College Football Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 25 Heading into Week 5
College Football power rankings as we head into Week 5 of the 2023-2024 season. With Week 4 in the books, Matt McCuen gives us his Week 5 college football power rankings from across the country. Which teams moved up and which fell down? Find out here.
Matt McCuen - September 27, 2023, 10:30 AM EDT
7 minCollege Football Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 25 Heading into Week 5
Week 4 in college football is in the books and there have been some teams living up to the hype and others falling short. Colorado bot blown out by Oregon and dropped out of the AP rankings. Florida State and Clemson went into overtime, with Florida State winning. Arkansas gave LSU a little scare and Washington State upset Oregon State.
So, where do the top 25 teams in the country fall? Before you make any college football picks for the week ahead, handicapper Matt McCuen is here to break down his college football power rankings as we head into Week 5.
College Football Power Rankings - Week 5
1. Florida State (+1)
This was my pre-season No. 2, and I will take a small victory lap here. The Noles went on the road in one of the toughest places to play in football against Clemson in Week 4 and stole a win on the road. This is a team that is built to win a championship. Florida State will have a bye this week.
2. Georgia (-1)
Georgia is 4-0, but they have not beaten teams as they should. The Bulldogs will take on Auburn on the road this weekend, which will be their biggest test of the year.
3. Texas
The Longhorns impressed in Week 4, blowing out the Baylor Bears on the road. Texas has a massive win on their resume over Alabama. Texas will have a tough game this weekend against Kansas at home.
4. Penn State
The Nittany Lions have been extremely impressive a month into the season. This is the best quarterback that PSU has had in a long time, paired with a top-five defense. Penn State will host Northwestern this weekend.
5. Michigan
The Wolverines are undefeated, but I have not been impressed with the offense of Michigan. Michigan is 0-4 ATS this year and has not looked as good as we thought early in the year. Michigan will take on Nebraska this weekend.
Will the Wolverines win the Big Ten? Check out the latest odds
6. Washington (+2)
Washington continues to skyrocket up my rankings. The Huskies have a top offense in college football led by a legitimate contender at quarterback paired with two of the best wide receivers in college football. Washington will travel to Arizona this weekend.
7. Ohio State (+2)
Ohio State got a huge win on the road over Notre Dame this weekend. This is not a dominant offense but the Buckeyes look like they are a top-tier defense in college football. The Buckeyes are off this weekend.
8. Oregon (+4)
The Ducks picked up a massive win over the weekend over Colorado. Oregon is undoubtedly a top-ten team in college football right now, led by Bo Nix and an outstanding defense. Oregon will travel to Stanford this weekend.
9. USC (-3)
The Trojans did nothing wrong in Week 4 to drop. They just did not pick up as quality of wins as the teams ranked above them. USC did not look great against Arizona State, allowing 28 points. USC will travel to Colorado this weekend for a big-time conference matchup.
10. Notre Dame (-3)
Notre Dame outplayed Ohio State in week four but came up short on the final play. This is a top-tier defense that, if they win out, will still have a great opportunity to make the playoffs. Notre Dame will travel to Duke this weekend.
11. Utah (+4)
The Utes have one of the best defenses in college football and are 4-0 playing with a backup quarterback. Utah allowed just seven points to UCLA last week. The Utes will travel to Oregon State this weekend.
12. Alabama (+1)
The Tide impressed on defense in Week 4 against Ole Miss, holding Alabama to just seven points. Bama still has some issues on offense, but their defense makes them a top-12 team. Bama will travel to Mississippi State this weekend.
13. LSU (-2)
LSU struggled to beat Arkansas at home last weekend. The Tigers overall remain a threat to make the playoffs with a great loss on their resume against Florida State. LSU will travel to Ole Miss this weekend.
14. Oklahoma (+2)
The Sooners defense has been outstanding early in the year. Oklahoma beat Cincinnati 20-6 on the road Saturday. The Sooners will host Iowa State this weekend.
15. North Carolina (+3)
UNC continues to climb up the rankings after an impressive win over Pitt this weekend. UNC has one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Drake Maye, and appears to have a legitimate defense.
Will the Tar Heels win the ACC? Check out the latest odds
16. Washington State
The Cougars pulled off a huge win at home over Oregon State this weekend. Washington State now has two big wins early in the year. Washington State is off this weekend.
17. Miami (+2)
The Canes continue to impress with a 4-0 record on the young season. Miami blew out Temple over the weekend. The Canes will be off this weekend.
18. Duke (+2)
The Blue Devils continue to win with a record of 4-0 this season, including a big win over Clemson. Duke will have their toughest test of the season against Notre Dame this weekend.
19. Oregon State (-10
The Beavers looked awful on defense in Week 4, but Washington State will go down as a good loss. The Beavers will have a chance to bounce back quickly as they play Utah on Friday night.
20. Florida (+3)
The Gators beat Charlotte 22-7 over the weekend. The Gators look good on the young season but will have a tough test at Kentucky on Saturday.
21. Ole Miss (-7)
The Rebels looked awful on offense in week four and will attempt to rebound in Week 5 with a win. Ole Miss will take on LSU on Saturday Night.
22. Tennessee (+4)
The Vols return to the rankings after a blowout win over UTSA. The Vols will host South Carolina this weekend.
23. Kansas (+3)
The Jayhawks have one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Jadon Daniels. Kansas blew out BYU over the weekend to stay unbeaten. Kansas will host Texas this weekend.
24. Missouri (+7)
The Tigers jumped way up my rankings in Week 5. Missouri has quality wins early in the year over Kansas State and Memphis. The Tigers will travel to play Vanderbilt this weekend.
25. Kentucky
The Wildcats have an outstanding defense, which has led them to a 4-0 record. Kentucky will have a huge game this weekend against Florida.
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