Coaches Poll Top 25 College Football Rankings released after Week 12

The latest Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings are in following Week 12 of college football and there were definitely some changes, as expected.

There were some scares into the top teams this week, like Oregon. On the other hand, Georgia got back on track to shake things up in the SEC, again. Oh yeah, Notre Dame keeps winning.

Let’s dive into the latest Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings following Week 12.

1. Oregon

So let’s not talk about this Oregon game huh? Actually, let’s talk about it. The Ducks narrowly beat Wisconsin 16-13 on the road to improve to 11-0.

That’s good news right? Sort of. It was a little concerning to see a sluggish offense from Oregon, but a win is a win. One step closer to playing for a Big Ten title.

2. Ohio State

Ohio State handled business on the road following a slow start. The Buckeyes beat Northwestern 31-7 to improve to 9-1.

Now? Well, it’s a massive showdown against Indiana in Columbus next week. The Hoosiers are unbeaten and looking to upset the apple cart. Game of the week?

3. Texas

It wasn’t pretty, but Texas got the win on the road in Arkansas. The Razorbacks looked to pull the upset and become bowl eligible in 2024, but the Longhorns were too much.

Quinn Ewers only threw for 176 yards, but tossed two touchdowns. Wasn’t the best day offensively, but Texas’ defense held serve in a 20-10 win.

4. Penn State (+1)

Penn State kept it rolling with a blowout win over Purdue, improving to 9-1 on the season. There are probably more questions about Purdue’s (1-9) future than what Penn State can do this season at this rate.

Simply, PSU just missed getting over the hump against Ohio State but the College Football Playoff is firmly in their grasp. Minnesota and Maryland are left on the docket and finishing 11-1, even without a Big Ten title, should get the Nittany Lions into the bracket.

5. Indiana (+1)

Indiana had the week off after improving to 10-0. Head coach Curt Cignetti, who hasn’t even finished his first year yet, just signed an eight-year contract extension.

Pretty good right? It’ll be excellent if Cignetti proves Indiana is the new “superpower” in college football. Next up, Ohio State in Columbus for a chance to play for the Big Ten Championship.

6. Notre Dame (+1)

Did Notre Dame actually lose this season? Yes? They did? Wow. Yup, the Fighting Irish improved to 9-1 on the season and are winners of eight in a row after beating Virginia.

The Fighting Irish played one one-score game in their eight game winning streak, a 31-24 win over Louisville. Next up is a ranked matchup against Army which could make or break either team’s College Football Playoff hopes.

7. Alabama (+2)

Alabama played Mercer, which actually came into the game 9-1 on the season. But it was all Crimson Tide in this non-conference tilt.

Now at 8-2, Alabama is still in good shape for the SEC Championship. Jalen Milroe had a quick day with 186 yards in the air, two touchdowns and 43 yards on the ground to go along with a score.

8. Georgia (+2)

Georgia got back in the win column with a home win over Tennessee. That one was much needed because there could’ve been no playoff this year with a third loss. 

Carson Beck bounced back in a big way as well. He threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns while running for 32 yards and a score.

9. Ole Miss (+2)

Ole Miss had a week off following that win over Georgia. It was such a great win, they didn’t have to play afterwards!

All kidding aside, Ole Miss is firmly in the playoff race with a massive win over the Bulldogs, who got back on track with a win themselves. Lane Kiffin to the 12-team bracket?

10. Miami (+2)

Miami needed a week off following its first loss of the season to Georgia Tech. Perhaps a mental reset will help the Hurricanes in the final two games of the season.

This team is still the front runner for the ACC and will get a CFP first round bye. But they’ve played with fire too much this season.

Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings after Week 12

11. Tennessee (-7)
12. SMU (+1)
13. Boise State
14. Texas A&M (+1)
15. BYU (-7)
16. Clemson
17. Army
18. Colorado (+2)
19. South Carolina (+4)
20. Tulane (NR)
21. Iowa State (+4)
22. Arizona State (NR)
23. UNLV (NR)
24. Memphis (NR)
25. Kansas State (-6)

Dropped out of Coaches Poll: No. 18 Washington State; No. 21 Missouri; No. 22 LSU; No. 24 Louisville

Receiving votes in Coaches Poll: Washington State 65; Illinois 56; Missouri 44; Syracuse 18; James Madison 11; Duke 9; Pittsburgh 7; Louisiana 5; Louisville 2; Vanderbilt 1; Sam Houston 1; LSU 1; Colorado State 1