Utut Tops CFP Rankings After Upset
A wild Week 10 sees Utah rise to No. 2 while Miami and Georgia drop, reshaping the playoff picture.
By Layla Richardson ·
The 2026 College Football Playoff race remains volatile following a weekend of upsets that tied the modern record for ranked team losses. ESPN Research data indicates that six teams ranked in the top 15 fell on Saturday, matching the total from November 2016. The results have created a new hierarchy at the top of the AP poll, with Utah seizing the second spot.
Utah moved from fourth to second in the rankings after a victory in the Holy War against BYU. Quarterback Devon Dampier scored with both his arm and legs, including a 29-yard reception, in a game that showcased the team's ceiling. The Utes defense forced four interceptions from BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, doubling his seasonal total. This performance marks a strong first season for head coach Morgan Scalley.
The drop for Utah was mirrored by a fall for Georgia, which slid from second to first place in the new rankings following a 42-7 win over Ole Miss. The Bulldogs had previously lost 27-24 to Auburn, a result that has drawn scrutiny of head coach Kirby Smart. Against Ole Miss, Georgia ran for 295 yards and held the Rebels to just 66. Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was held without a touchdown pass for the first time in 22 games, as Georgia forced an interception and a fumble.
Notre Dame climbed to fourth place after defeating No. 1 Miami 31-24. The Fighting Irish defense pressured Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, and safety Luke Talich intercepted a pass to stop a late rally. CJ Carr passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Miami, which lost its first game of the season, still has a path to the ACC championship via wins against Duke, Virginia Tech, or Boston College.
Alabama rose to sixth place after a bye week, beating LSU by 18 points on the road. The return of receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams proved decisive, as he scored a touchdown and had a key punt return. Quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns while running for 37 yards. The Crimson Tide now faces a favorable schedule against unranked Vanderbilt, Chattanooga, and Auburn.
Texas moved up to eighth following a 34-20 road victory over Missouri. The Longhorns played without several key starters, including receiver Cam Coleman and running back Hollywood Smothers, but relied on depth to secure a win over a top-20 opponent. Arch Manning found receiver Emmett Mosley V and running back Raleek Brown, while the defense forced a late fumble return by Graceson Littleton. This win sets up a critical matchup against LSU.
Indiana is on a bye week after a stretch of four consecutive close games. Coach Curt Cignetti said starting quarterback Josh Hoover is on the mend, noting he has not completed more than 54.6 percent of his passes since October 3. The Hoosiers host No. 20 USC on Saturday, and the health of Hoover will be a determining factor in their CFP chances.
Tennessee secured a 34-6 win over Kentucky, using only 15 pass attempts and 37 runs for 240 yards. Tailback DeSean Bishop crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, becoming the second Tennessee player to do so in two seasons. The Vols have five straight games with 100 or more rushing yards, a foundation that supports their push into the 12-team bracket.
