Special Stories · Week 5

October 6, 2026 · 5 min read

CFB Weekly post week five top 25

CFB Weekly's Carter Ball breaks down what CFB Weekly believes the post-week five top 25 truly should be.

CFB Weekly post week five top 25
Missouri is the week's biggest riser after demolishing Florida in week five

Through week five, we finally have a sense of who is a contender and who is not. In this article, we provide CFB Weekly's top 25 after week five.

  1. Texas (4-0)

The Longhorns hold the best win in the country and come in to week six undefeated against Oklahoma, this ranking is obvious and has stuck since the comeback against Ohio State.

  1. Georgia (5-0)

The Bulldogs have looked good to start the year and have their first real test against Alabama in week six. Get your popcorn ready...

  1. Miami (5-0)

Duke WR transfer Cooper Barkate has improved his draft stock at Miami
Duke WR transfer Cooper Barkate has improved his draft stock at Miami

While Clemson is not exactly elite, the Hurricanes were tested against solid competition for the first time and the group passed with flying colors. Cooper Barkate and Damon Wilson look like superstars after transferring in over the offseason. Circle that upcoming Notre Dame game as absolutely massive for the Hurricanes.

  1. Alabama (5-0)

To be honest, I was not a believer in this Crimson Tide team until I saw what they did to Kemario Taylor last weekend. The defense was flying around and Keelon Russell looked elite. Watch out for the Tide.

  1. Notre Dame (5-0)

A road scare against UNC saw the Irish pull away late, but exposed questions about the group's secondary and offensive line. The schedule is light enough that the talent of CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, Jordan Faizon and more can likely carry the group to the playoff. But there are serious questions about this teams ceiling.

  1. Indiana (5-0)

Indiana QB Josh Hoover has played well for the Hoosiers
Indiana QB Josh Hoover has played well for the Hoosiers

Northwestern nearly pulled it off, but Indiana so far has been upset proof against inferior competition. Josh Hoover has filled in well for Fernando Mendoza to start the season

  1. Ohio State (4-1)

This ranking will even out as other teams face better competition and lose. A early season loss to Texas may hurt the rankings for now, but the Buckeyes are firmly in CFP contention. Consider this ranking a placeholder

  1. BYU (4-0)

Surviving TCU on the road by just one possession shouldn't benefit the Cougars with a top-ten ranking, but BYU benefits from the fact that nobody behind them is worthy of jumping them. BYU has emerged as a favorite in the Big 12.

  1. Texas Tech (5-0)

The Red Raiders have hung on by a thread it seems like, but the recipe of elite defensive line play and a heavy run game has kept TTU in playoff contention. The recipe is there for the Red Raiders

  1. Utah (4-0)

The Utes have an explosive offense and benefit from yet another weak Big 12 schedule. If Utah can avoid upsets, they will be in the Big 12 championship.

  1. Ole Miss (3-1)

A spankdown against Florida hurt, but the Rebels are still in contention. A bye week hopefully brought a reset, and Trinidad Chambliss is sure to keep this team in playoff contention.

  1. LSU (4-1)

Sam Leavitt needs to fix his turnover troubles, and this Tigers team no longer has room for error after a early season loss to Ole Miss. However, this is one of the most talented teams in the country. Do not count the Tigers out

  1. Missouri (4-1)

Demolishing a top-ten Florida team should encourage Missouri, but the Tigers should not get over-inflated. The defense has looked elite, and the Tigers have a relatively favorable SEC schedule. Circle this team as a potential playoff SEC dark horse

  1. Tennesee (4-1)

Junior QB George Macyntire came in mid-game against Auburn and performed at an elite level for the Volunteers offense
Junior QB George Macyntire came in mid-game against Auburn and performed at an elite level for the Volunteers offense

A gritty win against Auburn featured a quarterback change for the Volunteers. However, the defense played at an elite level and both Brandon Faizon and George Macyntire have shown promise for the Vols. Expect a continued QB battle going into SEC play, however.

  1. Nebraska (5-0)

An undefeated Big Ten start should not be taken lightly. This is a massive test this weekend against Indiana for the Huskers to show they belong.

  1. Oklahoma State (3-1)

The early season victory against Oregon showed the world what this team is capable of. This is an experienced and talented team capable of making noise in the Big 12.

  1. Oregon (3-1)

The Ducks have no room for error headed into Big Ten Play. Dylan Moore is back practicing following his scary concussion against USC, but Dylan Raiola will likely be forced to start for at least two weeks as a precaution. This week against UCLA will be a massive game for the Ducks

  1. USC (5-1)

This USC team is hanging on by a thread. The defense needs rapid improvements, but the young core of this offense has performed incredibly well. Despite a 1 loss start, this young USC team may be a year or two away from success.

  1. Florida (4-1)

Florida will need a Heisman level performance from RB Javan Baugh as SEC play goes on
Florida will need a Heisman level performance from RB Javan Baugh as SEC play goes on

The Gators top ten start came to a roaring hault after getting absolutely spanked by Missouri last weekend. It will be up to Javan Baugh to prove why he was a early season candidate and bounce back. If he cannot do so, this Gators team may see yet another mid-season fall off.

  1. Iowa (4-1)

A three-possession loss to Ohio State shouldn't discourage a Hawkeyes team with an extremely favorable remaining schedule. A two-loss Iowa team would have a serious case at the playoff, circling the Hawkeyes as a Big Ten dark horse with no ranked matchups remaining on the schedule.

  1. Boise State (4-1)

The only Blemish on Boise States record is a one possession loss to Oregon on the road. This is a team worthy of serious respect after defeating Western Michigan to cement themselves as the group of fives leading playoff contender.

  1. UCLA (4-0)

UCLA is off to a magical start to 2026
UCLA is off to a magical start to 2026

Dan Lanning compared 2026 UCLA to 2025 Indiana and while this may be a stretch, the similarities are there. Transfer QB's and former JMU coaches are a great recipe for success. The Bruins have a big test against Oregon in week six. Their performance against the Ducks will tell us if this Bruins team is legit

  1. Kentucky (4-1)

A road upset of Texas A&M had this Wildcat team riding high for good reason. Kentucky is another veteran, transfer-heavy team that has emphasized building the offensive line, depth in the running back room, and a versatile QB. LSU at Home, and Tennesee and Missouri on the road remain on the schedule as the lone road blocks to a magical Wildcats season if they can avoid upsets elsewhere. New HC Will Stein has built this team the right way in Lexington

  1. Wisconsin (4-1)

Wisconsin has had a great start to the year
Wisconsin has had a great start to the year

A demolition of Michigan State and a surprising 4-1 start should result in some ranked love for the Badgers. Colton Joseph has played well, and this defensive line led by sophomore phenom Mason Posa has turned the Badgers defense into one of the Countries best units. Luke Fickell is off to a great start in Madison.

  1. Mississippi State (4-1)

The Kemario Taylor hype train has died down after a spanking against Alabama a week ago. However, the Tigers still have just one loss and a roster capable of winning. Don't count Missisisipi State out.

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