Ranking the 27 undefeated college football teams
- Thread starter Wagerallsports
- Start date
Top Sportsbooks
75% Cash Bonus
Read Review
100% Free Play
Read Review
100% Free Play Bonus
Read Review
30% Cash Bonus
Read Review
100% Cash Bonus
Read Review
25% Cash Bonus
Read Review
Some of these teams have losses. I you meant to post this list....
This list is generated by the guy at ESPN that does the SP+ ratings. B. Connelly.
I think the list you posted Wager is the actual rankings.
============================================
1.
SP+ and FPI rankings: fourth and ninth, respectively
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 94th
What the Huskies did in Week 4: defeated Cal 59-32
Last week's ranking: 1
Why they're ranked here: I'm sticking with the Huskies in the top spot and it appears a few more are joining me on the bandwagon. Kalen DeBoer's squad rose to seventh in this week's AP poll -- with a first-place vote! -- following an absolute show of force against Cal. It's come to this with the ridiculous UW offense: I found myself thinking, "Hmm, seems like they're out of sync a little bit this week" in the first half ... in a game in which they scored on six of their first seven possessions, gained 301 yards in the first half and headed into halftime with 45 points.
The defense grew pretty leaky against Cal as the game got out of hand, but the Huskies are still up to 25th in defensive SP+, which is all they need when the offense is this ridiculous. I'll repeat what I wrote last week: I don't know how long this will last, but the Huskies have been the best team of 2023.
Next big test (next game with SP+ win probability at 75% or lower): Week 7 vs. Oregon.
2.
SP+ and FPI rankings: second and fifth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 108th
What the Bulldogs did in Week 4: defeated UAB 49-21
Last week's ranking: 3
Why they're ranked here: The bouts of sleepwalking and slow starts have not yet been rectified -- after trailing South Carolina 14-3 at halftime in Week 3 before surging, the Bulldogs found themselves tied with UAB 20 minutes into Saturday's contest. But, as always, they turned it on once they realized they needed to, scoring TDs on five straight drives and cruising. The injury list remains long, and conference play begins in earnest with a trip to the SEC's crown jewel chaos team, Auburn, but the Dawgs rank second because we all understand their ceiling, and they're flashing just enough glimpses of it.
Next big test: Week 12 at Tennessee.
3.
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 53rd
What the Buckeyes did in Week 4: defeated Notre Dame 17-14
Last week's ranking: 2
Why they're ranked here: Ohio State became the second team this season to beat a top-10 team on the road. This game against Notre Dame was about as much of a statistical toss-up as possible -- the Buckeyes outgained the Fighting Irish by just 11 yards and 0.1 per play -- but an increasingly adaptable defense and just enough offensive push got the job done. After a slow start, it was also the second straight week Ohio State overachieved against SP+ projections. We're still learning about this team, but Kyle McCord's nearly mistake-free performance in South Bend (one sack, no picks) was encouraging.
Next big test: Week 8 vs. Penn State.
4.
SP+ and FPI rankings: first and 12th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 118th
What the Wolverines did in Week 4: defeated Rutgers 31-7
Last week's ranking: 7
Why they're ranked here: Michigan has underachieved against SP+ projections in all four games in 2023. So why did the Wolverines move to No. 1 in SP+ this week? For one thing, a lot of their underachievement has come in garbage time -- their scoring margin is +107 in the first three quarters and minus-3 in the fourth. Plus, none of the other preseason top teams have lit the world afire anyway (Georgia: also 0-for-4). For another, Michigan's defense is nearly perfect. The Wolverines rank first in points allowed per drive and first in success rate allowed. On Saturday, Rutgers scored on its third snap of the game and never did again. Assuming the offense shifts into gear when the games get real -- which might not be for a few more weeks -- Michigan's just fine.
Next big test: Week 11 at Penn State.
5.
SP+ and FPI rankings: sixth and seventh
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 99th
What the Ducks did in Week 4: defeated Colorado 42-6
Last week's ranking: 11
Why they're ranked here: Oregon is absolutely ruthless. The Ducks rank sixth in rushing success rate -- the trio of Bucky Irving, Jordan James and Noah Whittington is averaging 165 rushing yards per game at 7.8 per carry -- and Bo Nix is firing passes so quickly and accurately that no one can get near him. He's completing 79% of his passes (second in FBS) and getting pressured just 9% of the time (also second). Oregon ranks second in scoring offense and 15th in scoring defense. And the Ducks will be heavy favorites to move to 5-0 against Stanford this week.
Next big test: Week 7 at Washington.
6.
SP+ and FPI rankings: seventh and sixth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 41st
What the Longhorns did in Week 4: defeated Baylor 38-6
Last week's ranking: 5
Why they're ranked here: Is it weird that I might have been more impressed with Saturday's Texas performance than when the Longhorns beat Bama? We've grown accustomed to UT playing well against the best teams (though we're less used to it actually winning), but typically a stellar performance has been followed by a letdown. But after finishing off Wyoming with a late 21-0 run in Week 3, the Horns began Saturday in Waco on a 28-3 run. They're acting like a team with national title ambitions. And they'll face another one in two weeks.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. Oklahoma.
7.
SP+ and FPI rankings: eighth and second
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 98th
What the Sooners did in Week 4: defeated Cincinnati 20-6
Last week's ranking: 8
Why they're ranked here: Dillon Gabriel and the OU offense have made a habit of destroying bad defenses (69.5 points per game against Tulsa and Arkansas State) while struggling against decent ones (24.0 against Cincinnati and SMU). The Sooners' defense, however, has been elite. They're second in points allowed per drive, combining big-play prevention with run disruption and timely third-down and red zone excellence. OU will play against the Big 12's two best defenses over the next two weeks (Iowa State and Texas), but if the Sooners make it to 6-0, they could make it to 12-0.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. Texas.
8.
SP+ and FPI rankings: 10th and fourth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 72nd
What the Nittany Lions did in Week 4: defeated Iowa 31-0
Last week's ranking: 10
Why they're ranked here: Like Oklahoma, Penn State's offense didn't do much against good Illinois and Iowa defenses over the past two weeks -- the Nittany Lions averaged just 4.5 yards per play -- but it didn't matter because the PSU defense was transcendent. They're allowing just 8.8 points per game (fourth nationally) and 18.0 yards per drive (first), and they've beaten defensive projections in every game. They haven't faced any good offenses yet, but there are only a couple on their schedule at all. They could win a lot of games with Joe Paterno-era score lines.
Next big test: Week 8 at Ohio State.
Keon Coleman and FSU have shown their resiliency in consecutive tough road wins. Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images
9.
SP+ and FPI rankings: 15th and 10th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 29th
What the Seminoles did in Week 4: defeated Clemson 31-24
Last week's ranking: 6
Why they're ranked here: Never question Florida State's resilience. The Seminoles trailed LSU at halftime but stormed back to win in Orlando. They trailed Clemson by 10 early on the road but came back. And on a strange, windy, injury-plagued day at Boston College, they gave up a late 19-0 run but stabilized in time to see out a two-point win. Eventually having to be resilient all the time might backfire, especially against a schedule that features four current unbeatens in the next six games. But Mike Norvell's Noles are showing title-level maturity.
Next big test: Week 7 vs. Syracuse.
10.
SP+ and FPI rankings: fifth and eighth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 127th
What the Trojans did in Week 4: defeated Arizona State 42-28
Last week's ranking: 4
Why they're ranked here: A couple of red zone failures, an untimely fumble, missed tackles and 10 penalties all played roles in USC's disappointingly tight win over a previously listless Arizona State team Saturday night. The Trojans made the plays to close out the game, but they looked like they were a step behind the level Oregon and Washington have established. But they still have Caleb Williams and a dynamic skill corps, and the defense still looks far better than it did a year ago.
After games against Colorado and Arizona, they'll face five SP+ top-20 opponents in six weeks.
Next big test: Week 7 at Notre Dame.
11.
SP+ and FPI rankings: 13th and 15th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 70th
What the Hurricanes did in Week 4: defeated Temple 41-7
Last week's ranking: 13
Why they're ranked here: With so many big-name programs showing signs of resurgence, Miami has gotten lost in the shuffle. But the Hurricanes walloped Texas A&M and beat three lower-level opponents by an average of 42-6. Tyler Van Dyke (second in Total QBR) has been one of the comeback players of the year. The Canes will play North Carolina and Clemson in October -- if they keep winning, the buzz will grow rapidly.
Next big test: Week 7 at North Carolina.
12.
• Full schedule » | Standings »
• Allstate Playoff Predictor »
• Daily lines » | Futures »
• Football Power Index »
More CFB coverage »
SP+ and FPI rankings: 18th and 24th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 17th
What the Utes did in Week 4: defeated UCLA 14-7
Last week's ranking: 14
Why they're ranked here: With injured quarterback Cam Rising still out, Utah's offense has underachieved SP+ projections by 12.1 points per game but its defense is overachieving by 12.4. This is the nastiest defense Kyle Whittingham has had in a while, and if it can lead Utah past Oregon State on Friday night, the offense might have time to heal before a brutal stretch: The Utes play USC, Oregon and Washington in a four-week span.
Next big test: Week 5 at Oregon State.
13.
SP+ and FPI rankings: 24th and 28th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 85th
What the Blue Devils did in Week 4: defeated UConn 41-7
Last week's ranking: 25
Why they're ranked here: The defense bends and never breaks. The offense never falls off schedule. Mike Elko's Blue Devils pounce on mistakes better than anyone in the country, and now they're in the top 20 in both points and points allowed per drive. At worst, they could play the spoiler role for upcoming opponents like Notre Dame, FSU and North Carolina. At best, a couple might be trying to play spoiler on them.
Next big test: Week 5 vs. Notre Dame.
14.
SP+ and FPI rankings: 25th and 19th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 77th
What the Tar Heels did in Week 4: defeated Pitt 41-24
Last week's ranking: 18
Why they're ranked here: Despite playing three power conference opponents and a solid Appalachian State, the Tar Heels have outscored teams by a combined 95-54 in the second and third quarters and had three games well in hand before the fourth. Drake Maye is sixth in Total QBR, but he's had to throw only 33 passes per game so far.
With games against Syracuse and Miami after a Week 5 bye, the road might soon get rougher.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. Syracuse.
This list is generated by the guy at ESPN that does the SP+ ratings. B. Connelly.
I think the list you posted Wager is the actual rankings.
============================================
1.
Washington Huskies (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: fourth and ninth, respectively
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 94th
What the Huskies did in Week 4: defeated Cal 59-32
Last week's ranking: 1
Why they're ranked here: I'm sticking with the Huskies in the top spot and it appears a few more are joining me on the bandwagon. Kalen DeBoer's squad rose to seventh in this week's AP poll -- with a first-place vote! -- following an absolute show of force against Cal. It's come to this with the ridiculous UW offense: I found myself thinking, "Hmm, seems like they're out of sync a little bit this week" in the first half ... in a game in which they scored on six of their first seven possessions, gained 301 yards in the first half and headed into halftime with 45 points.
The defense grew pretty leaky against Cal as the game got out of hand, but the Huskies are still up to 25th in defensive SP+, which is all they need when the offense is this ridiculous. I'll repeat what I wrote last week: I don't know how long this will last, but the Huskies have been the best team of 2023.
Next big test (next game with SP+ win probability at 75% or lower): Week 7 vs. Oregon.
2.
Georgia Bulldogs (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: second and fifth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 108th
What the Bulldogs did in Week 4: defeated UAB 49-21
Last week's ranking: 3
Why they're ranked here: The bouts of sleepwalking and slow starts have not yet been rectified -- after trailing South Carolina 14-3 at halftime in Week 3 before surging, the Bulldogs found themselves tied with UAB 20 minutes into Saturday's contest. But, as always, they turned it on once they realized they needed to, scoring TDs on five straight drives and cruising. The injury list remains long, and conference play begins in earnest with a trip to the SEC's crown jewel chaos team, Auburn, but the Dawgs rank second because we all understand their ceiling, and they're flashing just enough glimpses of it.
Next big test: Week 12 at Tennessee.
3.
Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: third and firstSP+ strength of schedule to date: 53rd
What the Buckeyes did in Week 4: defeated Notre Dame 17-14
Last week's ranking: 2
Why they're ranked here: Ohio State became the second team this season to beat a top-10 team on the road. This game against Notre Dame was about as much of a statistical toss-up as possible -- the Buckeyes outgained the Fighting Irish by just 11 yards and 0.1 per play -- but an increasingly adaptable defense and just enough offensive push got the job done. After a slow start, it was also the second straight week Ohio State overachieved against SP+ projections. We're still learning about this team, but Kyle McCord's nearly mistake-free performance in South Bend (one sack, no picks) was encouraging.
Next big test: Week 8 vs. Penn State.
4.
Michigan Wolverines (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: first and 12th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 118th
What the Wolverines did in Week 4: defeated Rutgers 31-7
Last week's ranking: 7
Why they're ranked here: Michigan has underachieved against SP+ projections in all four games in 2023. So why did the Wolverines move to No. 1 in SP+ this week? For one thing, a lot of their underachievement has come in garbage time -- their scoring margin is +107 in the first three quarters and minus-3 in the fourth. Plus, none of the other preseason top teams have lit the world afire anyway (Georgia: also 0-for-4). For another, Michigan's defense is nearly perfect. The Wolverines rank first in points allowed per drive and first in success rate allowed. On Saturday, Rutgers scored on its third snap of the game and never did again. Assuming the offense shifts into gear when the games get real -- which might not be for a few more weeks -- Michigan's just fine.
Next big test: Week 11 at Penn State.
5.
Oregon Ducks (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: sixth and seventh
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 99th
What the Ducks did in Week 4: defeated Colorado 42-6
Last week's ranking: 11
Why they're ranked here: Oregon is absolutely ruthless. The Ducks rank sixth in rushing success rate -- the trio of Bucky Irving, Jordan James and Noah Whittington is averaging 165 rushing yards per game at 7.8 per carry -- and Bo Nix is firing passes so quickly and accurately that no one can get near him. He's completing 79% of his passes (second in FBS) and getting pressured just 9% of the time (also second). Oregon ranks second in scoring offense and 15th in scoring defense. And the Ducks will be heavy favorites to move to 5-0 against Stanford this week.
Next big test: Week 7 at Washington.
6.
Texas Longhorns (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: seventh and sixth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 41st
What the Longhorns did in Week 4: defeated Baylor 38-6
Last week's ranking: 5
Why they're ranked here: Is it weird that I might have been more impressed with Saturday's Texas performance than when the Longhorns beat Bama? We've grown accustomed to UT playing well against the best teams (though we're less used to it actually winning), but typically a stellar performance has been followed by a letdown. But after finishing off Wyoming with a late 21-0 run in Week 3, the Horns began Saturday in Waco on a 28-3 run. They're acting like a team with national title ambitions. And they'll face another one in two weeks.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. Oklahoma.
7.
Oklahoma Sooners (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: eighth and second
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 98th
What the Sooners did in Week 4: defeated Cincinnati 20-6
Last week's ranking: 8
Why they're ranked here: Dillon Gabriel and the OU offense have made a habit of destroying bad defenses (69.5 points per game against Tulsa and Arkansas State) while struggling against decent ones (24.0 against Cincinnati and SMU). The Sooners' defense, however, has been elite. They're second in points allowed per drive, combining big-play prevention with run disruption and timely third-down and red zone excellence. OU will play against the Big 12's two best defenses over the next two weeks (Iowa State and Texas), but if the Sooners make it to 6-0, they could make it to 12-0.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. Texas.
8.
Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 10th and fourth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 72nd
What the Nittany Lions did in Week 4: defeated Iowa 31-0
Last week's ranking: 10
Why they're ranked here: Like Oklahoma, Penn State's offense didn't do much against good Illinois and Iowa defenses over the past two weeks -- the Nittany Lions averaged just 4.5 yards per play -- but it didn't matter because the PSU defense was transcendent. They're allowing just 8.8 points per game (fourth nationally) and 18.0 yards per drive (first), and they've beaten defensive projections in every game. They haven't faced any good offenses yet, but there are only a couple on their schedule at all. They could win a lot of games with Joe Paterno-era score lines.
Next big test: Week 8 at Ohio State.
Keon Coleman and FSU have shown their resiliency in consecutive tough road wins. Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images
9.
Florida State Seminoles (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 15th and 10th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 29th
What the Seminoles did in Week 4: defeated Clemson 31-24
Last week's ranking: 6
Why they're ranked here: Never question Florida State's resilience. The Seminoles trailed LSU at halftime but stormed back to win in Orlando. They trailed Clemson by 10 early on the road but came back. And on a strange, windy, injury-plagued day at Boston College, they gave up a late 19-0 run but stabilized in time to see out a two-point win. Eventually having to be resilient all the time might backfire, especially against a schedule that features four current unbeatens in the next six games. But Mike Norvell's Noles are showing title-level maturity.
Next big test: Week 7 vs. Syracuse.
10.
USC Trojans (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: fifth and eighth
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 127th
What the Trojans did in Week 4: defeated Arizona State 42-28
Last week's ranking: 4
Why they're ranked here: A couple of red zone failures, an untimely fumble, missed tackles and 10 penalties all played roles in USC's disappointingly tight win over a previously listless Arizona State team Saturday night. The Trojans made the plays to close out the game, but they looked like they were a step behind the level Oregon and Washington have established. But they still have Caleb Williams and a dynamic skill corps, and the defense still looks far better than it did a year ago.
After games against Colorado and Arizona, they'll face five SP+ top-20 opponents in six weeks.
Next big test: Week 7 at Notre Dame.
11.
Miami Hurricanes (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 13th and 15th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 70th
What the Hurricanes did in Week 4: defeated Temple 41-7
Last week's ranking: 13
Why they're ranked here: With so many big-name programs showing signs of resurgence, Miami has gotten lost in the shuffle. But the Hurricanes walloped Texas A&M and beat three lower-level opponents by an average of 42-6. Tyler Van Dyke (second in Total QBR) has been one of the comeback players of the year. The Canes will play North Carolina and Clemson in October -- if they keep winning, the buzz will grow rapidly.
Next big test: Week 7 at North Carolina.
12.
Utah Utes (4-0)
Follow the CFB season
• Allstate Playoff Predictor »
• Daily lines » | Futures »
• Football Power Index »
More CFB coverage »
SP+ and FPI rankings: 18th and 24th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 17th
What the Utes did in Week 4: defeated UCLA 14-7
Last week's ranking: 14
Why they're ranked here: With injured quarterback Cam Rising still out, Utah's offense has underachieved SP+ projections by 12.1 points per game but its defense is overachieving by 12.4. This is the nastiest defense Kyle Whittingham has had in a while, and if it can lead Utah past Oregon State on Friday night, the offense might have time to heal before a brutal stretch: The Utes play USC, Oregon and Washington in a four-week span.
Next big test: Week 5 at Oregon State.
13.
Duke Blue Devils (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 24th and 28th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 85th
What the Blue Devils did in Week 4: defeated UConn 41-7
Last week's ranking: 25
Why they're ranked here: The defense bends and never breaks. The offense never falls off schedule. Mike Elko's Blue Devils pounce on mistakes better than anyone in the country, and now they're in the top 20 in both points and points allowed per drive. At worst, they could play the spoiler role for upcoming opponents like Notre Dame, FSU and North Carolina. At best, a couple might be trying to play spoiler on them.
Next big test: Week 5 vs. Notre Dame.
14.
North Carolina Tar Heels (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 25th and 19th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 77th
What the Tar Heels did in Week 4: defeated Pitt 41-24
Last week's ranking: 18
Why they're ranked here: Despite playing three power conference opponents and a solid Appalachian State, the Tar Heels have outscored teams by a combined 95-54 in the second and third quarters and had three games well in hand before the fourth. Drake Maye is sixth in Total QBR, but he's had to throw only 33 passes per game so far.
With games against Syracuse and Miami after a Week 5 bye, the road might soon get rougher.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. Syracuse.
15.
Syracuse Orange (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 30th and 20th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 128th
What the Orange did in Week 4: defeated Army 29-16
Last week's ranking: 17
Why they're ranked here: New defensive coordinator Rocky Long has the Orange ranked ninth in points allowed per possession. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck has Garrett Shrader 16th in Total QBR.
Syracuse has played one of the easiest schedules in the nation to date, but that's about to change dramatically with two of its three straight games against current unbeatens (Clemson, at UNC, at FSU). If the Orange are good enough to win those games, they'll move up rapidly.
Next big test: Week 5 vs. Clemson.
16.
Louisville Cardinals (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 29th and 23rd
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 126th
What the Cardinals did in Week 4: defeated Boston College 56-28
Last week's ranking: 28
Why they're ranked here: God bless Jeff Brohm's "Why try for 7 yards when you can try for 70 instead?" offense. Running back Jawhar Jordan is averaging 10.9 yards per touch, wideout Jamari Thrash is averaging 21.1 yards per catch and Jack Plummer threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns in only 18 completions against Boston College. We'll soon find out if this aggression pays off against better opponents, but the Cardinals get an A+ for entertainment.
Next big test: Week 5 at NC State.
17.
Kentucky Wildcats (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 23rd and 36th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 130th
What the Wildcats did in Week 4: defeated Vanderbilt 45-28
Last week's ranking: 22
Why they're ranked here: Like rival Louisville, Mark Stoops' Wildcats haven't played anyone of note, but they're making big plays (13 gains of 30-plus yards, 18th in FBS) and allowing none (three gains of 30-plus allowed, second), and that's more than offsetting some scattered inefficiency issues. Their next four games are against Florida, Georgia, Missouri and Tennessee, though, so they'll need consistency to kick in. Still, their upside and athleticism are high-level.
Next big test: Week 5 vs. Florida.
18.
Washington State Cougars (4-0)
Cameron Ward and Wazzu have proven tough to beat at home. James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
SP+ and FPI rankings: 28th and 41st
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 51st
What the Cougars did in Week 4: defeated Oregon State 38-35
Last week's ranking: 24
Why they're ranked here: If you blitz Cameron Ward, you're probably toast. He averages 11.9 yards per dropback against the blitz (seventh nationally), and while he scrambles as well, and as frequently, as Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, he also takes about one-third as many sacks. He leads a dynamic Cougars attack, and while the defense leaves plenty to be desired, they defend the pass pretty well and tackle brilliantly. It is a miserable experience playing against Wazzu.
Next big test: Week 6 at UCLA.
19.
Missouri Tigers (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 34th and 40th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 59th
What the Tigers did in Week 4: defeated Memphis 34-27
Last week's ranking: 27
Why they're ranked here: The Missouri of the first two weeks dillydallied, created almost no big plays and nearly lost to Middle Tennessee. The Missouri of the past two weeks has nearly a Washingtonian 16 gains of 20-plus yards and has beaten both defending Big 12 champ Kansas State and AAC contender Memphis. With a win at Vanderbilt on Saturday, the Tigers would play in one of the biggest games of Week 6, a home test against LSU. The buzz is increasing.
Next big test: Week 6 vs. LSU.
20.
Kansas Jayhawks (4-0)
Get your favorite live sports, stories and originals with ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu. Upgrade to a Disney Bundle plan and start streaming something for everyone today!
SP+ and FPI rankings: 40th and 51st
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 96th
What the Jayhawks did in Week 4: defeated BYU 38-27
Last week's ranking: 32
Why they're ranked here: The defense remains untrustworthy, but it's a step ahead of last year's unit. The offense, meanwhile, remains an absolute delight. The Jayhawks get extreme efficiency from their passing game (second in passing success rate) and explosiveness from their run game -- Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr.: 157.3 yards per game at 7.0 yards per carry. They are 4-0 for the second straight year, though getting to 5-0 will require a big upset in Austin. Surely that couldn't happen, right?
Next big test: Week 5 at Texas.
21.
Maryland Terrapins (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 33rd and 30th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 119th
What the Terrapins did in Week 4: defeated Michigan State 31-9
Last week's ranking: 23
Why they're ranked here: I'm still learning to trust Mike Locksley's Terps. They're top 15 in both points and points allowed per drive, and they've won each of four games (against mostly awful opposition) by at least 18. But they played one good defense (Michigan State's), slipped from 6.9 yards per play to 5.4 and currently 115th in rushing success rate allowed despite not playing against any good running teams. Those feel like red flags.
Next big test: Week 6 at Ohio State.
22.
Air Force Falcons (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 42nd and 58th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 131st
What the Falcons did in Week 4: defeated San José State 45-20
Last week's ranking: 33
Why they're ranked here: This looks like one of Troy Calhoun's best Air Force teams, which is saying something considering the Falcons have won double-digit games five times in nine years. They are ruthlessly efficient on offense, their defense erases all big-play opportunities and SP+ projects them as at least two-touchdown favorites in each of the next seven games. We might be talking about the favorite for the Group of Five's New Year's Six bowl slot here.
Next big test: Week 13 at Boise State.
23.
Fresno State Bulldogs (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 44th and 44th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 129th
What the Bulldogs did in Week 4: defeated Kent State 53-10
Last week's ranking: 36
Why they're ranked here: There's at least a slight chance that the Mountain West championship game might feature dueling 12-0 teams. Jeff Tedford's Bulldogs force three-and-outs 44% of the time (ninth in FBS) and force two turnovers per game (third), while Mikey Keene helms an efficient passing game with five players on pace for 30-plus catches. Plus, they're one of only four teams (alongside Ohio State, Florida State and Texas) to have beaten two P5 teams on the road.
Next big test: Week 6 at Wyoming.
24.
Liberty Flames (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 51st and 60th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 133rd
What the Flames did in Week 4: defeated FIU 38-6
Last week's ranking: 35
Why they're ranked here: Granted, all four of Liberty's opponents to date rank between 103rd and 126th in SP+. But Jamey Chadwell's Flames have still beaten the spread in all four games, and by an average of 14 points. Kaidon Salter is on pace for 2,700 passing yards and 1,000 (non-sack) rushing yards in 12 games, and the pass defense is dynamic. They are projected favorites of at least nine points in every remaining game.
Next big test: Week 7 at Jacksonville State.
25.
James Madison Dukes (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 62nd and 78th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 124th
What the Dukes did in Week 4: defeated Utah State 45-38
Last week's ranking: 37
Why they're ranked here: Some teams have a flair for the dramatic. Down 11, JMU scored the last 12 points in a 1-point win over Virginia, then made two huge, late stops in a 2-point win over Troy and three late stops in a 7-point win over Utah State. The offense comes and goes, but the defense is a constant. And if the Dukes were eligible for the Sun Belt title, they'd quite possibly be the favorites at this point.
Next big test: Week 5 vs. South Alabama.
26.
Georgia State Panthers (4-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 72nd and 74th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 115th
What the Panthers did in Week 4: defeated Coastal Carolina 30-17
Last week's ranking: 39
Why they're ranked here: After a Week 1 wake-up call against Rhode Island, the Panthers have ignited, winning their past three games by an average of 15.7 points and beating projections by 11.1. Thursday's win over Coastal Carolina turned them into a genuine Sun Belt contender, and with upcoming home games against Troy and Marshall, they could be the front-runner by mid-October. Learn Robert Lewis' name: The junior receiver has five touchdowns and is averaging 19.3 yards per catch.
Next big test: Week 5 vs. Troy.
27.
Marshall Thundering Herd (3-0)
SP+ and FPI rankings: 71st and 57th
SP+ strength of schedule to date: 122nd
What the Thundering Herd did in Week 4: defeated Virginia Tech 24-17
Last week's ranking: 38
Why they're ranked here: Life in the Sun Belt: Including a road trip to a disappointing thus far NC State, seven of Marshall's last nine regular-season games are projected within one touchdown. The good news is, there are no sure losses! Every game's winnable. The bad news is, almost every game is losable. It's going to be awfully hard to remain unbeaten, even with an aggressive and exciting defense and the wonder that is Rasheen Ali in the backfield.
Next big test: Week 6 at NC State.
Free Sports Picks by League
Share this page
Free Sports Picks by League