College Football Rankings Week 7: Top 25 Rankings (2026)

The college football Week 7 rankings feature a new No. 1 team, a major shakeup in the SEC and several undefeated contenders preparing for their biggest tests of the season.

Georgia takes over the top spot after beating Alabama 20-17 in Tuscaloosa, while Notre Dame climbs to No. 2 and Miami moves into the top three. Texas suffers the biggest fall near the top after losing to Oklahoma, and Kentucky makes a significant jump following its overtime upset of LSU.

The biggest storyline entering Week 7 is the number of ranked matchups that could reshape the national championship picture. Ohio State visits Indiana, Notre Dame travels to BYU, Alabama faces Tennessee, and Ole Miss hosts Missouri.

These Week 7 college football power rankings evaluate team performance, quality wins, consistency and overall playoff potential. For a comparison with last week's order, revisit our College Football Week 6 Top 25 Rankings.

College Football Week 7 Top 25 Rankings

1. Georgia Bulldogs (6-0)
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-0)
3. Miami Hurricanes (5-0)
4. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1)
5. Indiana Hoosiers (6-0)
6. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1)
7. Texas Longhorns (4-1)
8. BYU Cougars (5-0)
9. Ole Miss Rebels (4-1)
10. Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-0)
11. Utah Utes (5-0)
12. UCLA Bruins (5-0)
13. Missouri Tigers (5-1)
14. Tennessee Volunteers (4-1)
15. Kentucky Wildcats (5-1)
16. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-1)
17. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1)
18. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1)
19. USC Trojans (5-1)
20. Houston Cougars (5-1)
21. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1)
22. LSU Tigers (4-2)
23. Boise State Broncos (5-1)
24. SMU Mustangs (4-1)
25. Northwestern Wildcats (4-1)

College Football Week 7 Rankings: Top 10 Analysis

1. Georgia Bulldogs (6-0)

Georgia takes over No. 1 after earning its most important victory of the season, defeating Alabama 20-17 on the road.

The Bulldogs hadn't won a regular-season game in Tuscaloosa since 2007, making this a particularly significant result for Kirby Smart's program.

Georgia's rushing attack also delivered despite injuries and depth concerns. Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker combined for 189 rushing yards, giving the Bulldogs enough production to survive a physical SEC battle.

At 6-0, Georgia now owns one of the strongest résumés in the country. The Bulldogs have demonstrated that they can win with defense, depth and a balanced offense, making them our clear No. 1 entering Week 7.

2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-0)

Notre Dame moves to No. 2 after overwhelming Stanford in a 51-point victory.

The Fighting Irish have been among the country's most consistent teams through six games, but their schedule is about to become considerably more demanding.

A road matchup against undefeated BYU represents Notre Dame's biggest test to date. Marcus Freeman's team has looked the part of a national championship contender, but winning in Provo would provide the kind of signature result that separates a strong record from an elite résumé.

Week 7 outlook: Notre Dame has an opportunity to strengthen its claim as Georgia's biggest challenger.

3. Miami Hurricanes (5-0)

Miami climbs to No. 3 despite having the week off.

The Hurricanes have already established themselves as one of the country's most complete teams, combining explosive offensive talent with a physical defense.

Their next assignment is an in-state rivalry matchup against Florida State. Miami will be favored based on the teams' early-season performances, but rivalry games can present challenges that aren't always reflected in the rankings.

With Pitt and North Carolina still ahead, Miami has plenty of opportunities to validate its top-three position.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1)

Ohio State remains the highest-ranked one-loss team in our college football Week 7 rankings.

The Buckeyes' only defeat came against Texas, and their talent level continues to place them among the country's legitimate national championship contenders.

However, their upcoming matchup against Indiana is arguably the most important Big Ten game of the season so far.

A road victory over the undefeated Hoosiers would significantly strengthen Ohio State's playoff résumé and could put the Buckeyes back into the top-three conversation.

Week 7 outlook: Ohio State has a major opportunity to prove that its early loss won't define its season.

5. Indiana Hoosiers (6-0)

Indiana enters the top five with a perfect 6-0 record.

Curt Cignetti has continued to build on the program's recent success, and the Hoosiers have consistently handled their opponents through the first half of the season.

But Ohio State represents a different level of competition.

Indiana will have home-field advantage in Bloomington, and a victory would immediately establish the Hoosiers as one of the strongest national championship contenders.

Until then, Indiana remains an undefeated team with an outstanding record but a major test still ahead.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1)

Alabama stays inside the top six despite its 20-17 home loss to Georgia.

The Crimson Tide were competitive throughout the matchup against the nation's new No. 1 team. Losing by three points to Georgia doesn't significantly diminish Alabama's overall profile.

Still, the SEC schedule offers little room to recover.

Alabama travels to Tennessee in Week 7 for another difficult road matchup. A second consecutive loss would create serious pressure on the Crimson Tide's playoff hopes.

7. Texas Longhorns (4-1)

Texas falls from No. 1 to No. 7 after a disappointing 27-24 loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.

The Longhorns entered the weekend with one of the country's strongest résumés, but turnovers proved costly. Arch Manning committed two giveaways, and Texas couldn't overcome those mistakes against an unranked opponent.

The early-season victory over Ohio State remains an important part of Texas' playoff case.

However, the Longhorns no longer have the margin for error they enjoyed as an undefeated team.

Texas still has championship-level potential, but it must respond quickly.

8. BYU Cougars (5-0)

BYU remains undefeated and enters Week 7 with a chance to secure one of the biggest victories in program history.

The Cougars host No. 2 Notre Dame in Provo, giving them a direct opportunity to demonstrate that their 5-0 start is more than a product of their early schedule.

BYU has positioned itself as one of the leading Big 12 contenders alongside Texas Tech and Utah.

A win over Notre Dame would dramatically strengthen its playoff résumé and likely move the Cougars into the top five.

9. Ole Miss Rebels (4-1)

Ole Miss remains inside the top 10 after improving to 4-1.

The Rebels have recovered from their loss to Florida, but their next challenge could have significant consequences for the SEC standings.

Missouri travels to Oxford for a top-15 matchup between two teams attempting to establish themselves as serious playoff contenders.

Ole Miss has the offensive talent to compete with almost anyone. The question is whether its defense can deliver consistently against quality SEC opponents.

10. Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-0)

Texas Tech enters the top 10 with an undefeated 5-0 record.

The Red Raiders have quietly put together one of the better starts in the Big 12, avoiding the setbacks that have affected several other highly ranked teams.

Their biggest challenge is continuing to build a résumé that can stand alongside the nation's leading contenders.

With BYU and Utah also undefeated, the Big 12 championship race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country.

College Football Week 7 Rankings: Teams 11-25

11. Utah Utes (5-0)

Utah remains unbeaten and continues to rely on a disciplined, physical style of football. The Utes are firmly in the Big 12 championship conversation alongside BYU and Texas Tech.

12. UCLA Bruins (5-0)

UCLA makes a major statement with a 17-15 victory over Oregon. The Bruins' defense helped secure one of the week's most important results, strengthening their case as a legitimate Big Ten contender.

13. Missouri Tigers (5-1)

Missouri continues its rise after recovering from its early loss. The Tigers now face a defining road test against Ole Miss, with significant SEC and playoff implications.

14. Tennessee Volunteers (4-1)

Tennessee returns from its break to host Alabama. The Volunteers already demonstrated their ability to compete with elite teams in a narrow loss to Texas, and another strong performance could push them higher.

15. Kentucky Wildcats (5-1)

Kentucky is one of the biggest movers in the rankings after defeating LSU in overtime. First-year head coach Will Stein has the Wildcats playing competitive, resilient football. A road matchup against Oklahoma offers another opportunity to climb.

16. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-1)

Mississippi State remains ranked and now travels to LSU for an important SEC matchup. The Bulldogs have an opportunity to add another significant win against a Tigers team looking to rebound.

17. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1)

Iowa continues to win with discipline and defensive consistency. The Hawkeyes may not generate the same attention as the Big Ten's top contenders, but their 5-1 record keeps them firmly in the conference picture.

18. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1)

Oklahoma State enters a pivotal Big 12 matchup against Houston. A road victory would strengthen the Cowboys' position among the conference's leading challengers.

19. USC Trojans (5-1)

USC remains ranked but still needs a signature victory. Lincoln Riley's offense has enough talent to threaten quality opponents, although the Trojans must show greater consistency against the Big Ten's best teams.

20. Houston Cougars (5-1)

Houston has put together an impressive 5-1 start and gets an opportunity to defend its home field against Oklahoma State. The matchup could have a meaningful impact on the Big 12 standings.

21. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1)

Wake Forest enters the Top 25 after a strong opening stretch. The Demon Deacons have benefited from efficient offensive performances and now have an opportunity to establish themselves as a serious ACC challenger.

22. LSU Tigers (4-2)

LSU takes one of the week's largest falls after losing to Kentucky in overtime.

The Tigers entered the season with significant expectations, but two losses have left little room for further mistakes.

A matchup against Mississippi State is now particularly important. LSU needs a convincing response to keep its postseason ambitions on track.

23. Boise State Broncos (5-1)

Boise State continues to build its playoff case with a 5-1 record. The Broncos remain among the strongest Group of Five candidates, although they must continue winning to maintain that position.

24. SMU Mustangs (4-1)

SMU remains inside the Top 25 despite limited movement. The Mustangs are still positioned to compete in the ACC, but they'll need stronger results against quality opponents to climb.

25. Northwestern Wildcats (4-1)

Northwestern enters the rankings at No. 25. The Wildcats have relied on physical, disciplined football to put themselves into the national conversation and will now attempt to build on that momentum.

Biggest Changes in the College Football Week 7 Rankings

Georgia takes over No. 1. The Bulldogs' road victory over Alabama is one of the strongest results of the season. Their ability to win despite backfield injuries reinforces their status as the nation's top team.

Texas drops six spots. The Longhorns fall from No. 1 to No. 7 after losing to Oklahoma. Texas still owns a valuable victory over Ohio State, but turnovers and inconsistency have changed its outlook.

Kentucky climbs into the top 15. The Wildcats' overtime win over LSU represents a significant breakthrough. Kentucky has positioned itself as one of the SEC's most interesting teams.

LSU falls to No. 22. A second loss creates serious questions about the Tigers' consistency and playoff prospects. Their upcoming game against Mississippi State has become increasingly important.

UCLA enters the top 12. The Bruins' victory over Oregon provides a signature result and adds another contender to the Big Ten race.

For a look at how the previous slate shaped up from a betting perspective, revisit our College Football Week 6 Picks.

College Football Week 7 Predictions: Games That Could Change the Rankings

Ohio State vs. Indiana

This is one of the biggest games of Week 7.

Ohio State enters as the higher-ranked one-loss team, while Indiana brings an undefeated record and home-field advantage.

Prediction: The winner should emerge as one of the strongest Big Ten championship contenders and have a compelling argument for a top-four ranking.

Notre Dame vs. BYU

Two undefeated teams meet in Provo with major playoff implications.

Notre Dame has the higher ranking, but BYU has an opportunity to secure a signature victory that would reshape the national picture.

Prediction: A BYU victory would likely send the Cougars into the top five, while a Notre Dame win would strengthen the Irish's position at No. 2.

Alabama vs. Tennessee

Alabama looks to rebound from its loss to Georgia, while Tennessee attempts to capitalize on home-field advantage.

Prediction: Alabama has the stronger overall résumé, but Tennessee has already demonstrated that it can challenge elite opponents. This is a matchup with meaningful upset potential.

Ole Miss vs. Missouri

Two SEC teams with one loss meet in Oxford.

Both programs are attempting to stay within striking distance of the conference's top contenders.

Prediction: The winner should gain significant momentum in the SEC race, while the loser will face a more difficult path toward the playoff.

College Football Week 7 Rankings FAQ

Who is ranked No. 1 in college football entering Week 7?

Georgia is No. 1 in our 2026 Week 7 college football rankings after beating Alabama 20-17 on the road and improving to 6-0.

What are the top five teams in the Week 7 college football rankings?

Our top five teams are Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State and Indiana.

Why did Texas fall in the Week 7 rankings?

Texas dropped from No. 1 to No. 7 after losing 27-24 to Oklahoma. Turnovers played a major role in the defeat, although the Longhorns' earlier victory over Ohio State remains a valuable résumé result.

Which team made the biggest jump in the Week 7 rankings?

Kentucky is one of the week's biggest risers, climbing to No. 15 after its overtime victory over LSU.

What are the biggest college football games in Week 7?

The most important matchups include Ohio State vs. Indiana, Notre Dame vs. BYU, Alabama vs. Tennessee and Ole Miss vs. Missouri.

Are these the official AP Top 25 rankings?

No. These are HOF's Week 7 college football power rankings, reflecting our assessment of team quality, results and playoff potential rather than reproducing the official AP Poll.

Final College Football Week 7 Rankings Outlook

The college football Week 7 Top 25 rankings reflect a season that is becoming increasingly competitive at the top.

Georgia has earned the No. 1 ranking with its victory over Alabama, while Notre Dame and Miami remain unbeaten. Ohio State and Indiana are preparing for a showdown that could reshape the Big Ten race, and Texas must recover from its rivalry loss to Oklahoma.

The SEC remains particularly unpredictable, with Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Missouri, Kentucky and LSU all facing important tests.

With several top-15 matchups on the schedule, these rankings could look dramatically different after Week 7.

For additional matchup statistics, team trends and betting research, explore the HOF sports betting research app.