Editor’s note: The Athletic 134 is a weekly ranking of all FBS college football teams.
Week 2 of college football brought chaos and upsets right off the bat. Top-10 teams fell to unranked opponents, reshuffling the rankings and creating buzz across the nation. Notre Dame’s loss to Northern Illinois, Oregon’s narrow victory over Boise State, and Alabama’s battle with USF kept fans on the edge of their seats.
However, the highlight of the week was Texas moving up to No. 2 after a dominant 31-12 win against reigning national champion Michigan. The Longhorns are making a case for the top spot and have their eyes set on No. 1 Georgia in the near future.
A reminder: The early rankings may seem volatile, but they reward teams for quality wins and performances against tough opponents. Texas climbing rapidly after a big win is a testament to this approach. It’s all about the context, and things will settle down as the season progresses.
As we dive into Week 3, here’s a breakdown of the latest edition of The Athletic 134:
1-10
Georgia holds onto the top spot, followed closely by Texas and Ohio State. Alabama and Penn State drop a few spots after less-than-convincing performances. Miami and Tennessee make significant jumps in the rankings after strong showings.
11-25
Teams like Iowa State, Oklahoma, and Kansas State move up the rankings, while Clemson and Michigan take a hit. Nebraska and Northern Illinois make impressive climbs after notable victories.
26-50
Illinois, Syracuse, and Arizona State are among the teams rising in this range due to quality wins. Louisville’s position reflects their schedule, while other teams shuffle based on recent performances.
51-75
Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas State see changes in their rankings following wins and losses. BYU and Michigan State move up after crucial victories.
76-100
Virginia, Georgia Southern, and other teams in this range face fluctuations based on their outcomes. Notable wins and losses impact their standings.
101-134
Teams like Ohio, Troy, and FIU are making waves in their respective conferences, while Wyoming and UTEP face challenges early in the season. Kent State finds itself at the bottom after a surprising loss.
The Athletic 134 series is presented in partnership with Allstate. Editorial independence is maintained, ensuring unbiased reporting and analysis.
(Photo: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty Images)
