and Miami avoided the trap game loss with Notre Dame on the schedule next weekend.