Week 12 has come and gone, and college football fans are buzzing with excitement after another thrilling weekend of games. Coach-turned-ESPN analyst Dan Mullen has revealed his updated Top 25 rankings, and as expected, his list favors teams with the fewest losses. Let’s dive into the highlights and lowlights of Mullen’s latest rankings!
Biggest Movers and Shakers
According to Mullen, the biggest losers this week were BYU and Tennessee. BYU suffered its first loss of the season in a shocking 17-13 upset against Kansas, while Tennessee dropped out of Mullen’s Top 10 after a 31-17 defeat to a resurgent Georgia in Athens. These losses have significant implications as teams jockey for position in the playoff race.
Top Teams in Mullen’s Rankings
Despite the shake-up, Mullen made sure to include teams from all four Power conferences in his Top 10. The rankings are highlighted by three teams each from the Big Ten and SEC, along with two from the ACC, one from the Big 12, and independent powerhouse Notre Dame making its presence felt.
The Ducks continue to soar, remaining at the top of Mullen’s personal Top 25 as one of only three undefeated teams left in college football. Heisman Trophy-hopeful Dillon Gabriel may not have had his best game in a nail-biting 16-13 win at Wisconsin, but Oregon sealed the deal with a strong 10-0 fourth quarter. Can they keep this momentum going?
Indiana’s Pivotal Showdown
As the Big Ten’s other undefeated team, the Hoosiers are gearing up for a crucial Week 13 showdown against Ohio State. Mullen ranks Indiana as the second-highest team in his Top 25, and a win—or even a close loss—could solidify their standing. Coach Curt Cignetti and his squad are underdogs in this matchup, but Mullen’s faith in them is evident in his rankings.
The Longhorns and Their Rivalry
The Longhorns rekindled their rivalry with Arkansas this week, setting the stage for a challenging end to the regular season. They will face bitter rival Texas A&M in the Lonestar State Showdown. Mullen remains optimistic about Texas, despite their lack of quality wins against fellow Top 25 teams. Will they continue to impress and hold onto their spot?
SEC Powerhouses
The Crimson Tide received a boost in Mullen’s rankings following their commanding 52-7 victory over FCS-level Mercer. With Jalen Milroe throwing three touchdowns in less than three quarters, Alabama is proving to be a serious contender in the SEC and for the playoffs. Can they maintain this level of play?
Meanwhile, Mullen is keeping a close eye on the showdown between Ohio State and Indiana, knowing that the outcome could shake up the rankings further. The Buckeyes are the third Big Ten team in Mullen’s Top 4, showcasing the respect he has for the elite programs in the conference.
Notre Dame’s Resurgence
Outside of the undefeated teams, the independent Fighting Irish are one of the hottest squads in college football, having won eight straight games since a surprising loss to Northern Illinois. Despite that early-season setback, Notre Dame is firmly in the playoff conversation, representing one of Mullen’s Top 5 teams nationally. Can they keep the winning streak alive?
Ole Miss and Miami’s Prospects
One of the few idle teams in Week 12, Ole Miss continues to ride high after their stunning upset of Georgia two weeks ago. Mullen has recognized their potential, placing them at No. 6 in his Top 25. With a challenging road game against Florida and the Egg Bowl on the horizon, will Lane Kiffin’s squad maintain their momentum?
Meanwhile, Mullen hasn’t forgotten about the Hurricanes, who remain in his Top 10 despite their recent struggles. Miami needs to secure wins against Wake Forest and Syracuse to keep their ACC Championship Game dreams alive and stay in the playoff hunt. Can they rise to the occasion?
SMU’s Surprising Rise
Mullen’s second-highest rated ACC team is the surprising Mustangs, who have won seven straight since an early-season loss to BYU. With upcoming games against Virginia and California, SMU is looking to solidify its standing in the conference. If they can maintain their success, Mullen might see them as contenders for a playoff bye.
Final Thoughts on the Rankings
As we look ahead, Mullen’s rankings paint a picture of a competitive landscape in college football. With teams like Georgia, Penn State, and Tennessee all vying for a spot in the Top 25, the stakes are high. The countdown to the playoffs is on, and every game matters. Who will rise, who will fall, and who will secure their place in college football history? Only time will tell!
Here’s a look at Mullen’s complete Top 25:
11. Georgia
12. Penn State
13. Tennessee
14. Boise State
15. South Carolina
16. Army
17. Texas A&M
18. Clemson
19. Colorado
20. Arizona State
21. Tulane
22. Syracuse
23. UNLV
24. Iowa State
25. Kansas State
