Week 12 brought a few shake-ups, a historic return, and a couple of statement wins across the country. Ohio State and Indiana continue to lead the way, Alabama took a rare slide, and North Texas made school history by breaking into the rankings for the first time since 1959. Here’s the full rundown of where things stand heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
25. Houston (8–2)
Sep 26, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Houston re-enters the poll after stringing together an intense stretch of play. The Cougars have stabilized late in the season and earned their way back into the national conversation.
Advertisement
24. Tulane (8–2)
Sep 20, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tulane Green Wave quarterback Brendan Sullivan (6) hands the ball off to running back Jamauri McClure (25) during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Tulane also jumps back in after a solid run. The Green Wave are playing their best football of the season on both sides of the ball.
23. Missouri (7–3)
Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs with the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Missouri returns to the rankings and continues to look like a dangerous, well-rounded SEC team. The Tigers have positioned themselves for a strong finish.
22. North Texas (9–1)
5. North Texas Mean Green
North Texas Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) stands in the pocket against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
For the first time since 1959, North Texas is ranked. It’s a landmark moment for the program, and the Mean Green have played like they belong; tough and explosive when needed.
Advertisement
21. James Madison (9–1)
Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Matthew Sluka (9) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
James Madison rises again with another consistent performance. The Dukes continue to prove they’re one of the most reliable teams outside the power conferences.
20. Tennessee (7–3)
Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back DeSean Bishop (18) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe (3) in the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Tennessee remains steady at No. 20 after another solid showing. The Vols continue to defend well and grind out wins.
Advertisement
19. Virginia (9–2)
Oct 18, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers players celebrate while leaving the field after their game against the Washington State Cougars at Scott Stadium. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Virginia keeps climbing thanks to a productive offense and strong situational play. The Cavaliers are quietly building a strong late-season résumé.
18. Michigan (8–2)
Nov 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Michigan Wolverines kicker Dominic Zvada (96) celebrates his game-winning field goal against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Michigan stays inside the top 20 with another complete effort. The Wolverines still control a path to a 10-win regular season.
17. Texas (7–3)
Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns celebrate after running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Texas continues its roller-coaster ride through the poll. After climbing back inside the top 10 last week, the Longhorns slide seven spots following a one-sided loss to Georgia.
16. USC (8–2)
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) takes the ball on a kickoff return in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
USC holds firm at No. 16. The Trojans have survived several close calls, and their big test comes next week against Oregon.
15. Georgia Tech (9–1)
Nov 15, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Georgia Tech moves up again. At 9–1, the Yellow Jackets remain one of the season’s biggest surprises, powered by steady quarterback play and a tough defense.
14. Miami (8–2)
Nov 8, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) rushes the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Miami hangs on in the top 15, bolstered by its head-to-head win over Notre Dame and one of its best defensive outings of the year against NC State.
13. Utah (8–2)
Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Utah Utes celebrate a moment of loudness between the third and fourth quarters of a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Utah continues its strong November push. The Utes’ physicality and depth have carried them through tight games all season.
12. Vanderbilt (8–2)
Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt keeps rising in a season that has become one of the program’s best in decades. The Commodores have shown they can handle shootouts and defensive battles alike.
11. BYU (9–1)
No. 7 BYU Cougars vs. TCU Horned Frogs
BYU Cougars linebacker Bodie Schoonover (48) celebrates with teammate BYU Cougars defensive lineman Logan Lutui (7) after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
BYU stays right on the edge of the top 10 with another sturdy performance. The Cougars continue to stack wins and look well-rounded.
10. Alabama (8–2)
No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 12 Oklahoma Sooners
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) warms up prior to the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
A rare drop for Alabama. After letting Oklahoma walk out of Tuscaloosa with a 23–21 upset, the Tide fall six spots. They’re now in must-win territory the rest of the way.
9. Notre Dame (8–2)
Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Notre Dame climbs into the top 10 thanks to a dominant defensive showing at Pitt. The Irish continue to flash playoff-caliber potential when everything clicks.
8. Oklahoma (8–2)
Oklahoma defensive linemen R Mason Thomas (32), Markus Strong (99) and David Stone, lower right, react to stopping Kent State running back Jahzae Kimbrough (84) during the first half of an NCAA football game between the Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Credit: NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
The Sooners leap three spots after their statement road win over Alabama. Oklahoma finally grabbed the kind of victory that can swing a season.
6. Oregon (9–1)
Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Oregon stays tied for sixth with another sharp outing. The Ducks’ consistency and firepower have kept them firmly in the playoff hunt.
6. Texas Tech (10–1)
Nov 1, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker John Curry (6) celebrates with defensive backs Cole Wisniewski (5) and Brice Pollock (14) after a fourth-down defensive stop against the Kansas State Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
Texas Tech jumps two spots and earns an equal share of sixth. The Red Raiders continue to impress with their balance and discipline.
5. Ole Miss (10–1)
Nov 1, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Kam Franklin (5) and Will Echoles (52) react after a defensive stop during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Ole Miss climbs to No. 5, riding one of the nation’s most potent offenses. The Rebels keep finding ways to pull away late in games.
4. Georgia (9–1)
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) looks to pass the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
A convincing win over Texas bumps Georgia into the No. 4 spot. The Bulldogs keep trending upward with one of the country’s most complete rosters.
3. Texas A&M (10–0)
No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Mrcel Reed (10) rushes for a touchdown that was called back for holding during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
The Aggies stay at No. 3 after pulling off the biggest comeback in program history. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough to keep them unbeaten, and still very much in the playoff race.
2. Indiana (11–0)
Nov 15, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Devan Boykin (12) celebrates an interception with wide receiver Makai Jackson (2) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Indiana continues its dream season. At 11–0 with elite wins and strong metrics, the Hoosiers have held the No. 2 spot for five straight weeks.
1. Ohio State (10–0)
College football: Big 10 standings through Week 12
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) high fives defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) during the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025. Ohio State won 48-10. Credit: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State remains the clear No. 1 for the 12th straight week. The Buckeyes have been the nation’s most consistent force from opening weekend to now, and they show no signs of slowing down.
Final Thoughts
Nov 1, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker John Curry (6) celebrates with defensive backs Cole Wisniewski (5) and Brice Pollock (14) after a fourth-down defensive stop against the Kansas State Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
Week 12 tightened the race at the top, shook up the middle, and delivered one of the season’s coolest storylines with North Texas returning to the poll for the first time in 65 years. Alabama’s stumble gave Oklahoma new life, and every team inside the top six still has a realistic path to January. With rivalry games and conference titles on deck, the next few weeks are about to get even more chaotic.