College Football Week 2: Notre Dame and Miami Surge in Power Rankings

After months of suspense, Week 1 of the college football season we got plenty of excitement with its rankings. The weekend’s highlight was USC’s exciting last-second touchdown to confirm a win over LSU on Sunday night.

Boston College pulled off a big upset by defeating Florida State 28-13 on Monday night, officially closing out the first week of action. With these results, the top 25 teams in the rankings have shifted, and so have the championship odds. A few teams made important moves after strong performances.

Read Also: College Football 25: Top 25 Rankings 2024 Predictions

Top 25 Shakeup: USC climbs, Oregon drops out of the top five in the first US LBM Coaches Poll of the regular season.

Bowl Projections: The College Football Playoff sees a shakeup with Miami and Missouri joining the field.

Here’s a look at the top 12 teams after Week 1.

College Football Power Rankings: Championship Odds After Week 1

(All odds from BetMGM as of Tuesday.)

T-11. Tennessee (1-0) (+3500)

Last week: 11 (+3500)

Week 1 result: 69-3 win over Chattanooga

The Volunteers defeated in their first game, leading 45-0 by halftime. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava set a new school record for passing yards in a half during his first career start. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns. Tennessee piled up 718 total yards in this easy win and will face No. 23 NC State next week.

T-11. LSU (0-1) (+3500)

Last week: T-7 (+2000)

Week 1 result: 27-20 loss to USC

LSU continued its streak of opening-day losses with a defeat by USC. The last time LSU won its season opener, Joe Burrow was the quarterback. Despite a late interception, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier managed 304 yards and two touchdowns. LSU looks to bounce back next week against Nicholls at home.

10. Michigan (1-0) (+3000)

Last week: 10 (+3000)

Week 1 result: 30-10 win over Fresno State

Michigan had a slow start but pulled away in the second half. Quarterback Davis Warren struggled, completing 15 of 25 passes for 118 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, the defense stepped up, highlighted by Will Johnson’s pick-six. Michigan faces a tough matchup against No. 4 Texas in Week 2.

9. Miami (1-0) (+2500)

Last week: T-15 (+5000)

Week 1 result: 41-17 win over Florida

Transfer quarterback Cam Ward shined in his first start for Miami, throwing for 385 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Hurricanes controlled the game from start to finish, holding Florida to just 261 total yards. They will play Florida A&M at home next week.

8. Penn State (1-0) (+2000)

Last week: T-7 (+2000)

Week 1 result: 34-12 win over West Virginia

Penn State’s offense looked sharp under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense held West Virginia to just 3.7 yards per play.

7. Notre Dame (1-0) (+1600)

Last week: T-7 (+2000)

Week 1 result: 23-13 win over Texas A&M

Notre Dame secured a hard-fought win over Texas A&M, with their defense allowing a total of 246 yards. Running back Jeremiah Love led the offense with 91 yards and a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Irish face Northern Illinois in Week 2.

6. Ole Miss (1-0) (+1500)

Last week: T-5 (+1500)

Week 1 result: 76-0 win over Furman

Ole Miss started the season with a bang, scoring the most points in Lane Kiffin’s tenure. Quarterback Jaxson Dart had 445 yards and six touchdowns in the first half alone. They will host Middle Tennessee State in Week 2.

5. Alabama (1-0) (+1200)

Last week: T-5 (+1500)

Week 1 result: 63-0 win over Western Kentucky

Alabama’s new head coach Kalen DeBoer started his tenure with a dominant win. Quarterback Jalen Milroe had 200 passing yards and three touchdowns on just seven completions, adding 79 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The defense held Western Kentucky to 145 total yards. Alabama hosts South Florida next week.

4. Texas (1-0) (+850)

Last week: 4 (+850)

Week 1 result: 52-0 win over Colorado State

Texas had its biggest Week 1 win since 2020. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns before highly-touted backup Arch Manning took over, adding 95 yards and two touchdowns. Texas has a tough road game against No. 9 Michigan in Week 2.

3. Oregon (1-0) (+750)

Last week: 3 (+700)

Week 1 result: 24-14 win over Idaho

Oregon’s post-Bo Nix era started with a shaky win. Despite racking up 487 yards, the Ducks were hampered by three sacks and eight corrections. Transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon will aim for a more polished performance against Boise State in Week 2.

2. Ohio State (1-0) (+375)

Last week: 2 (+325)

Week 1 result: 52-6 win over Akron

Ohio State’s talent was on full display, with true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith grabbing six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Transfer quarterback Will Howard overcame a slow start to throw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Ohio State will stay home to face Western Michigan in Week 2.

1. Georgia (1-0) (+280)

Last week: 1 (+300)

Week 1 result: 34-3 win over Clemson

Georgia started strong with a commanding win over No. 22 Clemson. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns while running back Nate Frazier added 83 yards and a score. The Bulldogs’ defense limited Clemson to just 188 yards. Georgia will play Tennessee Tech at home in Week 2.

Next Five: T-13. Missouri (+4000), Utah (+4000); 14. Clemson (+5000), T-16. USC (+6000), Texas A&M (+6000)