By mid-November most teams are what they are, but top-25 squads still have areas to sharpen for the stretch run. Spots remain tenuous after Saturday’s results; narrow wins, offensive hiccups and injuries create focus items as teams try to stay in the rankings. — Adam Rittenberg
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (Prev: 1)
Undefeated and top-ranked, Ohio State’s biggest questions are finishing the season strong and earning the No. 1 CFP seed and first-round bye. A win over Michigan would virtually clinch the bye; a Big Ten title would cement a top seed and a shot to defend the national championship. — Jake Trotter
2. Texas A&M Aggies (Prev: 3 → up)
A road double-digit win over a ranked opponent masked some flaws: conservative passing (few throws beyond 10 yards) and 207 rushing yards allowed. The Aggies dominate up front and have averaged 30+ points in most games, but must develop the passing game and shore up run defense before facing Texas. — Dave Wilson
3. Indiana Hoosiers (Prev: 2 → down)
Likely headed to the Big Ten title game, Indiana’s escape at Penn State highlighted OL injury issues and pressure on QB Fernando Mendoza. The defense gave up several third-down conversions and big plays; Indiana must tighten protection and third-down defense down the stretch. — Adam Rittenberg
4. Alabama Crimson Tide (Prev: 4)
Alabama made enough plays to beat LSU but struggled to establish a run game, ranking low in SEC rushing. Ty Simpson carries much of the load; finding consistent rushing production will be critical against Oklahoma and for SEC title hopes. — Mark Schlabach
5. Georgia Bulldogs (Prev: 8 → up)
A dominant defensive outing at Mississippi State featured increased pressure and three sacks. Georgia must keep the defense improving ahead of Texas and maintain momentum against Georgia Tech and other late-season tests. — Mark Schlabach
6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Prev: 9 → up)
A signature 29-7 win over unbeaten BYU showcased Texas Tech’s defense (11 third-down stops, three takeaways) and run defense suppression. Red zone inefficiency (TDs on 2 of 7 attempts) and QB Behren Morton’s rhythm returning after injury remain areas to clean up. — Max Olson
7. Ole Miss Rebels (Prev: 6 → down)
A 49-0 rout of The Citadel highlighted explosive offense and solid play from Trinidad Chambliss, but distractions (Lane Kiffin coaching chatter) and maintaining focus against Florida are primary concerns as the Rebels chase an SEC title and CFP spot. — Mark Schlabach
8. Oregon Ducks (Prev: 5 → down)
Oregon’s win over Iowa reinforced their profile, but injuries to key receivers and tight end leave a thin receiving corps. The running game thrived, but the Ducks must develop more pass-catchers and make more fourth-down stops versus top remaining opponents USC and Washington. — Adam Rittenberg
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Prev: 10 → up)
Seven straight double-digit wins have Notre Dame rolling; the offense ranks highly by yards per dropback. Protecting QB CJ Carr against Pitt’s aggressive tackles-for-loss defense will be crucial in what feels like a must-win matchup for playoff positioning. — David Hale
10. BYU Cougars (Prev: 7 → down)
BYU’s first loss at Texas Tech exposed offensive limits: the team isn’t built for quick comebacks and needs more from the passing game if it hopes to reach the Big 12 title game and contend for a playoff spot. — Kyle Bonagura
11. Texas Longhorns (Prev: 13 → up)
Arch Manning has taken strides and the offensive line has matured. Hot receivers and an improving pass rush have Texas peaking at the right time; the trip to Georgia is essentially a play-in game for the Longhorns’ late-season trajectory. — Dave Wilson
12. Oklahoma Sooners (Prev: 11)
Oklahoma’s fate likely hinges on next week at Alabama; wins in two of the final three regular-season games would secure a top-25 finish. QB John Mateer’s accuracy dipped after right-hand surgery, and his play will determine how far the Sooners go. — Eli Lederman
13. Utah Utes (Prev: 17 → up)
Idle this week but No. 13 in initial CFP rankings, Utah could still make a case for an at-large spot even if it misses the Big 12 title game. Their late-season slate gives the Utes everything to play for. — Kyle Bonagura
14. Vanderbilt Commodores (Prev: 16 → up)
Vandy’s defense, which shined in October, has regressed in November. The Commodores still have playoff hopes at 8-2, but must regain defensive form after allowing big offensive outputs in recent losses. — Bill Connelly
15. Miami Hurricanes (Prev: 19 → up)
A 38-10 win over Syracuse showed creative playcalling and fresh offensive wrinkles after stagnation. Without two top playmakers, Miami opened its playbook and must continue to diversify its offense to stay unpredictable. — Andrea Adelson
16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Prev: 15 → down)
An off week was timely as ACC rivals stumbled; Tech currently has the best FPI odds to win the ACC. The Jackets’ path to the playoff likely runs through wins over Pitt and Georgia late in the season. — David Hale
17. USC Trojans (Prev: 20 → up)
USC leaned on the run again, with King Miller emerging as a consistent rusher. The Trojans rank well nationally in rushing metrics; if the defense continues to improve, USC could rely more on its ground game than on big-play receivers down the stretch. — Paolo Uggetti
18. Michigan Wolverines (Prev: 21 → up)
At 7-2, Michigan remains a stealth contender; losses came on the road to ranked teams. Wins at Northwestern and Maryland would preserve top-25 status and set up a high-stakes clash with Ohio State that could reshape playoff conversations. — Jake Trotter
19. Pittsburgh Panthers (Prev: NR → in)
Pitt has won five straight and scores 40 points per game since playing true freshman Mason Heintschel. A tough remaining schedule (Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Miami) will test Heintschel’s situational play and the Panthers’ ACC title hopes. — Max Olson
20. Louisville Cardinals (Prev: 14 → down)
An overtime loss to Cal exposed offensive inconsistency, injuries to Isaac Brown and continued turnovers by Miller Moss. Louisville needs a more balanced attack before challenging Clemson and SMU in must-win remaining games. — David Hale
21. Virginia Cavaliers (Prev: 12 → down)
Virginia’s offense has cooled and turnovers resurfaced in a loss to Wake Forest; QB Chandler Morris suffered a head injury. If Morris returns, Virginia needs to regain ball control and efficiency to get back on track. — Andrea Adelson
22. Tennessee Volunteers (Prev: 23 → up)
Tennessee remains explosive offensively but has major defensive issues across multiple metrics (yards per play, scoring defense, completion rate allowed). To win remaining games against Vanderbilt and Florida, the Vols must find ways to create stops. — Bill Connelly
23. Iowa Hawkeyes (Prev: 25 → up)
Iowa nearly beat Oregon but gave up an uncharacteristic rushing day and made special teams mistakes. The Hawkeyes must protect their strengths — run defense and situational play — entering games at USC and Nebraska. — Adam Rittenberg
24. North Texas Mean Green (Prev: NR → in)
North Texas’ defense has improved under first-year DC Skyler Cassity, producing a top-10 pass defense, though the run defense remains vulnerable. Offensive consistency and continued defensive stops will determine if the Mean Green can sustain their top-25 presence. — Max Olson
25. Cincinnati Bearcats (Prev: NR → in)
With one conference loss, Cincinnati remains in Big 12 contention but faces a tough finish (Arizona, BYU, TCU). QB Brendan Sorsby has been outstanding and will keep the Bearcats competitive down the stretch. — Kyle Bonagura
