College Football Rankings Week 5: Top 25 Rankings (2026)

Week 4 gave us another major shakeup at the top of the college football rankings.

Texas survived a difficult trip to Tennessee to remain undefeated. Florida made one of the biggest statements of the weekend by blowing out Ole Miss. Georgia handled Oklahoma, while Alabama and Miami continued to build momentum with convincing victories.

The result is a significantly different College Football Week 5 Top 25. Texas remains No. 1, but Georgia moves into the No. 2 spot, followed by Notre Dame, Miami and Alabama. Ohio State, Indiana and Florida round out a loaded top eight.

Here are our complete College Football Week 5 rankings and predictions for 2026, with a closer look at the teams leading the national championship race.

For a look at how the board played out from a betting perspective, revisit our College Football Week 4 Picks. You can also compare this week's movement against our College Football Week 4 Top 25.

College Football Week 5 Rankings: Top 25

1. Texas Longhorns (4-0)

Week 4: Beat Tennessee 20-17

Texas stays at No. 1 after surviving one of its toughest road tests of the young season.

The Longhorns' résumé is becoming increasingly difficult to argue with. They have already beaten Ohio State and Tennessee, with the latter victory coming in Neyland Stadium. Texas nearly let a late lead disappear, but it made enough plays when it mattered to leave Knoxville undefeated.

Arch Manning was under considerable pressure, taking six sacks, but completed enough critical throws to keep the offense moving. His 18-yard third-down completion to Ryan Wingo helped extend the fourth-quarter touchdown drive that ultimately provided the necessary cushion.

Texas hasn't been flawless. It has, however, already demonstrated an ability to beat high-level competition in different environments. That's enough to keep the Longhorns atop our Week 5 college football rankings.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (4-0)

Week 4: Beat Oklahoma 41-13

Georgia moves up to No. 2 after delivering its most complete performance of the season against Oklahoma.

The Bulldogs forced multiple turnovers and consistently put the Sooners in difficult situations. Oklahoma lost two fumbles, threw an interception and also turned the ball over on downs.

Georgia's schedule hadn't provided many opportunities to evaluate the Bulldogs against strong competition before this matchup. A 28-point victory over Oklahoma offered considerably more evidence.

Gunner Stockton continues to provide stability at quarterback, while Kirby Smart's defense remains the foundation of the program. Georgia looks capable of competing for another SEC championship.

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0)

Week 4: Beat Purdue 49-10

Notre Dame keeps stacking convincing victories.

The Irish haven't faced the most imposing schedule through four games, but they have generally handled their opponents the way an elite team should. Purdue managed only 218 yards against a Notre Dame defense that entered the weekend among the nation's strongest statistically.

That defense gives the Irish considerable margin for error. Even when the running game or offense isn't operating at its best, Notre Dame can control games by limiting possessions and preventing explosive plays.

The schedule will eventually provide tougher measuring sticks. For now, a 4-0 record accompanied by dominant defensive performances keeps Notre Dame in our top three.

4. Miami Hurricanes (4-0)

Week 4: Beat Central Michigan 52-3

Miami's offense continues to produce eye-catching numbers.

Quarterback Darian Mensah has been remarkably efficient through four games, throwing 14 touchdowns while recording only 12 incompletions. He's also surpassed 330 passing yards twice.

Malachi Toney remains one of his biggest weapons and added six receptions for 120 yards against Central Michigan.

Miami's 52-3 victory was another comfortable result, but the upcoming schedule should tell us considerably more. A road matchup with Clemson represents a more meaningful test for an offense that has overwhelmed nearly everyone it has faced.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0)

Week 4: Beat South Carolina 49-18

Alabama continues its climb after another convincing win.

Keelon Russell has quickly become one of the most interesting quarterbacks in the country. He's completing better than 70% of his passes and has eight touchdowns against two interceptions through four games.

Russell threw four touchdown passes against South Carolina while missing on only six attempts. Alabama also received another strong performance from its defense, which held the Gamecocks to a 21% conversion rate on third down.

The Crimson Tide haven't always started games quickly this season, but their ceiling is becoming increasingly apparent once the offense settles in.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1)

Week 4: Beat Illinois 42-19

Ohio State responded to its loss against Texas with another impressive offensive performance.

Jeremiah Smith was the centerpiece against Illinois, catching 12 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Through four games, he's already surpassed 600 receiving yards with seven touchdowns.

Ohio State still has one of the most talented rosters in college football, and the narrow loss to our No. 1 team doesn't eliminate the Buckeyes from the national picture.

The question entering Week 5 is how consistently Ohio State can translate that talent against tougher Big Ten competition. A road trip to Iowa should provide a different challenge.

7. Indiana Hoosiers (4-0)

Indiana remains inside our top 10 after another unbeaten start.

The Hoosiers have established themselves as more than an early-season story, and their balance continues to stand out. Indiana has been capable of generating points while complementing its offense with disciplined defensive football.

The résumé will continue to develop as conference play intensifies, but there has been little reason to significantly downgrade Indiana through four weeks.

At No. 7, the Hoosiers remain firmly in the national conversation.

8. Florida Gators (4-0)

Week 4: Beat Ole Miss 52-28

Florida makes one of the largest jumps in our College Football Week 5 rankings after dismantling Ole Miss.

The result reinforced what we saw one week earlier when Florida scored 44 points in a road victory over Auburn. The Gators have now produced 96 points across consecutive SEC victories.

Florida's physicality has been particularly impressive. The Gators have rushed for nearly 550 yards across those two conference games, giving first-year coach Jon Sumrall a reliable foundation offensively.

Quarterback Aaron Philo has complemented that ground game with efficient decision-making.

Florida's rise isn't based on one Saturday. Consecutive impressive SEC wins have provided enough evidence to move the Gators into our top 10.

9. Ole Miss Rebels (3-1)

Week 4: Lost to Florida 52-28

Ole Miss experiences the opposite side of the Week 5 rankings movement.

One week after an emotional victory over LSU, the Rebels struggled badly against Florida. Playing without star running back Kewan Lacy didn't help, but the larger concern was the defense.

Florida approached 500 yards of offense and scored 52 points. That follows other stretches this season in which the Rebels' defense has looked vulnerable.

Trinidad Chambliss remains a major reason to believe in Ole Miss, and one loss doesn't erase the LSU victory. But the Rebels need to use their upcoming break to address a defense that has made games far more difficult than necessary.

10. BYU Cougars (4-0)

BYU rounds out our Week 5 top 10.

The Cougars have steadily strengthened their case as one of the Big 12's most serious contenders. Their offensive explosiveness has improved, while the overall team has avoided the type of early-season stumble that has already hit several other ranked programs.

BYU hasn't received the same national attention as some teams ahead of it, but continuing to win will solve that problem.

At 4-0, the Cougars have earned their spot in the top 10.

College Football Week 5 Rankings: Nos. 11-25

The second half of our Top 25 contains several teams that could move quickly as conference schedules become more difficult.

11. LSU — The loss at Ole Miss knocked LSU from the undefeated ranks, but the Tigers remain talented enough to work their way back toward the top 10.

12. Texas Tech — The Red Raiders continue to win and remain one of the Big 12 teams positioned to make a serious run as conference play develops.

13. Utah — Utah's 31-17 victory over Iowa State moves the Utes higher. Devon Dampier gives the offense another dimension, while Morgan Scalley's defense continues to provide the identity expected from Utah.

14. Iowa — The Hawkeyes have an immediate opportunity to prove whether their improved offensive production can translate against elite competition when Ohio State comes to town.

15. Oregon — Oregon's season remains difficult to evaluate. The Oklahoma State loss damaged the Ducks' résumé, but the talent level still makes Oregon dangerous as the schedule progresses.

16. Mississippi State — The Bulldogs continue their rapid ascent after beating Missouri 31-24. Sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor threw for 360 yards in the victory and has 14 touchdown passes against only two interceptions.

17. Tennessee — Losing 20-17 to No. 1 Texas isn't enough to send Tennessee tumbling. The Volunteers were competitive against the top team in our rankings and remain a dangerous SEC opponent.

18. USC — The Trojans slide after suffering their first loss. USC's offensive ceiling remains intriguing, but its defense continues to determine how high this team can climb.

19. Oklahoma State — The Cowboys enter our Top 25 with a résumé that includes a significant victory over Oregon.

20. Houston — Houston stays in the rankings despite the increasing difficulty of Big 12 play. The Cougars have shown enough through the opening month to remain in the Top 25 conversation.

21. SMU — The Mustangs remain dangerous despite their early loss. Their offensive capability keeps them relevant in an ACC race that is beginning to take shape.

22. Boise State — Boise State joins the rankings as the Broncos continue building their résumé after pushing Oregon earlier in the season.

23. UCLA — UCLA enters our Week 5 Top 25 and now has an opportunity to prove its early results can hold up as the competition increases.

24. Kentucky — Kentucky also joins the rankings. The Wildcats have shown enough through September to warrant Top 25 consideration, but sustaining it through SEC play will be the challenge.

25. Missouri — Missouri hangs onto the final position after its 31-24 loss to Mississippi State. The Tigers remain 3-1, but they'll need a response after suffering their first defeat.

Biggest Changes in the College Football Week 5 Rankings

Florida is one of the week's biggest risers. The Gators followed their road win over Auburn with a decisive 52-28 victory against an Ole Miss team that had just beaten LSU. At this stage, Florida has enough quality evidence to warrant a place inside the top 10.

Ole Miss moves in the opposite direction. The Rebels' victory over LSU still carries weight, which is why they remain No. 9, but allowing 52 points exposed concerns that were already visible earlier in the season.

Mississippi State also continues to climb. A 4-0 start combined with another impressive performance from Kamario Taylor has made the Bulldogs increasingly difficult to ignore.

Texas, meanwhile, remains the standard at the top. Beating Ohio State and winning at Tennessee gives the Longhorns the strongest collection of results among the teams at the top of these rankings.

College Football Week 5 Rankings and Predictions

September results don't determine where these teams will finish, and the next stage of conference play should create considerably more movement.

Texas has built an outstanding early résumé, but Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami and Alabama are all undefeated directly behind the Longhorns. Ohio State remains firmly in contention despite its one-point loss to Texas.

The SEC picture is especially interesting. Texas and Georgia occupy the top two spots, Alabama is No. 5 and Florida has surged to No. 8. Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State and Tennessee give the conference additional depth inside the Top 20.

There are also unresolved questions elsewhere. BYU, Texas Tech and Utah are all positioned to influence the Big 12 race, while Oregon and USC have already experienced setbacks that make their remaining games increasingly important.

College Football Week 5 Top 25

For a quick look at our complete Week 5 college football rankings, here's the order entering the next slate of games:

1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. Notre Dame
4. Miami
5. Alabama
6. Ohio State
7. Indiana
8. Florida
9. Ole Miss
10. BYU
11. LSU
12. Texas Tech
13. Utah
14. Iowa
15. Oregon
16. Mississippi State
17. Tennessee
18. USC
19. Oklahoma State
20. Houston
21. SMU
22. Boise State
23. UCLA
24. Kentucky
25. Missouri

College Football Week 5 Rankings FAQ

Who is No. 1 in the College Football Week 5 rankings?

Texas is No. 1 in our Week 5 college football rankings. The Longhorns remain undefeated and have already recorded notable victories over Ohio State and Tennessee.

What are the top five college football teams entering Week 5?

Our top five are Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami and Alabama. All five enter Week 5 undefeated.

Where is Ohio State ranked in Week 5?

Ohio State is No. 6. The Buckeyes have one loss, a 24-23 defeat against Texas, but remain one of the highest-ranked one-loss teams in our Top 25.

Where is Florida ranked after beating Ole Miss?

Florida moves to No. 8 after beating Ole Miss 52-28. The Gators have now produced impressive consecutive SEC wins over Auburn and Ole Miss.

Where is Ole Miss ranked after losing to Florida?

Ole Miss falls to No. 9. The Rebels' win over LSU remains a strong result, but the defensive performance against Florida creates legitimate questions entering the next portion of the schedule.

Is this the AP Top 25 for Week 5?

No. These are our College Football Week 5 power rankings, not the official AP Top 25. The rankings weigh results, opponent quality, team performance and our evaluation of each program entering Week 5.

Final College Football Week 5 Power Rankings

Week 4 created meaningful separation among some of the nation's top contenders.

Texas stays at No. 1 after surviving Tennessee and adding another strong win to a résumé that already includes Ohio State. Georgia climbs to No. 2, while Notre Dame, Miami and Alabama complete the top five.

Florida's rise to No. 8 is one of the most significant developments of the week. The Gators have now backed up their unbeaten record with consecutive impressive SEC victories. Ole Miss remains in the top 10 despite its first loss, while Mississippi State continues to emerge as one of September's biggest surprises.

There will be plenty more movement ahead. But entering the next weekend, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami and Alabama lead our College Football Week 5 Top 25 rankings for 2026.