SPORTSVIVAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL: WEEK 10 RECAP AND WEEK 11 TOP 25
Georgia Takes Over No. 1, Notre Dame Knocks Off Miami, Tennessee Makes a Statement, and the Playoff Race Gets Even More Interesting
The 2026 college football season delivered another wild weekend during Week 10, with several highly ranked teams going head-to-head, major upsets, impressive individual performances, and plenty of movement in the Sportsvival Top 25.
The biggest headline came from South Bend, where Notre Dame handed previously unbeaten Miami its first loss of the season. Georgia took full advantage, delivering a dominating performance against Ole Miss to claim the top spot in Sportsvival's newest rankings.
Utah remained undefeated after winning its rivalry showdown with BYU, Tennessee crushed Kentucky, and Oregon handed Ohio State another damaging defeat. Meanwhile, Texas Tech survived a shootout, UCLA continued its perfect season, and Alabama strengthened its postseason position.
With the College Football Playoff race heating up, Sportsvival takes a detailed look at how every team in its Week 10 Top 25 performed before revealing the new Week 11 rankings.
WEEK 10: SPORTSVIVAL TOP 25 GAME RECAPS
Rankings listed with each recap reflect Sportsvival's Week 10 poll.
No. 1 Miami (FL) vs. No. 5 Notre Dame
Final: No. 5 Notre Dame 31, No. 1 Miami 24
Miami's unbeaten season came to an end in South Bend, as Notre Dame built a commanding lead and then survived a furious second-half comeback by the Hurricanes.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr was outstanding early, throwing three touchdown passes to help the Fighting Irish establish a 24-3 advantage in the third quarter. Miami struggled to generate consistent offense during the opening half and was forced to play catch-up against an aggressive Notre Dame defense.
Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah helped bring Miami back into the game with three second-half touchdown passes. Tight end Eli Lofton finished with seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown, but a potential fourth-down touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter was ruled incomplete.
Miami had another opportunity in the final minute but could not complete the comeback.
The victory was arguably Notre Dame's most important of the season. Carr continued to strengthen his NFL Draft credentials, while the Irish demonstrated they could beat one of the country's top teams.
For Miami, the defeat represents a significant blow to its hopes of securing the top playoff seed, although the Hurricanes remain firmly in the national championship conversation.
Sportsvival Week 11 Rankings: Notre Dame No. 3, Miami No. 5
No. 2 Utah vs. No. 6 BYU
Final: No. 2 Utah 28, No. 6 BYU 20
One of the weekend's most anticipated matchups featured two highly ranked Big 12 teams, and Utah delivered another statement victory.
The Utes entered the contest undefeated and faced a BYU team looking to strengthen its own conference championship and playoff credentials.
Utah's ability to control crucial possessions and execute in important moments proved to be the difference. The Utes limited the Cougars to 20 points and protected their lead in the final stages.
BYU kept the game competitive and remained within striking distance, but its offense could not produce the late scoring opportunities necessary to overcome the Utes.
The victory provided Utah with another valuable win against a nationally ranked opponent and strengthened its case as one of the nation's most complete teams.
While Georgia moved ahead of Utah in Sportsvival's newest poll, the Utes remain undefeated and are an extremely serious national championship contender.
BYU's loss was disappointing, particularly considering the importance of the rivalry matchup, but the Cougars remain in the postseason conversation.
Sportsvival Week 11 Rankings: Utah No. 2, BYU No. 12
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 11 Ole Miss
Final: No. 3 Georgia 42, No. 11 Ole Miss 7
Georgia delivered perhaps the most impressive performance of Week 10, completely dismantling Ole Miss in Oxford.
The Bulldogs wasted little time establishing control, building a remarkable 28-0 halftime lead against a Rebels team that entered the weekend with significant postseason aspirations.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton directed an efficient Georgia offense, while the Bulldogs established their physical dominance along the line of scrimmage. A 58-yard touchdown connection to Talyn Taylor was one of the offensive highlights.
Defensively, Georgia made life miserable for Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. The Bulldogs disrupted the passing game, limited explosive opportunities, and prevented the Rebels from developing any sustained offensive momentum.
Ole Miss struggled to establish its rushing attack and had difficulty protecting its quarterback against Georgia's aggressive defensive front.
This was more than a quality road victory. It was a demonstration of Georgia's championship potential.
For Ole Miss, the loss exposed several areas of concern, particularly along the offensive line. The Rebels remain talented, but the margin of defeat significantly damages their championship credentials.
With Miami losing to Notre Dame, Georgia moves into the No. 1 position in Sportsvival's Week 11 Top 25.
Sportsvival Week 11 Rankings: Georgia No. 1, Ole Miss No. 19
No. 4 UCLA vs. Minnesota
Final: No. 4 UCLA 34, Minnesota 20
UCLA continued its perfect season with another important Big Ten victory, defeating Minnesota on the road.
The Bruins entered the matchup facing growing expectations as one of the nation's remaining undefeated teams. Minnesota presented a physical challenge, but UCLA's offense generated enough production to maintain control and finish with a two-touchdown victory.
The victory improved the Bruins to 9-0, keeping them firmly in the conversation for a conference championship and a favorable College Football Playoff seed.
UCLA may not always receive the same attention as traditional national powers, but an unbeaten record this deep into November cannot be overlooked.
The Bruins remain one of the biggest stories of the 2026 college football season.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 4
No. 7 Indiana - Bye Week
Result: Did Not Play
Indiana enjoyed a scheduled bye during Week 10, giving the Hoosiers an opportunity to get healthy and prepare for the closing stretch of the regular season.
The Hoosiers have already established themselves as one of the country's most competitive programs, and their ability to remain among the national leaders despite a challenging Big Ten schedule speaks to their development.
With several highly ranked teams suffering losses around them, Indiana benefited from the chaos without having to take the field.
The Hoosiers move up one position in Sportsvival's newest rankings.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 6
No. 8 Kentucky vs. No. 16 Tennessee
Final: No. 16 Tennessee 34, No. 8 Kentucky 6
Tennessee made one of the biggest statements of Week 10, dominating a highly ranked Kentucky team in Knoxville.
The Volunteers established their physical approach early when Duane Morris broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run.
Running back DeSean Bishop continued his impressive season with 25 carries for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback George MacIntyre completed nine of 14 passes for 125 yards, while Faizon Brandon added a 24-yard touchdown pass.
Tennessee finished with 240 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, consistently winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.
Defensively, the Volunteers were outstanding, holding Kentucky scoreless throughout the second half.
Kentucky entered the game with an opportunity to strengthen its postseason résumé but struggled to generate consistent offense against an aggressive Tennessee defense.
The Wildcats briefly made the contest competitive during the first half, but the offense failed to score after halftime.
The performance strengthens Tennessee's playoff credentials and reinforces Bishop's growing reputation as one of the top NFL Draft-eligible running backs in the country.
For Kentucky, the defeat raises questions about its ability to compete against the nation's most physical programs.
Sportsvival Week 11 Rankings: Tennessee No. 9, Kentucky No. 17
No. 9 Texas Tech vs. West Virginia
Final: No. 9 Texas Tech 53, West Virginia 48
Texas Tech survived one of the wildest games of the season, escaping with a five-point victory over West Virginia.
Quarterback Tommy Castellanos helped the Red Raiders build a 41-27 halftime advantage in a game featuring explosive offensive plays and constant scoring.
However, West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. engineered an incredible second-half comeback. The Mountaineers scored 21 unanswered points to take a 48-41 lead.
Texas Tech refused to fold.
After a 46-yard Stone Harrington field goal, Castellanos directed a 15-play, 69-yard touchdown drive, connecting with Kenny Johnson for a five-yard score that restored the lead.
The Red Raiders then recorded a safety in the closing minutes to secure the victory.
Although the offense demonstrated tremendous firepower and resilience, allowing 48 points remains a concern for a team hoping to compete for a national championship.
Texas Tech proved it can win a shootout, but improvements defensively will be necessary against elite competition.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 10
No. 10 Alabama vs. No. 15 LSU
Final: No. 10 Alabama 31, No. 15 LSU 13
Alabama delivered an impressive road performance in Baton Rouge, controlling much of the game against a talented LSU team.
Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 17 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, providing the Crimson Tide with efficient production through the air.
Alabama's defense also played a major role, limiting LSU to only 13 points and preventing the Tigers from developing consistent offensive momentum.
The Crimson Tide demonstrated the balanced approach necessary to compete against elite competition, combining efficient quarterback play with strong defensive execution.
LSU struggled to generate consistent offensive production and could not match Alabama's offensive efficiency.
The Tigers' defense also had difficulty getting off the field during important stretches.
For Alabama, the victory improves its playoff standing and helps reinforce the belief that the program remains capable of making a deep postseason run.
LSU, meanwhile, dropped to 6-3 and now faces an increasingly difficult path toward the College Football Playoff.
Sportsvival Week 11 Rankings: Alabama No. 7, LSU No. 24
No. 12 Texas vs. No. 20 Missouri
Final: No. 12 Texas 34, No. 20 Missouri 20
Texas continued its late-season surge with an impressive road victory over Missouri.
The Longhorns entered the matchup having regained momentum following consecutive defeats earlier in the season, and they maintained that progress against another nationally ranked opponent.
Texas combined productive offensive possessions with enough defensive stops to keep the Tigers from mounting a successful comeback.
The victory marked Texas' third consecutive win and added another quality opponent to its postseason résumé.
Missouri entered the contest hoping to strengthen its national ranking, but Texas proved difficult to contain offensively.
The Tigers generated 20 points but could not produce enough consistent scoring opportunities to overcome the Longhorns.
With difficult SEC competition remaining, Texas will need to maintain this level of execution, but the Longhorns are clearly moving in the right direction.
For Missouri, the loss damages its postseason aspirations and leaves the Tigers needing a strong finish to the regular season.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: Texas No. 8. Missouri falls outside the Top 25.
No. 13 Ohio State vs. No. 24 Oregon
Final: No. 24 Oregon 41, No. 13 Ohio State 28
Ohio State suffered another damaging defeat, falling to Oregon after surrendering control of a game it once led 14-0.
The Buckeyes opened aggressively, but Oregon responded with 38 unanswered points to completely change the direction of the contest.
Playing without injured starting quarterback Julian Sayin, Ohio State relied heavily on backup Luke Fahey.
Fahey completed 36 of 50 passes for 360 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remained one of the few consistent bright spots, finishing with seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown.
Despite those performances, the Buckeyes struggled defensively against Oregon's explosive offense.
The Ducks demonstrated their offensive potential and proved they could take control of a game against one of college football's most talented programs.
For Oregon, the victory was an important step toward regaining national respect and improving its postseason positioning.
For Ohio State, the defeat represents another significant setback in a season that has fallen short of expectations.
The Buckeyes have now suffered consecutive defeats, and injuries at quarterback have made an already challenging situation even more difficult.
Sportsvival Week 11 Rankings: Oregon No. 16, Ohio State No. 22
No. 14 Wake Forest vs. Merrimack
Final: No. 14 Wake Forest 77, Merrimack 0
Wake Forest produced one of the most lopsided results of the entire college football weekend, completely overwhelming Merrimack.
The Demon Deacons dominated the matchup from beginning to end, scoring 77 unanswered points while recording a shutout.
While the level of competition must be considered, scoring 77 points demonstrates the offensive efficiency and depth Wake Forest possesses.
The defense also deserves recognition for maintaining its intensity throughout the game and preventing Merrimack from reaching the scoreboard.
Wake Forest continues to build an impressive season and remains an important team to monitor in the ACC championship race.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 11
No. 17 Houston vs. Cincinnati
Final: No. 17 Houston 31, Cincinnati 24
Houston survived a difficult challenge from Cincinnati, earning a seven-point victory to maintain its position among the Big 12 contenders.
The Bearcats made Houston work throughout the contest, but the Cougars produced enough offensive opportunities to secure the win.
Houston's ability to finish the game successfully despite facing resistance was an important sign for a team trying to establish itself among the conference's elite.
With the Big 12 championship race still developing, every victory matters, particularly with Utah, BYU and Texas Tech also competing for positioning.
Houston moves up four places in the newest Sportsvival rankings.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 13
No. 18 Boise State vs. Colorado State
Final: No. 18 Boise State 64, Colorado State 38
Boise State continued to display its offensive firepower, overwhelming Colorado State in a high-scoring conference matchup.
The Broncos scored 64 points, demonstrating their ability to produce explosive plays and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Although the offense delivered an impressive performance, surrendering 38 points creates some concern about the defense's ability to handle stronger opponents.
Nevertheless, Boise State remains firmly in the postseason picture and continues to position itself as a dangerous opponent.
The Broncos will need more consistency defensively as the schedule becomes increasingly important.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 18
No. 19 USC - Bye Week
Result: Did Not Play
USC entered Week 10 with an opportunity to regroup during its scheduled bye.
The Trojans have experienced an inconsistent season, producing impressive stretches while also struggling in several important matchups.
The additional preparation time should allow USC to address defensive concerns and improve offensive execution heading into the final weeks.
USC remains a program with enough talent to challenge nationally ranked competition, but consistency will determine how the season concludes.
The Trojans move up five positions in Sportsvival's Week 11 rankings.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 14
No. 21 Iowa vs. Northwestern
Final: No. 21 Iowa 24, Northwestern 10
Iowa delivered a strong defensive performance against Northwestern, earning an important Big Ten road victory.
The Hawkeyes limited Northwestern to only 10 points, demonstrating the disciplined defensive approach that has become a trademark of the program.
Iowa's offense generated enough production to maintain control, while the defense prevented Northwestern from establishing a consistent rhythm.
The victory was particularly important considering Northwestern had entered the matchup with a strong record and hopes of improving its postseason standing.
Iowa continues to demonstrate that its physical style can produce results against competitive opponents.
The Hawkeyes climb six positions in Sportsvival's newest poll.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 15
No. 22 Arizona vs. TCU
Final: No. 22 Arizona 29, TCU 28
Arizona survived one of the closest games involving a Sportsvival Top 25 team, escaping with a one-point victory over TCU.
The Wildcats faced a determined Horned Frogs team that kept the contest competitive throughout the evening.
Arizona's ability to generate just enough offense proved to be the difference in a game where every possession mattered.
Although the narrow victory might not impress voters as much as a dominant performance, winning close games becomes increasingly important during November.
The Wildcats remain in the Big 12 postseason conversation and continue to show resilience.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 21
No. 23 New Mexico vs. Nevada
Final: No. 23 New Mexico 31, Nevada 3
New Mexico continued its impressive season with a convincing 28-point victory over Nevada.
The Lobos combined productive offensive possessions with an outstanding defensive performance, holding Nevada to only a field goal.
The result demonstrates the progress New Mexico has made as a program and reinforces its growing reputation as a legitimate contender in its conference.
New Mexico's defense deserves particular recognition for preventing Nevada from consistently moving the football and finishing drives.
The Lobos remain one of the more interesting teams in the Sportsvival rankings.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 23
No. 24 SMU vs. Virginia Tech
Final: No. 24 SMU 51, Virginia Tech 28
SMU delivered an impressive offensive performance, scoring 51 points in a convincing victory over Virginia Tech.
The Mustangs consistently created scoring opportunities and proved difficult for the Hokies to slow down.
Virginia Tech managed 28 points of its own, but SMU's offensive production ultimately created a margin the Hokies could not overcome.
The victory strengthens SMU's ACC standing and provides valuable momentum entering the final portion of the regular season.
The Mustangs have demonstrated that their offense can compete with quality opponents, although defensive improvements remain important.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 25
No. 25 South Carolina vs. Texas A&M
Final: No. 25 South Carolina 17, Texas A&M 9
South Carolina earned an important SEC victory by holding Texas A&M to only nine points.
The Gamecocks relied heavily on their defense in a contest where neither offense consistently moved the ball.
South Carolina also faced adversity when quarterback LaNorris Sellers exited during the first half with an apparent ankle injury.
Despite the setback, the Gamecocks managed to generate enough offense to secure the victory.
The win was an important demonstration of resilience, and South Carolina's defense deserves considerable credit for limiting Texas A&M throughout the game.
The Gamecocks move up five positions in the newest Sportsvival rankings.
Sportsvival Week 11 Ranking: No. 20
SPORTSVIVAL WEEK 10: BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS
Georgia Makes Its Case for No. 1
Georgia's 42-7 destruction of Ole Miss was the most convincing victory of the weekend. The Bulldogs dominated on both sides of the football and demonstrated why they are serious national championship contenders.
Notre Dame's Playoff Hopes Receive a Major Boost
CJ Carr and the Fighting Irish delivered their biggest victory of the season by defeating previously unbeaten Miami. Notre Dame now owns one of the most impressive victories of the 2026 season.
Utah Remains Unbeaten
The Utes survived their biggest rivalry test against BYU and remain one of only two undefeated FBS programs, along with UCLA.
Tennessee Is Becoming Dangerous
The Volunteers' 34-6 victory over Kentucky demonstrated how dangerous their rushing attack can be. DeSean Bishop continues to establish himself as one of the country's premier running backs.
Ohio State Continues to Struggle
The Buckeyes have now suffered consecutive defeats, and injuries at quarterback have made an already challenging season even more difficult.
Oregon Is Moving in the Right Direction
The Ducks' impressive 41-28 victory over Ohio State puts them back into the national spotlight. Oregon has the talent to be a dangerous opponent down the stretch.
SPORTSVIVAL WEEK 11 TOP 25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
November 9, 2026
Georgia - 100 votes (4 first-place votes)
Utah - 96 votes
Notre Dame - 91 votes
UCLA - 89 votes
Miami (FL) - 84 votes
Indiana - 79 votes
Alabama - 76 votes
Texas - 74 votes
Tennessee - 68 votes
Texas Tech - 64 votes
Wake Forest - 59 votes
BYU - 57 votes
Houston - 46 votes
USC - 45 votes
Iowa - 44 votes
Oregon - 43 votes
Kentucky - 38 votes
Boise State - 34 votes
Ole Miss - 26 votes
South Carolina - 20 votes
Arizona - 18 votes
Ohio State - 18 votes
New Mexico - 14 votes
LSU - 8 votes
SMU - 7 votes
Others Receiving Votes: Oklahoma State (1), Missouri (1), North Texas (1).
BIGGEST MOVERS IN THE WEEK 11 RANKINGS
Oregon: No. 24 to No. 16
The Ducks made the biggest positive move in Sportsvival's newest rankings following their impressive victory over Ohio State. Oregon climbs eight spots and is once again becoming a factor in the playoff discussion.
Tennessee: No. 16 to No. 9
The Volunteers jump seven positions following their dominant victory over Kentucky. Tennessee's physical rushing attack and impressive defense have helped establish the program as a serious postseason contender.
Iowa: No. 21 to No. 15
The Hawkeyes climb six positions after defeating Northwestern. Iowa continues to build its résumé behind strong defensive performances.
Ohio State: No. 13 to No. 22
The Buckeyes suffer one of the biggest drops following their defeat against Oregon. Injuries, defensive struggles and consecutive losses have significantly damaged Ohio State's standing.
Kentucky: No. 8 to No. 17
Kentucky falls nine positions following its disappointing loss to Tennessee. The Wildcats need a strong response to remain relevant in the playoff discussion.
LSU: No. 15 to No. 24
The Tigers tumble nine positions after losing to Alabama. LSU's remaining schedule will determine whether the program can salvage a successful finish.
Ole Miss: No. 11 to No. 19
The Rebels fall eight positions after their 42-7 loss to Georgia. The margin of defeat raised serious concerns about their ability to compete against elite SEC opponents.
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK 11
With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the race toward conference championships and the College Football Playoff is becoming increasingly intense.
Georgia now sits atop Sportsvival's rankings, but undefeated Utah and UCLA have legitimate arguments for receiving serious consideration for the No. 1 position.
Notre Dame has regained national momentum following its victory over Miami, while Tennessee and Oregon are emerging as dangerous teams capable of disrupting the postseason picture.
Meanwhile, programs such as Ohio State, Kentucky, LSU and Ole Miss must respond after disappointing Week 10 performances.
The biggest question entering Week 11 might be whether any team can separate itself from a crowded field of championship contenders.
Georgia has the top ranking, Utah and UCLA have perfect records, and several programs remain close enough to make a serious postseason push.
The regular season is approaching its most important stretch, and Sportsvival will continue monitoring the performances, prospects and matchups shaping the 2026 national championship race.
If not for sports, how would we survive?