Week 9 delivered another reminder that the road to the College Football Playoff is rarely straightforward. Ohio State suffered a damaging 30–18 defeat at USC, Miami narrowly escaped North Carolina, and Georgia strengthened its national championship credentials with a commanding 27–8 victory over Florida.
The weekend also reinforced the legitimacy of several emerging contenders. Utah dismantled Cincinnati 49–25, UCLA remained undefeated by shutting out Nevada, and Notre Dame handled Navy comfortably. Meanwhile, Indiana required overtime to survive Minnesota, creating further separation among the nation’s leading championship candidates.
Perhaps the most consequential development was Georgia’s continued resurgence. While Miami preserved its perfect record, the Bulldogs produced the stronger performance against substantially better opposition, earning the top position in this week’s rankings.
Unlike traditional media polls, TFE Times evaluates teams independently, emphasizing recent performances, opponent quality, consistency, and projected strength. An undefeated record remains valuable, but it is not an automatic ticket to No. 1.
Here are the TFE Times 2026 College Football Power Rankings for Week 10.
1. Georgia Bulldogs (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 2 | Previous TFE: No. 3 ↑ 2
Georgia takes over the No. 1 position following its convincing 27–8 victory over Florida. The Bulldogs controlled a meaningful SEC rivalry game, demonstrating the defensive discipline and physical consistency expected from a legitimate championship favorite.
Unlike several other contenders, Georgia delivered an authoritative performance against a ranked opponent. Its earlier loss remains relevant, but the Bulldogs’ recent trajectory and overall strength now outweigh Miami’s undefeated record.
2. Miami Hurricanes (8–0)
Coaches Rank: No. 1 | Previous TFE: No. 1 ↓ 1
Miami escaped Chapel Hill with a 38–35 victory over North Carolina, preserving its undefeated season but introducing legitimate questions about its defensive consistency.
The Hurricanes remain among the nation’s most talented teams and retain an outstanding championship position. However, Georgia’s decisive victory over Florida was more impressive than Miami’s narrow survival against an inferior opponent. Miami’s upcoming showdown with Notre Dame presents an immediate opportunity to reclaim No. 1.
3. Utah Utes (8–0)
Coaches Rank: No. 4 | Previous TFE: No. 5 ↑ 2
Utah delivered one of Week 9’s strongest performances, overwhelming Cincinnati 49–25 on the road. The Utes combined explosive offense with the physicality that has defined their unbeaten campaign.
Their victory reinforces the argument that Utah belongs among the country’s elite rather than merely its undefeated teams. With BYU awaiting in Week 10, the Utes have an opportunity to establish even greater separation in the Big 12 championship race.
4. UCLA Bruins (8–0)
Coaches Rank: No. 5 | Previous TFE: No. 7 ↑ 3
UCLA continues to exceed expectations, shutting out Nevada 27–0 to improve to 8–0. The Bruins held Nevada to just 176 yards and forced four turnovers, another impressive defensive performance in their remarkable turnaround.
The undefeated record is increasingly difficult to dismiss. Nevertheless, UCLA’s remaining questions concern opponent quality and how its offense will respond against elite competition. For now, the Bruins have earned a place in the Power Five.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 6 | Previous TFE: No. 6 ↑ 1
Notre Dame handled Navy 35–13, avoiding the complications that often accompany unfamiliar offensive systems and disciplined service-academy opponents.
The Fighting Irish have reestablished themselves as serious championship contenders following their earlier setback. Their combination of offensive balance and defensive reliability makes them difficult to dismiss. A Week 10 meeting with undefeated Miami offers perhaps the most important opportunity of their season.
6. Indiana Hoosiers (8–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 3 | Previous TFE: No. 4 ↓ 2
Indiana survived Minnesota 23–16 in overtime, extending its winning streak but falling short of the dominant performance expected from a top-five contender.
The Hoosiers deserve considerable credit for winning another difficult Big Ten game. Their broader résumé remains strong, particularly following their victory at Michigan. Nevertheless, Utah, UCLA, and Notre Dame offered more convincing evidence of championship readiness this weekend.
7. Kentucky Wildcats (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 7 | Previous TFE: No. 9 ↑ 2
Kentucky benefited from its open date as several national contenders struggled. The Wildcats retain their 7–1 record and remain one of the SEC’s most compelling surprises.
Their rise reflects the overall quality of their season rather than a new victory. Kentucky’s upcoming matchup against Tennessee should provide a revealing measurement of its ability to compete with established conference powers.
8. Ohio State Buckeyes (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 10 | Previous TFE: No. 2 ↓ 6
Ohio State suffered the weekend’s most consequential defeat, falling 30–18 at USC. The Buckeyes struggled to finish drives, settling for field goals while the Trojans capitalized on their opportunities.
Two losses substantially complicate Ohio State’s championship outlook. Although the Buckeyes retain a talented roster and considerable upside, their performance no longer justifies a place among the top five. Their upcoming meeting with Oregon has become especially important.
9. Texas Longhorns (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 11 | Previous TFE: No. 10 ↑ 1
Texas followed its important victory over Ole Miss with a comprehensive 31–3 defeat of Mississippi State. The Longhorns demonstrated improved defensive consistency, holding their opponent without a touchdown.
Arch Manning and the Texas offense have helped stabilize a season that previously appeared vulnerable. The Longhorns’ two losses still limit their ranking, but consecutive convincing performances have revived their championship prospects.
10. Ole Miss Rebels (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 12 | Previous TFE: No. 12 ↑ 2
Ole Miss responded emphatically to its Texas defeat, routing Auburn 45–15. The Rebels finished with 28 unanswered points, turning a competitive contest into a comfortable SEC victory.
The offensive performance offered reassurance following recent inconsistency. However, Ole Miss must demonstrate similar execution against stronger opponents before returning to the championship elite. Georgia’s upcoming visit represents a defining opportunity.
11. BYU Cougars (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 8 | Previous TFE: No. 8 ↓ 3
BYU rebounded from its UCF defeat with a 27–20 victory over Arizona State. The Cougars achieved the necessary result, although the narrow margin provided limited evidence of a complete recovery.
Their early-season résumé remains valuable, but recent performances have exposed vulnerabilities. The upcoming rivalry matchup against unbeaten Utah will determine whether BYU belongs alongside the nation’s leading Big 12 contenders.
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 13 | Previous TFE: No. 13 ↑ 1
Texas Tech recovered from its Cincinnati loss with a valuable 34–26 victory over ranked Arizona. The Red Raiders faced a legitimate conference opponent and produced the response their season required.
The victory helps restore confidence in Texas Tech’s competitiveness, although the eight-point margin leaves room for improvement. Maintaining consistency against the remainder of its Big 12 schedule will determine how far the Red Raiders can climb.
13. Alabama Crimson Tide (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 9 | Previous TFE: No. 11 ↓ 2
Alabama entered Week 10 following an open date, retaining its 6–2 record and a place within the SEC championship conversation.
The Crimson Tide possess enough talent to defeat almost anyone, but their two losses and uneven performances prevent a return to the top ten of TFE’s rankings. A trip to LSU will provide an immediate test of whether Alabama can reestablish itself as a genuine national championship threat.
14. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 14 | Previous TFE: No. 15 ↑ 1
Wake Forest delivered one of the weekend’s most dominant victories, crushing Virginia 51–7. The 44-point margin showcased an offense operating with confidence and a defense capable of controlling an ACC opponent.
The Demon Deacons’ 7–1 record deserves growing national attention. While questions remain about the strength of their overall schedule, performances of this caliber make Wake Forest increasingly difficult to overlook.
15. LSU Tigers (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 15 | Previous TFE: No. 14 ↓ 1
LSU remained idle during Week 9, leaving its record unchanged at 6–2. The Tigers’ position reflects a talented but inconsistent team with considerable opportunities still ahead.
Other contenders strengthened their résumés during LSU’s open date. Nevertheless, the Tigers remain capable of climbing rapidly. Their upcoming home matchup against Alabama carries enormous implications for both programs’ postseason ambitions.
16. USC Trojans (7–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 17 | Previous TFE: Unranked — New
USC delivered Week 9’s signature upset, defeating Ohio State 30–18 and leading throughout the contest. Trent Mosley’s 69-yard touchdown helped establish the early advantage, while the Trojans prevented Ohio State from consistently finishing drives.
The victory dramatically improves USC’s national standing. Although two losses prevent an immediate move into the top ten, the Trojans now own one of the country’s most impressive recent victories.
17. Tennessee Volunteers (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 16 | Previous TFE: No. 22 ↑ 5
Tennessee enjoyed an open date but benefited from considerable movement around the SEC and national rankings. Its 6–2 record keeps the Volunteers firmly in the postseason conversation.
The challenge is converting their potential into additional signature victories. Tennessee’s upcoming matchup against Kentucky offers a particularly valuable opportunity to strengthen its résumé and demonstrate that its recent improvement is sustainable.
18. Missouri Tigers (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 19 | Previous TFE: No. 23 ↑ 5
Missouri strengthened its SEC credentials with a decisive 34–10 road victory over Arkansas. The Tigers controlled the scoreboard and avoided the mistakes that have undermined other contenders in conference play.
The impressive margin supports a meaningful promotion. Missouri still needs additional victories against stronger opposition to climb further, but its latest performance demonstrated the consistency required of a top-20 team.
19. Iowa Hawkeyes (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 20 | Previous TFE: Unranked — New
Iowa makes its first appearance in the TFE Power 25 following a commanding 30–0 victory over Wisconsin. Shutting out a previously ranked conference opponent represents one of the weekend’s strongest defensive achievements.
The Hawkeyes have demonstrated that their defense can dictate games, although offensive consistency remains an important consideration. Their convincing victory earns them a place ahead of several established teams that struggled.
20. Houston Cougars (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 18 | Previous TFE: No. 21 ↑ 1
Houston entered Week 10 at 6–2 after an open date. The Cougars remain relevant in the Big 12 race, although Utah’s continued dominance makes their path considerably more challenging.
Houston’s ranking reflects its overall body of work rather than a new signature result. Greater offensive consistency and additional quality victories will be necessary to move into the national championship discussion.
21. Boise State Broncos (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 21 | Previous TFE: No. 18 ↓ 3
Boise State narrowly avoided a major upset, surviving Texas State 46–45. Quarterback Max Cutforth threw three fourth-quarter touchdown passes as the Broncos escaped a game that threatened their postseason standing.
The resilience was commendable, but allowing 45 points raises serious concerns about defensive reliability. Boise State remains a strong contender outside the Power Four, although its latest performance warrants a modest decline.
22. Arizona Wildcats (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 22 | Previous TFE: No. 20 ↓ 2
Arizona fell 34–26 at Texas Tech, suffering its second defeat against a nationally ranked Big 12 opponent.
The Wildcats remained competitive against a quality opponent, preventing a more substantial decline. However, their inability to secure a signature road victory limits their upward mobility. Arizona must turn competitive performances into wins to reenter the top 20.
23. Northwestern Wildcats (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 23 | Previous TFE: No. 19 ↓ 4
Northwestern lost 34–26 at Oregon despite building a 14-point advantage. The Wildcats demonstrated offensive potential but could not preserve their lead against a determined conference opponent.
The defeat represents a missed opportunity to establish themselves as a serious Big Ten challenger. Northwestern’s record remains respectable, but its inability to finish the game justifies a four-position decline.
24. SMU Mustangs (6–2)
Coaches Rank: No. 24 | Previous TFE: No. 16 ↓ 8
SMU suffered a damaging 30–27 defeat at Syracuse, surrendering the winning touchdown with just 17 seconds remaining. The loss undermines the momentum generated by the Mustangs’ earlier dominant victories.
Late-game execution is increasingly important as the postseason approaches. SMU retains considerable offensive talent, but losing to an unranked conference opponent warrants one of this week’s most substantial declines.
25. New Mexico Lobos (7–1)
Coaches Rank: No. 25 | Previous TFE: Unranked — New
New Mexico enters the Power 25 following a 21–16 road victory over San José State, improving to 7–1.
The Lobos lack the signature victories of several higher-ranked teams, and the narrow result limits their immediate ceiling. Nevertheless, their overall record and ability to secure another road win earn them the final position in a highly competitive national field.
The Power Five
Five programs separate themselves from the rest of the country entering Week 10.
1. Georgia: The Bulldogs claim the top position through their commanding victory over Florida, combining defensive strength with an increasingly convincing championship résumé.
2. Miami: The Hurricanes remain undefeated and possess the talent to win a national championship. However, their narrow victory against North Carolina leaves legitimate concerns ahead of Notre Dame.
3. Utah: The Utes continue to demonstrate that their perfect record is supported by physical dominance and offensive productivity. Their upcoming showdown with BYU could further strengthen their position.
4. UCLA: Eight consecutive victories and a shutout against Nevada highlight one of the season’s most impressive transformations. The Bruins must now prove their dominance against increasingly difficult opposition.
5. Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish remain among the nation’s most complete teams. Their upcoming meeting with Miami represents a potential turning point in the national championship race.
Week 10 presents an extraordinary opportunity to reshape the rankings. Miami visits Notre Dame, Utah hosts BYU, Georgia travels to Ole Miss, and Ohio State faces Oregon.
With several contenders meeting head-to-head, the separation between championship favorites and playoff hopefuls could become considerably clearer. For now, Georgia stands atop the TFE Times Power 25—but the race remains wide open.
