College football rankings for 2024: Oregon, Indiana continue to roll; Texas A&M enters the top 10

In this season that feels appropriate for teams that have shown to be good during the College Football Playoff, but not good enough to be one of the teams invited to the four-team tournament, it is not the eternal power like Ole Miss, Wisconsin, USC and Florida that take advantage of the expanded field.

Instead, it’s the Indiana Hoosiers.

With respect to BYU again Iowa StateThis Indiana program could be the most surprising entrant in the 12-team CFP field this season.

Indiana won 8-0. Indiana has won nine games just twice in program history (1945, 1967). Indiana remains on a 10-game winning streak for the first time. And yes, Indiana has four games left to play.

With In Oregon Not only does it look like the top team in the Big Ten, but in the entire country, it’s Indiana that has proven to be the biggest challenge for the Ducks, and State of Ohio again Penn State.

With that, here’s a look at my top 25 rankings following Week 9 of college football season:

1. In Oregon (8-0)

Week 9 result: Lost to Illinois, 38-9

Since defeating Ohio State, 32-31, back in Week 7, the Ducks have outscored opponents 73-9. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 391 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score in the win for the Ducks.

2. Georgia (6-1)

Week 9 result: It doesn’t work

3. State of Ohio (6-1)

Week 9 result: Nebraska lost, 21-17

The Buckeyes needed to come back in the fourth quarter to beat the Huskers and stay alive in the hunt for the Big Ten title. Wideout Jeremiah Smith tied Chris Carter’s new record of eight touchdowns, hauling in a 60-yard TD in the victory.

4. Penn State (7-0)

Week 9 result: Wisconsin lost, 28-13

The Nittany Lions trailed Wisconsin 10-7 at halftime. Following a 90-yard TD-score drive, PSU managed just 45 yards on its next 14 offensive plays. Drew Allar was forced to leave the game in the first half due to injury and did not return in the second half.

That didn’t stop Penn State’s defense from imposing its will. The Nittany Lions took the lead again on a pick-six and backup QB Beau Pribula saw the Lions through to the end.

5. Texas (7-1)

Week 9 result: Vanderbilt lost, 27-24

Quinn Ewers completed 27 of 37 passes for 288 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the win. The Longhorns held off a second-half comeback attempt by the Commodores, who have yet to play a game against a Power 4 opponent that did not end as a one-score game.

6. Miami (Fla.) (8-0)

Week 9 result: Florida State lost, 36-14

Despite a ho-hum first game of the season from Heisman contender Cam Ward — 22-of-35 for 208 yards with zero passing touchdowns — the Miami Hurricanes cruised to a win over rival FSU. Running back Damien Martinez needed 15 carries to rush for 148 yards with two touchdowns.

7. Clemson (6-1)

Week 9 result: It doesn’t work

8. Iowa State (7-0)

Week 9 result: It doesn’t work

9. BYU (8-0)

Week 9 result: UCF lost, 37-24

The Cougars never trailed the Knights this time. BYU running back LJ Martin rushed for 101 yards in the win. Martin has rushed for 100-plus yards in back-to-back games for the first time this year. This season marks the second time since 1990 that BYU has started its season 8-0.

10. Texas A&M (7-1)

Week 9 result: LSU lost, 38-23

Trailing 17-7 in the third quarter, Mike Elko felt he needed a change. He called Marcel Reed, hoping the dual-threat caller would provide a spark of guilt, and that’s exactly what he did. Reed came off the bench to run for three second-half touchdowns and lead the Aggies to a dramatic win and keep their undefeated record in tight SEC play.

11. Tennessee (6-1)

Week 9 result: It doesn’t work

12. In Indiana (8-0)

Week 9 result: Lost to Washington, 31-17

Indiana won 8-0.

Indiana would win nine games for just the third time in its history, and 10 games for the first time.

And Indiana has four games to go.

13. Notre Dame (7-1)

Week 9 result: Defeated Navy, 51-14

The Fighting Irish put together a statement win against a previously undefeated opponent. Jeremiah Love ran for 102 yards with two touchdowns on just 12 carries.

14. Alabama (6-2)

Week 9 result: Lost to Missouri, 34-0

The Tide bounced back from their loss at Tennessee to regain their defensive swagger with a shutout victory. In doing so, they destroyed Mizzou’s hopes of earning a spot in the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff. Jamarion Miller ran for two touchdowns in the win.

15. LSU (6-2)

Week 9 result: Lost to Texas A&M, 38-23

Garrett Nussmeier hit a three-pointer after halftime and the Tigers defense couldn’t stop A&M QB Marcel Reed on the ground. Nussmeier finished the game with 405 yards and two touchdowns on a career-high three catches.

16. Boise State (6-1)

Week 9 result: UNLV lost, 29-24

Although Ashton Jeanty was held to just 128 rushing yards on 33 carries, the The Broncos the Rebels fell. Broncos defense sacked Hajj-Malik Williams six times and recorded an interception in the win.

17. Kansas State (7-1)

Week 9 result: Lost to Kansas, 29-27

Avery Johnson threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 67 yards and a score on the ground. The Wildcats’ defense stepped up in the end, stopping Kansas on fourth down to keep the CFP’s chances alive and secure its 16th straight victory over its archrival.

18. Pitt (7-0)

Week 9 result: Defeated Syracuse, 41-13

I The panthers sacked Syracuse QB Kyle McCord five times, including three picks in the first half. Pat Narduzzi has this team playing elite defense as they improve to 7-0 on the season.

19. Missouri (6-2)

Week 9 result: Lost to Alabama, 34-0

After losing quarterback Brady Cook with minutes to play in the first half, backup Drew Pyne struggled against Alabama’s defense. He completed just 6 of 12 passes for 42 yards with three touchdowns.

20. Ole Miss (6-2)

Week 9 result: Lost to Oklahoma, 26-14

Without Tre Harris, the Rebels struggled to find anything offensively, but their defense managed nine sacks and two turnovers against the Sooners.

21. SMU (7-1)

Week 9 result: Defeated Duke, 28-27

Another week, another win for the Mustangs. They have now won five in a row, this win coming against a great Duke team in overtime. Brashard Smith led the way with 117 yards and a touchdown.

22. The army (7-0)

Week 9 result: It doesn’t work

23. Illinois (6-2)

Week 9 result: Lost to Oregon, 38-9

The Illini struggled in this game. Despite getting to the Oregon 2-yard line to open the second half, the Illini turned the ball over on downs.

24. In Colorado (6-2)

Week 9 result: Lost to Cincinnati, 34-23

As has been the case many times this season, it was Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter’s show Saturday night in Boulder. Sanders completed 25 of 30 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns, two of which went to Hunter, who finished with nine catches for 153 yards. With the win, Coach Prime’s Buffs qualified for a bowl.

25. The Navy (6-1)

Week 9 result: Lost to Notre Dame, 51-14

Navy had six turnovers in Saturday’s loss to Notre Dame. This is the type of game where you throw away the tape and move on. This team is still undefeated in conference play.

RJ Young is a national college football writer and commentator for FOX Sports and host of the podcast “The Number One College Football Show.” Follow him on @RJ_Omusha.

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