Ranking College Football’s Remaining Unbeaten Teams After Week 5
Two weeks ago, there were 43 unbeaten FBS teams, and now we’re down to the 19. We anticipated either Georgia or Alabama would lose, along with Penn State or Illinois, but the losses of Ole Miss (to Kentucky) and UCF (to Colorado) came as a surprise.
The ACC still has three unbeaten teams, but none of them are preseason favorites Florida State or Clemson. In the Big 12, there are two unbeaten teams, and they aren’t Kansas State or Utah—they are Iowa State and BYU. Meanwhile, UNLV is 4-0 and has more power-conference wins than Oregon or Ohio State.
Now let’s rank the remaining undefeated teams and assess who might last the longest on this list.
1. Texas (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: first
SP+ and FPI rankings: second and first
Week 5 Game: Texas defeated Mississippi State 35-13. With Quinn Ewers still injured, Arch Manning stepped in again and delivered, completing 26-of-31 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, along with a rushing score. Despite some offensive stumbles with fumbles and penalties, the defense came through, sacking MSU’s Michael Van Buren Jr. six times. Texas eventually found their rhythm and put the game away.
Why they’re ranked here: Texas doesn’t have many weaknesses. The run game could be more explosive, but it compensates with extreme efficiency (third in rushing success rate). The offensive line does commit too many penalties, but that’s not a sustainable issue. Despite playing with a backup QB—albeit one named Manning—the Longhorns rank third in offensive SP+ and eighth in defensive SP+.
Next test: Week 8 vs. Georgia.
2. Alabama (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: third
SP+ and FPI rankings: third and second
Week 5 Game: Alabama defeated Georgia 41-34. After jumping to a 28-0 lead with four consecutive touchdowns and averaging 11.3 yards per play, Alabama allowed Georgia to mount a comeback and briefly take the lead 34-33. However, a 75-yard Ryan Williams catch-and-run sealed the win for Alabama.
Why they’re ranked here: Alabama’s offensive droughts are concerning—they go three-and-out 29% of the time (73rd nationally) and rank 89th in rushing success rate. Their run defense is also not as strong as expected. However, with Jalen Milroe and Ryan Williams, who may be the most explosive quarterback-receiver duo in the country, those issues may not matter.
Next test: Week 8 at Tennessee.
3. Tennessee (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: second
SP+ and FPI rankings: fifth and fifth
Why they’re ranked here: Alabama leapfrogged Tennessee after the big win last Saturday, but the Vols will have more chances to rise in the rankings. They will host Alabama in Knoxville in three weeks after facing Arkansas and Florida, and they’ll play Georgia in mid-November.
Tennessee’s defense has been dominant, though they haven’t faced a top-50 offense yet. They’re first in points allowed per drive (0.39), yards allowed per play (3.1), success rate allowed (28.9%), and three-and-outs forced (53.7%).
Next test: Week 8 vs. Alabama.
4. Ohio State (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: fourth
SP+ and FPI rankings: first and third
Week 5 Game: Ohio State defeated Michigan State 38-7. After a slow start, with fumble recoveries and a fourth-down stop saving them, Ohio State allowed only 67 yards over Michigan State’s last 31 plays. Offensively, they gained 483 yards, even briefly missing QB Will Howard to a minor injury.
Why they’re ranked here: Ohio State has performed as expected against a weak schedule. They rank fifth in points per drive and second in points allowed per drive. Tougher tests lie ahead with road games against Oregon and Penn State, as well as four other opponents in the SP+ top 30.
Next test: Week 7 at Oregon.
5. Penn State (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: eighth
SP+ and FPI rankings: sixth and eighth
Week 5 Game: Penn State defeated Illinois 21-7. Missed field goals and a red-zone turnover kept the game close, but the defense held Illinois to just one score and 3.8 yards per play.
Why they’re ranked here: While the missed field goals are concerning (Sander Sahaydak is just 1-for-4 from 40-plus yards), the team has shown few other weaknesses. Penn State ranks 13th in points per drive and 11th in points allowed per drive. QB Drew Allar’s efficiency has improved, and Nicholas Singleton has been a standout RB.
Next test: Week 7 at USC.
6. Miami (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: seventh
SP+ and FPI rankings: 11th and 10th
Week 5 Game: Miami survived a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech, coming back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit with a miraculous series of plays, including a fourth-down catch and a Hail Mary replay reversal.
Why they’re ranked here: Miami’s offense, led by Cam Ward and receivers Xavier Restrepo and Isaiah Horton, is consistently reliable. However, their run defense has been inconsistent, ranking 86th in yards per carry allowed. This could be a problem in future road games, particularly against Louisville.
Next test: Week 6 at California.
7. Oregon (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: ninth
SP+ and FPI rankings: eighth and ninth
Week 5 Game: Oregon defeated UCLA 34-13. Despite not being very explosive, the Ducks’ offense was efficient, and their defense delivered, with UCLA’s only touchdown coming from a pick-six.
Why they’re ranked here: After underperforming early in the season, Oregon has found its rhythm, now ranking 10th in success rate and success rate allowed. QB Dillon Gabriel has been highly accurate, completing 82% of his passes.
Next test: Week 7 vs. Ohio State.
8. Missouri (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 10th
SP+ and FPI rankings: ninth and 14th
Why they’re ranked here: Missouri has relied heavily on their defense, which allows zero or fewer yards 40% of the time and limits big plays. The offense rarely goes three-and-out, ranking second in that regard, but they have struggled to generate big plays. QB Brady Cook is averaging only 10.3 yards per completion.
Next test: Week 6 at Texas A&M.
9. Indiana (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: 11th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 29th and 16th
Week 5 Game: Indiana defeated Maryland 42-28. Despite early turnovers and only one touchdown in their first six drives, Indiana’s defense kept them in the game, and the offense eventually surged with 510 total yards and five touchdowns.
Why they’re ranked here: Indiana has made a huge leap from previous seasons, now ranking first in offensive success rate and second in points per drive. QB Kurtis Rourke is also third in Total QBR despite a couple of interceptions last week.
Next test: Week 6 at Northwestern.
10. Iowa State (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 15th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 21st and 22nd
Week 5 Game: Defeated Houston 20-0.
The defense dominated by forcing five punts and three turnovers from a struggling Houston offense. On the offensive side, Iowa State had a tale of two halves, producing only three points and 4.2 yards per play in the first half but improving to 17 points and 7.8 yards per play in the second.
Why they’re ranked here: Jon Heacock’s defense has been consistently strong, averaging a 26.3 defensive SP+ ranking over the past seven years. This year, the defense is up to ninth, ranking fourth in points allowed per drive, having largely shut down a variety of lackluster offenses. However, the offense remains a concern, having surpassed 21 points only once and ranking 67th in success rate and 73rd in explosive plays.
Next test: Week 7 at West Virginia.
11. BYU (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: 19th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 42nd and 34th
Week 5 Game: Defeated Baylor 34-28.
BYU took a commanding 28-7 lead but managed only two field goals in their final eight drives. When Baylor reduced the lead to 34-28, BYU’s defense stepped up, securing three consecutive stops to seal the win.
Why they’re ranked here: While the offense has been inconsistent, the defense has been reliable, ranking in the top 25 in both success rate allowed and yards allowed per successful play. Despite a modest pass rush, BYU’s pass defense has been solid. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff has shown flashes of potential, ranking 33rd in yards per dropback. However, the run game needs improvement if they hope to stay undefeated.
Next test: Week 7 vs. Arizona.
12. Pittsburgh (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 18th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 31st and 39th
Why they’re ranked here: Pitt looks like a different team this season. Known for a strong defense, they now rank sixth in both points per drive and yards per play. However, they’re still vulnerable defensively, ranking 86th in points allowed per drive. While they’ve scored at least 38 points in three games, they’ve also allowed at least 24 points in three contests.
Next test: Week 6 at North Carolina.
13. UNLV (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 20th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 54th and 35th
Week 5 Game: Defeated Fresno State 59-14.
UNLV dealt with unexpected drama last week when starting quarterback Matthew Sluka left due to NIL-related issues. Backup Hajj-Malik Williams stepped up, passing for 182 yards and rushing for 119 in his first start, giving the Rebels a balanced offensive attack.
Why they’re ranked here: Swapping Sluka for Williams might have improved their passing game, while the run game and defense remain robust. The Rebels rank 20th in points per drive and 12th in points allowed per drive. Though their schedule includes tough games against Syracuse, Oregon State, and Boise State, UNLV looks like a well-rounded team.
Next test: Week 6 vs. Syracuse.
14. James Madison (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 21st
SP+ and FPI rankings: 33rd and 41st
Week 5 Game: Defeated Ball State 63-7.
In a blowout victory, JMU doubled Ball State’s yardage (522-250) and returned one of their three interceptions for a touchdown, boosting the Dukes to 33rd in SP+, the highest rank of any Group of 5 team.
Why they’re ranked here: JMU’s offense has been on fire, scoring 133 points in their last two games, and the defense has allowed seven points or fewer in three of four games. They’ve given up some big run plays, and quarterback Alonza Barnett III has taken a lot of sacks, but the biggest challenge might be their weak schedule, which ranks in the 120s.
Next test: Week 7 vs. Coastal Carolina.
15. Rutgers (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 17th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 44th and 45th
Week 5 Game: Defeated Washington 21-18.
Despite being outgained by 222 yards, Rutgers capitalized on Washington’s three missed field goals and survived a nail-biter with a win at the buzzer.
Why they’re ranked here: Rutgers has one of the worst run defenses in the country, ranking 127th in both rushing success rate and non-sack yards per carry. They don’t generate many big plays, but they avoid mistakes, control field position, and have a standout running back in Kyle Monangai.
Next test: Week 6 at Nebraska.
16. Duke (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: 22nd
SP+ and FPI rankings: 36th and 59th
Week 5 Game: Defeated North Carolina 21-20.
After trailing 20-0, Duke rallied with three touchdowns late in the game to pull off a thrilling comeback against North Carolina.
Why they’re ranked here: The offense has struggled, ranking 88th in points per drive and 102nd in yards per play, but the defense has been a revelation under Manny Diaz. Duke is allowing just 16.2 points per game and ranks seventh nationally in yards per play allowed. With five projected one-score games ahead, Duke’s defense will need to continue carrying the team.
Next test: Week 6 at Georgia Tech.
17. Navy (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 25th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 68th and 76th
Week 5 Game: Defeated UAB 41-18.
Navy quarterback Blake Horvath was nearly perfect, completing 9 of 11 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 84 yards. Navy dominated early, scoring on their first four drives.
Why they’re ranked here: Navy’s offense has been highly efficient, scoring 46 points per game, ranking ninth in the nation despite averaging only 11.3 drives per game. However, their defense has been inconsistent, and upcoming matchups, like Notre Dame, pose significant challenges.
Next test: Week 9 vs. Notre Dame.
18. Army (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 24th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 70th and 71st
Week 5 Game: Defeated Temple 42-14.
Army opened with a 13-play, nine-minute touchdown drive and never looked back, building a 28-0 lead before putting the game away after two Temple touchdowns.
Why they’re ranked here: Army has been methodical on offense, ranking third nationally in points per drive and second in success rate. While quarterback Bryson Daily isn’t as effective a passer as Navy’s Horvath, Army’s defense ranks 20th in points allowed per drive, making them a strong contender for the AAC title.
Next test: Week 8 vs. East Carolina.
19. Liberty (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 26th
SP+ and FPI rankings: 57th and 90th
Their game at Appalachian State was canceled due to hurricane-related flooding in western North Carolina.
Why they’re ranked here: Despite returning quarterback Kaidon Salter and running back Quinton Cooley, Liberty’s offense has struggled to maintain consistency. The Flames have faced deficits in multiple games this season, including trailing by 14 to New Mexico State and by 17 to East Carolina, before narrowly escaping with wins.
