College football rankings from 1 to 134 for Week 7: Sorting out Power 4 one- and two-loss pileups

Bill Bender

College football rankings from 1 to 134 for Week 7: Sorting out Power 4 one- and two-loss pileups  image

How many two-loss teams will make the College Football Playoff? 

The rash of upsets in Week 6 – and the loaded schedule in Week 7 – forces that question at midseason. The rules have changed. No two-loss team made the four-team College Football Playoff. LSU won the national championship in 2007 with two losses, and it's entirely possible this year's national champion could do the same.

About those upsets. Alabama lost to Vanderbilt. Tennessee lost to Arkansas. Missouri lost to Texas A&M, and Michigan – last year's national champion – lost to Washington. All of that impacted our latest 1-134 rankings heading into Week 7. 

MORE: Updated College Football Playoff projection after wild Week 6

In the Power 4 conferences, there are a combined total of nine unbeaten teams, 21 one-loss teams and 19-two loss teams. That is 48 teams. Did somebody say Super League?

We will address that at a later date. The point is those losses are going to pile up, and that makes this feel more like the NFL playoff race. Get used to it. Here is a look at how those schools stack up by conference – and how that number compares against the percentage of overall teams in the conference.                                

CONFERENCE0 LOSSES%1 LOSS%2 LOSS%
ACC211.8%529.4%423.5%
Big Ten411.1%316.7%633.3%
Big 12212.5%531.3%425.0%
SEC16.3%850.0%531.3%

Given that 50% of the teams in the SEC have one loss now – that is something to watch as October heats up. We aren't going to talk about two-loss teams making the College Football Playoff. We are going to talk about how many three-loss teams are in the playoff. 

MORE: SN Top 25 for Week 7

Here is our 1-134 rankings heading into Week 7: 

College football rankings 2024

Top 25 for Week 7

1. Texas (5-0)

The Longhorns rank 10th in scoring offense (45.0 ppg.) and third in scoring defense (7.0 ppg.). Arch Manning gained experience with Quinn Ewers (abdominal strain) out, and the Longhorns have four players with at least 200 receiving yards. It's an NFL-style balanced attack – and the next test is at Oklahoma. The Sooners have won five of the last six meetings, and Steve Sarkisian is 1-2 in the Red River Rivalry. 

MORE: Picks against the spread for Week 7's Top 25 matchups

2. Ohio State (5-0) 

The Buckeyes have the same blend of scoring offense (46.0 ppg.) and scoring defense (6.8 ppg.) as the Longhorns. Who would be favored if Ohio State played Texas this week? It is an interesting question and speaks to the assortment of talent the Buckeyes have in 2024. Quinshon Judkins (468 yards, 5 TDs) and TreVeyon Henderson (337 yards, 4 TDs) have lived up to the billing as the best running back tandem in the country, and that will be the key in a road trip to Oregon on Saturday. If the Buckeyes win convincingly there, they might be No. 1 heading into Week 8. 

BENDER: Ohio State shows complete performance at Iowa

3. Oregon (5-0)

The Ducks have their opportunity to make a huge Big Ten statement against the Buckeyes. Ohio State has not lost to a Big Ten team not named Michigan under Ryan Day (thought it did lose to Oregon when it was in the Pac-12), and the Ducks are 2-3 against top-10 teams under Dan Lanning. Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel must avoid turnovers in the red zone – which popped up in a 31-10 victory against Michigan State. Running back Jordan James averages 6.1 yards per carry in Big Ten play. Will he have success against the Buckeyes?

4. Miami, Fla. (6-0) 

The Hurricanes pulled off an improbable comeback from a 25-point deficit in the second half behind quarterback Cam Ward, who passed for 437 yards, two TDs and an interception. Mario Crisotbal has Miami in position to make an ACC championship run, but back-to-back close calls have put some pressure on the defense that has allowed 382 yards per game in those games against the Golden Bears and Hokies. Miami has a bye week before a matchup against Louisville on Oct. 19. 

5. Georgia (4-1) 

Georgia bounced back with a 31-13 against Auburn in Week 7, but there are areas of concern for Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have averaged 3.6 yards per carry in SEC play – and that running game needs to improve in late-season road tests. Georgia's defense has created just four turnovers. Will Mississippi State be a get-well game before the showdown with Texas on Oct. 19?

6. Penn State (5-0) 

The Big Ten has three teams in the top five. The Nittany Lions are up to No. 4 in the AP Poll, and Drew Allar hit 17 of 24 passes for 234 yards and a TD in a 27-11 victory against UCLA. The running game sputtered against the Bruins, and the Nittany Lions have a test at USC in Week 7. Penn State has not committed a turnover in their last two games – and that will be a key to victory against the Trojans.

7. Clemson (4-1) 

Clemson is closing the gap on Miami in the ACC. The Tigers limited Florida State to 22 rushing yards, and the Tigers have turned up the rushing offense around Phil Mafah. The senior running back had a season-high 154 yards on 6.2 yards per carry. Clemson does not play Miami in the regular season, and the buildup to that potential matchup could be tremendous. The Tigers play at Wake Forest in Week 7. 

8. Ole Miss (5-1) 

Do the Rebels have the most forgivable loss compared to Alabama and Tennessee? That is a legitimate question, but Ole Miss bounced back in a 27-3 victory at South Carolina. Jaxson Dart leads the SEC with 2,100 passing yards, and receiver Tre Harris leads the conference with 885 receiving yards. That combination will be busy in a road trip to LSU – a battle of one-loss teams that puts Lane Kiffin's big-game reputation back into focus. 

9. Alabama (4-1) 

How do you balance the victory against Georgia in Week 5 and the stunning loss at Vanderbilt in Week 6? That is going to be the challenge for first-year coach Kalen DeBoer knowing there are road tests at Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma on the schedule. Jalen Milroe still leads the SEC in passer efficiency at 201.2 and Ryan Williams has 544 receiving yards on 28.6 yards per catch. The defense, however, is a question mark again. 

MORE: What Kalen DeBoer said after shocking upset

10. Tennessee (4-1) 

The Vols lost 19-14 at Arkansas despite no turnovers and a rushing attack that managed 174 yards on 4.8 yards per carry. Nico Iamaleava (17 of 29, 158 yards) will have to take more chances in the passing game through the meat of the SEC schedule under Josh Heupel, and that showdown with Alabama on Oct. 19 becomes that much more important for both teams. Tennessee still has a solid resume and a bounce-back opportunity against rival Florida in Week 7. The teams have split the last four meetings at Neyland Stadium. 

11. Iowa State (5-0) 

Iowa State continues to grind out victories in the Big 12 after a 43-21 victory against Baylor, and there are signs that Matt Campbell might have a chance to guide the Cyclones to a conference championship. Rocco Becht has taken just two sacks, and the trio of Jaylon Jackson (295 yards, 2 TDs), Abu Sama III (242 yards, 1 TD) and Carson Hansen (211 yards, 2 TDs) all average five yards per carry. The defense is allowing just 10 points per game ahead of a tricky road test at West Virginia. 

(Getty Images)

12. LSU (4-1) 

The Tigers have a high-volume passing attack led by Garrett Nussmeier – who enters Week 6 with the most passing attempts and completions in the SEC. The Week 1 loss to USC is a distant memory – especially if LSU can beat Ole Miss in a battle of one-loss teams in Week 6. Edge rusher Bradyn Swinson – who has five sacks – has been a breakout performer to this point. Remember, LSU is 16-1 at home under Brian Kelly.

13. Notre Dame (4-1) 

The Irish had a bye week, and they are right back in the College Football Playoff mix. How will the offense evolve in October? Riley Leonard, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price lead a rushing attack that averages 210 yards per game, and Leonard was 33 of 48 (68.8%) with three TDs and no interceptions in his last two starts. Xavier Watts leads a defense that has seven interceptions. The Irish face rival Stanford in Week 7. 

14. BYU (5-0)

The Cougars are off to a fantastic start in Big 12 play, and quarterback Jake Retlazz leads the team in passing yards (1,208) and rushing yards (156). Seven different BYU players have interceptions for a defense that allows 15.8 points per game. The Week 7 matchup with Arizona is yet another fun conference matchup for the Cougars – who have won the last three meetings in the series. 

15. Texas A&M (5-1)

Is Mike Elko a Coach of the Year candidate again? The Aggies hammered Missouri 41-10 and joined a deep list of SEC playoff contenders as a result. Conner Weigman returned to starting quarterback duties and finished 18 of 22 for 276 yards. Le'Veon Moss added 138 rushing yards and three TDs, and the defense had six sacks. That got lost in the shuffle of the rest of the Week 6 upsets. Texas A&M has a bye week before an Oct. 19 matchup against Mississippi State. 

16. Kansas State (4-1) 

Kansas State will be in the spotlight in Week 6. The Wildcats travel to Colorado – and the Buffaloes are the ones without a conference loss. That puts an extra layer of pressure on Kansas State. How much will a rushing attack that averages 252.2 yards per game go for against the Buffs. DJ Giddens (7.3 ypc.) and Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards (6.9 ypc.) lead that attack around quarterback Avery Johnson (7.3 ypc.), who is great on the keeper. How will the defense hold up against Colorado's passing attack? The contrast in styles is appetizing.

17. Indiana (6-0) 

Who had the Hoosiers – who were picked to finish 17th in the Big Ten Preseason Poll – undefeated at the halfway point under first-year coach Curt Cignetti? Indiana leads the Big Ten in scoring (47.5) and total offense (515.7). Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke has the highest passer rating in the conference at 192.1. The Hoosiers have a bye week before a huge home game against Nebraska on Oct. 19. 

18. Oklahoma (4-1) 

The Sooners had a bye week to prepare for the Red River Rivalry, and that will give freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. more time to prepare for a tough Texas defense. Hawkins – who hasn't thrown an interception – will need to take more chances in the passing attack. Will the Oklahoma offensive line hold up? Linebacker Danny Stutsman – who has 40 tackles – leads a defense that allows 16 points per game. They'll need to be in top form against the Longhorns. 

19. Utah (4-1) 

What does the quarterback situation look like when the Utes return from the break? Isaac Wilson has a 53.6% completion percentage with two TDs and four interceptions in the Utes last two games, which they split against Oklahoma State and Arizona. Will Cam Rising finally return from a hand injury? The Utes cannot fall behind in the Big 12 race, and a three-game stretch against Arizona State, Houston and TCU should help resolve the QB issue. 

20. SMU (5-1) 

The Mustangs have averaged 46.7 points per game since Kevin Jennings took over as the starting quarterback. Jennings had 281 passing yards and 113 rushing yards in a 34-27 victory against Louisville — one where an overturned fumble helped the Mustangs pull out the road victory. Could SMU win the ACC in its first season? The Mustangs have a bye before back-to-back road trips to Stanford and Duke. 

MORE: Controversial replay reversal helps SMU down Louisville

21. Illinois (4-1) 

The Illini had a bye week to recoup after a 21-7 loss to Penn State on Sept. 28. Luke Altmyer is thriving in his second season with Bret Bielema with 11 TDs, one interception and a 70% completion percentage. Illinois also has a plus-5 turnover margin around a solid defense. The Illini play Purdue in Week 7 before a two-game stretch against Michigan and Oregon. 

22. Pitt (5-0) 

Should Pitt be ranked higher? The Panthers is sixth in the FBS with 45.6 points per game, and Alabama transfer quarterback Eli Holstein became the first Pitt QB to win his first five starts since Dan Marino. The Panthers rank second in the ACC with 521.6 yards per game. Pat Narduzzi has a playoff contender here heading into a home game against Cal. 

23. Boise State (4-1) 

The Broncos are the highest-ranked Group of 5 team now, and they lead the FBS in scoring offense (50.6 ppg.) and rank second in rushing offense (301.2 ypg.) Ashton Jeanty added 186 rushing yards and three TDs in a 62-30 victory against Utah State. He now has 1,031 yards and 16 TDs. Boise State travels to Hawaii in Week 6. 

24. Missouri (4-1) 

The Tigers received their reality check in a 41-10 loss at Texas A&M in a disastrous performance where the Aggies out-rushed Missouri 236-68. Missouri was criticized for their soft schedule – but one SEC loss is forgiven. The pressure is on now – and a get-well game at UMass precedes the rest of the SEC schedule. 

MORE: Texas A&M trolls Mizzou QB Brady Cook after win

25. Navy (5-0) 

The Midshipmen won the first leg of the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy with a 34-7 victory against Air Force. Navy is the class of the American Athletic Conference at this point – though Army (5-0) has a perfect record, too. Circle Oct. 26. That is when the Midshipmen play Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. In the meantime, Navy should stay ranked through a Week 7 bye.

College football 1-134 rankings: (1-25) 

A look at the top 25 teams in the FBS heading into Week 7: 

RANKSCHOOLRECORDPREVIOUSWEEK RESULT
1Texas5-02Bye
2Ohio State5-03Beat Iowa 35-7
3Oregon5-06Beat Michigan State 31-10
4Miami, Fla.5-05at Cal
5Penn State5-08Beat UCLA 27-11
6Georgia4-17Beat Auburn 31-13
7Clemson4-110Beat Florida State 29-13
8Ole Miss5-111Beat South Carolina 27-3
9Alabama4-11Lost to Vanderbilt 40-35
10Tennessee4-14Lost to Arkansas 19-14
11Iowa State5-017Beat Baylor 43-21
12LSU4-114Bye
13Notre Dame4-115Bye
14BYU5-016Bye
15Texas A&M5-122Beat Missouri 41-10
16Kansas State4-119Bye
17Indiana6-023Beat Northwestern 41-24
18Oklahoma4-118Bye
19Utah4-121Bye
20SMU5-136Beat Louisville 34-27
21Illinois4-125Bye
22Pitt5-027Beat North Carolina 34-24
23Boise State4-126Beat Utah State 62-30
24Missouri4-19Lost to Texas A&M 41-10
25Navy5-039Beat Air Force 34-7

Rest of FBS (26-134) 

Here is a look at the rest of the FBS heading into Week 7: 

26Nebraska5-133Beat Rutgers 14-7
27Texas Tech5-143Beat Arizona 28-22
28Rutgers4-128Lost to Nebraska 14-7
29Louisville4-220Lost to SMU 34-27
30Arkansas4-248Beat Tennessee 19-14
31Michigan4-212Lost to Washington 27-17
32Syracuse4-153Beat UNLV 44-41
33Colorado4-134Bye
34Liberty4-035Bye
35Army5-040Beat Tulsa 49-7
36USC3-213Lost to Minnesota 24-17
37Washington State4-142Bye
38Washington4-257Beat Michigan 27-17
39Georgia Tech4-250Beat Duke 24-14
40Duke5-132Lost to Georgia Tech 24-14
41Kentucky3-244Bye
42Vanderbilt3-274Beat Alabama 40-35
43Iowa3-237Lost 35-7 at Iowa State
44Arizona State4-152Beat Kansas 35-31
45Oregon State4-147Beat Colorado State 39-31
46South Carolina3-238Lost to Ole Miss 27-3
47Cal3-241Lost to Miami 39-38
48Wisconsin3-259Beat Purdue 52-6
49Virginia4-154Beat Boston College 24-14
50Minnesota3-370Beat USC 24-17
51Arizona3-229Lost to Texas Tech 28-22
52West Virginia3-260Beat Oklahoma State 38-14
53Florida3-275Beat UCF 24-13
54UCF3-245Lost to Florida 24-13
55UNLV4-124Lost to Syracuse 44-41
56Boston College4-230Lost to Virginia 24-14
57Maryland3-249Bye
58Memphis4-151Bye
59Cincinnati3-256Bye
60Sam Houston5-169Beat UTEP 41-21
61Virginia Tech3-378Beat Stanford 31-7
62Oklahoma State3-346Lost to West Virginia 38-14
63James Madison4-131Lost to UL-Monroe 21-19
64North Texas4-161Bye
65Toledo4-162Beat Miami, Ohio 30-20
66Louisiana4-166Beat Southern Miss 23-13
67Western Kentucky3-265Bye
68NC State3-355Lost to Wake Forest 34-30
69San Jose State4-183Beat Nevada 35-31
70Tulane4-267Beat UAB 71-20
71Northern Illinois3-268Beat UMass 34-20
72Texas State3-282Beat Troy 38-17
73Michigan State3-358Lost to Oregon 31-10
74Wake Forest2-391Beat NC State 34-30
75North Carolina3-372Lost to Pitt 34-24
76Stanford2-363Lost to Virginia Tech 31-7
77TCU3-364Lost to Houston 30-19
78Eastern Michigan4-173Bye
79UL-Monroe4-184Beat James Madison 21-19
80Coastal Carolina4-176Beat Old Dominion 45-37
81Georgia Southern3-277Bye
82Marshall3-295Beat Appalachian State 52-37
83Auburn2-479Lost to Georgia 31-13
84Ohio3-281Bye
85Northwestern2-371Lost to Indiana 41-24
86Arkansas State3-2102Beat South Alabama 18-16
87Fresno State3-285Bye
88Houston2-4103Beat TCU 30-19
89UCLA1-486Lost to Penn State 27-11
90Baylor2-480Lost to Iowa State 45-21
90UConn4-297Beat Temple 29-20
92Florida State1-589Lost to Clemson 29-13
93Purdue1-490Lost to Wisconsin 52-6
94Mississippi State1-492Bye
95Central Michigan3-293Bye
96Kansas1-587Lost to Arizona State 35-31
97Charlotte3-3111Beat East Carolina 55-24
98South Florida2-394Bye
99Georgia State2-396Bye
100Buffalo3-299Bye
101Colorado State2-3100Lost to Oregon State 39-31
102East Carolina3-398Lost to Charlotte 55-24
103Appalachian State2-3101Lost to Marshall 52-37
104South Alabama2-488Lost to Arkansas State 18-16
105Nevada2-4104Lost to San Jose State 35-31
106San Diego State2-3114Beat Hawaii 27-24
107Hawaii2-3105Lost to San Diego State 27-24
108Western Michigan2-3118Beat Ball State 45-42
109UTSA2-3106Bye
110Old Dominion2-3107Lost to Coastal Carolina 45-37
111Tulsa2-4108Lost to Army 49-7
112Jacksonville State2-3116Beat Kennesaw State 63-24
113FIU2-3109Bye
114FAU2-3110Bye
115Bowling Green1-3112Beat Akron 27-20
116Miami, Ohio1-4113Lost to Toledo 30-20
117Wyoming1-4115Bye
118Air Force1-4117Lost to Navy 34-7
119New Mexico1-4120Bye
120Southern Miss1-4121Lost to Louisiana 23-13
121Troy1-5122Lost to Texas State 38-17
122Middle Tennessee1-4123Bye
123Ball State1-4124Lost to Western Michigan 45-42
124Louisiana Tech1-3126Bye
125Akron1-4127Lost to Bowling Green 27-20
126Rice1-3129Bye
127Utah State1-4128Lost to Boise State 62-30
128UMass1-5130Lost to Northern Illinois 34-20
129Temple1-5125Lost to UConn 29-20
130New Mexico State1-4131Bye
131UAB1-4119Lost to Tulane 71-20
132UTEP0-5132Lost to Sam Hosuton 41-21
133Kent State0-5133Bye
134Kennesaw State0-5134Lost to Jacksonville State 63-24

Bill Bender

Bill Bender Photo

Bill Bender graduated from Ohio University in 2002 and started at The Sporting News as a fantasy football writer in 2007. He has covered the College Football Playoff, NBA Finals and World Series for SN. Bender enjoys story-telling, awesomely-bad 80s movies and coaching youth sports.