Ranking 136 College Football Teams After Week 13: The Contenders Are Getting Crowded

Week 13 of the college football season has delivered chaos, upsets, and a playoff race that’s tighter than ever. With only a few games left before bowl season, the rankings of all 136 FBS teams are shifting dramatically. The contenders are getting crowded, and every win—or loss—carries playoff implications. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football strategist, or just love the drama of college football, this is the time when rankings matter most.

In this breakdown, we’ll analyze the latest power rankings, highlight the biggest movers, and explore what these shifts mean for the College Football Playoff (CFP) race. We’ll also dive into how teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Washington are positioning themselves, while underdogs like Louisville and Oregon State make their case for a New Year’s Six bowl. Let’s unpack the madness of Week 13 and what it means for the final stretch of the season.

Why Week 13 Rankings Matter More Than Ever

By Week 13, the college football landscape is a mix of clarity and chaos. Some teams have solidified their dominance, while others are clinging to playoff hopes by a thread. Here’s why this week’s rankings are critical:

• Playoff Implications: The top four teams in the final CFP rankings earn a shot at the national title. A single loss can drop a contender out of the race entirely.
• Conference Championships: With division titles on the line, teams like Florida State (ACC), Michigan (Big Ten), and Texas (Big 12) are jockeying for position.
• Bowl Eligibility: Teams need six wins to qualify for a bowl game. For programs on the bubble, Week 13 can make or break their postseason dreams.
• Heisman Race: Player performances in these final weeks often decide who takes home college football’s most prestigious individual award.

This week wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about statement victories. Georgia’s dominance over Teessee, Michigan’s relentless ground game, and Washington’s high-flying offense all sent messages to the selection committee. Meanwhile, upsets like Oklahoma State’s takedown of Oklahoma shook up the Big 12 and added another layer of unpredictability.

The Top 10: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who’s on the Bubble

The upper echelon of college football is as competitive as it’s ever been. Here’s how the top 10 shapes up after Week 13, along with the biggest storylines for each team:

1. Georgia Bulldogs (11-0)

Why They’re #1: The Bulldogs have been untouchable, boasting the nation’s best defense (allowing just 9.5 points per game) and a balanced offense led by Carson Beck. Their 38-10 dismantling of Teessee in Week 13 was a masterclass in dominance.

Playoff Path: Win the SEC Championship against Alabama, and they’re a lock for the #1 seed.

2. Michigan Wolverines (11-0)

Why They’re #2: Jim Harbaugh’s squad is rolling with the nation’s most physical rushing attack (250+ yards per game) and a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 17 points since October. Their 30-24 win over Ohio State in Week 12 was their statement game.

Playoff Path: Beat Iowa in the Big Ten Championship, and they’re in—likely as the #2 seed.

3. Washington Huskies (11-0)

Why They’re #3: Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies’ offense are the most explosive in the country, averaging 40+ points per game. Their 24-21 win over Oregon State in Week 13 kept their perfect season alive.

Playoff Path: Win the Pac-12 Championship against Oregon, and they’ll secure a top-four spot.

4. Florida State Seminoles (11-0)

Why They’re #4: Despite losing QB Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury, the Seminoles keep wiing. Their defense (allowing 13.5 points per game) and a resilient offense led by backup Tate Rodemaker have kept them undefeated.

Playoff Path: A win over Louisville in the ACC Championship should keep them in the top four, but a loss could open the door for Texas or Alabama.

5. Oregon Ducks (10-1)

Why They’re #5: Bo Nix and the Ducks’ high-powered offense (45+ points per game) are a threat to any team. Their only loss? A close 36-33 battle against Washington.

Playoff Path: They need to win the Pac-12 Championship and get help from other conference title games to sneak into the top four.

6. Texas Longhorns (10-1)

Why They’re #6: Qui Ewers and the Longhorns have been inconsistent but dangerous. Their lone loss to Oklahoma was avenged with a 49-0 blowout in Week 13.

Playoff Path: Win the Big 12 Championship, and they’ll be in the conversation—but they’ll need chaos ahead of them.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide (10-1)

Why They’re #7: The Tide’s only loss was a heartbreaker to Texas earlier in the season. Jalen Milroe and the offense have found their rhythm, but the defense has been shaky at times.

Playoff Path: They need to beat Georgia in the SEC Championship—a tall order—and hope for upsets elsewhere.

8. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1)

Why They’re #8: The Buckeyes’ offense is elite (42+ points per game), but their defense was exposed in losses to Michigan and Pe State.

Playoff Path: Their season is likely over unless absolute chaos unfolds in the conference championships.

9. Louisville Cardinals (10-1)

Why They’re #9: Jeff Brohm has turned Louisville into a contender, with QB Jack Plummer leading a balanced attack. Their only loss? A close 16-13 game against Pittsburgh.

Playoff Path: They need to upset Florida State in the ACC Championship and pray for multiple upsets in other conferences.

10. Oregon State Beavers (8-3)

Why They’re #10: The Beavers have been the season’s biggest surprise, with a physical defense and a clutch offense. Their losses to Washington, UCLA, and Arizona State keep them out of the playoff hunt, but they’re eyeing a New Year’s Six bowl.

Bowl Path: A strong finish could land them in the Rose Bowl or Fiesta Bowl.

The Biggest Movers: Who Climbed (and Who Fell)

Week 13 wasn’t just about the top teams—it was about underdogs making noise and giants stumbling. Here are the biggest risers and fallers in this week’s rankings:

📈 Biggest Risers

• Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-3 → #14): Their 27-24 upset over Oklahoma in Bedlam was one of the biggest shocks of the week. The Cowboys are now in the mix for a Big 12 Championship berth.
• Missouri Tigers (9-2 → #11): Brady Cook and the Tigers have quietly put together a stellar season, including a dominant 48-14 win over Florida. They’re now in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl.
• Pe State Nittany Lions (9-2 → #12): After a slow start, Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions have found their groove, with their only losses coming against Michigan and Ohio State.
• Liberty Flames (11-0 → #17): The Flames are the highest-ranked Group of Five team and are pushing for a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Their undefeated season is one of the biggest stories of 2023.

📉 Biggest Fallers

• Oklahoma Sooners (9-2 → #18): Their loss to Oklahoma State not only knocked them out of Big 12 title contention but also ended their playoff hopes.
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-3 → #20): A 38-20 loss to Louisville exposed their inconsistencies. They’ll need a bowl win to finish ranked.
• Teessee Volunteers (8-3 → #21): Their 38-10 loss to Georgia was a reality check. The Vols are still dangerous but no longer in the playoff conversation.
• Kansas Jayhawks (8-3 → #23): After a hot start, losses to Texas and Oklahoma have cooled their momentum. They’re still bowl-bound but no longer a dark horse.

Conference Championship Preview: What’s at Stake

The final rankings won’t be set until after the conference championships on December 1-2. Here’s what’s on the line in each major conference:

🏆 SEC Championship: Georgia vs. Alabama (December 2)

What’s at Stake: A playoff berth for the wier—and likely the #1 seed if Georgia prevails. Alabama needs this win and help from other conferences to sneak into the top four.

Key Matchup: Georgia’s defense vs. Alabama’s resurgent offense. Can Jalen Milroe outduel Carson Beck?

🏆 Big Ten Championship: Michigan vs. Iowa (December 2)

What’s at Stake: Michigan is playing for a #2 seed and a shot at back-to-back national titles. Iowa’s stifling defense could make this a low-scoring slugfest.

Key Matchup: Michigan’s offensive line vs. Iowa’s defensive front. If the Wolverines can’t run the ball, they’re in trouble.

🏆 Pac-12 Championship: Washington vs. Oregon (December 1)

What’s at Stake: The wier is almost certainly in the playoff. The loser? Probably out unless chaos reigns elsewhere.

Key Matchup: Michael Penix Jr. vs. Bo Nix. Two of the nation’s best QBs will duel in what could be the most entertaining game of the weekend.

🏆 Big 12 Championship: Texas vs. Oklahoma State (December 2)

What’s at Stake: Texas is playing for a playoff spot, while Oklahoma State is looking to play spoiler and secure a New Year’s Six bid.

Key Matchup: Qui Ewers vs. Oklahoma State’s opportunistic defense. If the Cowboys can force turnovers, they’ve got a shot.

🏆 ACC Championship: Florida State vs. Louisville (December 2)

What’s at Stake: Florida State is playing for a playoff berth, while Louisville is looking to cap off their Cinderella season with an ACC title.

Key Matchup: Florida State’s defense vs. Louisville’s balanced offense. Can the Seminoles slow down Jack Plummer?

Heisman Watch: Who’s Leading the Race?

With the regular season winding down, the Heisman Trophy race is heating up. Here are the front-ruers after Week 13:

• Michael Penix Jr. (Washington, QB): The nation’s leader in passing yards (3,942) and touchdowns (33), Penix has been the engine behind Washington’s undefeated season.
• Bo Nix (Oregon, QB): Nix has thrown for 3,776 yards and 36 TDs while adding 8 rushing scores. His dual-threat ability makes him a serious contender.
• Jayden Daniels (LSU, QB): Daniels has been electric, with 3,575 passing yards, 34 total TDs, and a 72% completion rate. His performance against Georgia (372 yards, 3 TDs) kept him in the mix.
• Blake Corum (Michigan, RB): Corum has rushed for 1,120 yards and 24 TDs, leading Michigan’s dominant ground game. His physicality makes him a fan favorite.
• Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State, RB): Gordon has been a breakout star, rushing for 1,530 yards and 20 TDs. His performance in the Bedlam win (124 yards, 2 TDs) boosted his stock.

Penix is the frontruer, but a strong showing in the conference championships could shift the race. Daniels, in particular, has a chance to make a final impression if LSU can pull off an upset in the SEC title game.

Bowl Projections: Who’s Going Where?

With the regular seasoearly over, bowl projections are starting to take shape. Here’s where the top teams could land:

🏆 College Football Playoff (December 29 & January 1)

• Peach Bowl (Semifinal): #1 Georgia vs. #4 Florida State
• Fiesta Bowl (Semifinal): #2 Michigan vs. #3 Washington

🏆 New Year’s Six Bowls

• Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Pe State
• Sugar Bowl: Texas vs. Alabama
• Orange Bowl: Louisville vs. Missouri
• Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State

🏆 Other Notable Bowls

• Citrus Bowl: Teessee vs. Iowa
• Alamo Bowl: Arizona vs. Kansas
• Gator Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Florida
• Liberty Bowl: Liberty vs. SMU

Note: These projections will shift dramatically based on conference championship results. A Florida State loss, for example, could open the door for Texas or Alabama to sneak into the playoff.

How the Rankings Are Determined: Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder how the College Football Playoff committee ranks 136 teams? Here’s a breakdown of their process:

📊 Key Factors in the Rankings

• Win-Loss Record: Undefeated teams get priority, but strength of schedule matters more than ever.
• Strength of Schedule (SOS): Beating ranked teams boosts a team’s résumé. Georgia’s wins over Missouri, Ole Miss, and Teessee carry more weight than a Group of Five team’s undefeated record.
• Head-to-Head Results: If two teams are close, their direct matchup decides who ranks higher (e.g., Washington over Oregon).
• Conference Championships: Wiing a Power Five conference title is almost a prerequisite for the playoff.
• Eye Test: The committee watches games and evaluates how teams look. Dominant performances (like Georgia’s win over Teessee) are rewarded.
• Injuries: While not officially stated, the committee may consider injuries to key players (e.g., Florida State’s Jordan Travis).

⚖️ Controversies and Debates

The committee’s rankings are always debated. Here are this year’s biggest points of contention:

• Florida State’s Ranking: Some argue the Seminoles don’t deserve a top-four spot without Jordan Travis. Others say their undefeated record and strong defense justify it.
• Alabama’s Resume: The Tide’s only loss is to Texas, but their weak non-conference schedule (Middle Teessee, USF) is a knock against them.
• Big 12’s Strength: Texas is the only Big 12 team in playoff contention. Critics argue the conference lacks depth compared to the SEC or Big Ten.
• Group of Five Snubs: Liberty is undefeated but ranked #17. Will a Group of Five team ever get a fair shot at the playoff?

What’s Next? Your Week 14 Watch Guide

With conference championships and rivalry week ahead, here are the games you caot miss:

📅 Must-Watch Games (November 24-25)

• #16 Oregon State vs. #5 Oregon (Friday, Nov. 24): The Civil War has massive Pac-12 implications. Can the Beavers play spoiler?
• #11 Missouri vs. #9 Louisville (Saturday, Nov. 25): A battle of top-15 teams with New Year’s Six aspirations.
• #10 Oregon State vs. #16 Washington State (Saturday, Nov. 25): The Apple Cup could decide the Pac-12’s second-best team.
• #15 LSU vs. Texas A&M (Saturday, Nov. 25): Jayden Daniels looks to pad his Heisman résumé in a tough SEC matchup.

🏆 Conference Championship Weekend (Dec. 1-2)

• Pac-12 Championship: #3 Washington vs. #5 Oregon (Friday, Dec. 1)
• Big 12 Championship: #6 Texas vs. #14 Oklahoma State (Saturday, Dec. 2)
• SEC Championship: #1 Georgia vs. #7 Alabama (Saturday, Dec. 2)
• Big Ten Championship: #2 Michigan vs. #12 Iowa (Saturday, Dec. 2)
• ACC Championship: #4 Florida State vs. #9 Louisville (Saturday, Dec. 2)

Final Thoughts: The Playoff Picture Is Wide Open

After Week 13, the college football playoff race is as crowded as it’s ever been. Georgia, Michigan, and Washington control their own destinies, but Florida State, Oregon, and Texas are lurking just behind. One upset in the conference championships could scramble everything.

Here’s what we know for sure:

• The SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 will likely fill three of the four playoff spots.
• Florida State’s injury to Jordan Travis could be the biggest wildcard in the final rankings.
• The Heisman race is Penix’s to lose, but Nix and Daniels are close behind.
• Group of Five teams like Liberty and Tulane are making history but still face an uphill battle for respect.

As we head into the final week of the regular season and championship weekend, one thing is certain: chaos is coming. Buckle up, because the road to the College Football Playoff is about to get wild.

🎯 Your Turn: Who’s Your Pick?

Who do you think deserves the four playoff spots? Should Florida State’s injury impact their ranking? Can Oregon or Texas crash the party?

Drop your predictions in the comments, and don’t forget to check back after the conference championships for our final rankings breakdown!

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