College Football Rankings: ESPN releases updated FPI Top 25 after Week 12

The latest college football rankings from ESPN are here after the network updated its FPI Top 25 following Week 12 of the season.

There was some movement in the top 10, including a new No. 1 team once again! But it’s a familiar face so don’t get too excited. We kid of course.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s new FPI rankings following Week 12 of action.

1. Texas (+1)

Texas is back to the top of the FPI this week following a close win over Arkansas. It wasn’t pretty but it wasn’t honest work.

Jokes aside, Quinn Ewers played rather well, but the offense didn’t exactly light the world on fire. The defense kept them in the game and put them back closer to the top of college football, depending upon who you ask.

2. Alabama (-1)

Alabama only dropped because Texas beat an SEC team while the Crimson Tide beat Mercer. We guess?

Anyway, Alabama is still rolling near the top of the FPI going into the final weeks. Could we see an Alabama-Texas game for the SEC title?

3. Ohio State

Ohio State beat Northwestern 31-7 and rolled to another victory, now 9-1. But, the Buckeyes did not move in this week’s FPI rankings.

Next up is the massive matchup against Indiana slated for a Big Noon Kickoff telecast. Whether fans like it or not, all eyes will be on this one even if it’s to begin the afternoon next weekend. Get your popcorn ready.

4. Notre Dame

Notre Dame held serve in the FPI as well, getting another dominating win. This time, the Irish beat Virginia 35-14 at home.

Heck, Notre Dame scored on the opening kickoff by recovering the ball and running it in. Boom, 10 seconds or so, Notre Dame has a lead. They’ve been dominant since the upset loss to NIU.

5. Georgia (+1)

Georgia got back on the right track by beating Tennessee and moved up in the FPI. It hampered the Vols’ SEC and CFP hopes but UGA is right back into the thick of things.

It’s just that darn Alabama loss right? In any event, many were ready to write Georgia off after the loss to Ole Miss. Not so fast my friend.

6. Ole Miss (-1)

Speaking of Ole Miss, the Rebels dropped a spot in the FPI despite having the head to head over the Bulldogs. But Lane Kiffin and crew are squarely in the CFP mix after a bye week.

They’ll head to Florida this coming weekend before playing in the Egg Bowl. Two more wins and a 10-2 record? Yeah that should get them in right?

7. Penn State (+1)

Penn State kept it rolling against teams not named Ohio State. The latest was a dominating victory over Purdue to move up one spot in the FPI.

It seems like the best case scenario is for the Nittany Lions to win out and finish 11-1. By doing so, they should reserve a spot in the playoff, maybe even a home game.

8. Oregon (-1)

Oregon dropped one spot in the FPI this week because of a less than stellar victory over Wisconsin. Sure, it was exciting in the end, but it didn’t inspire much confidence for the CFP’s No. 1 team.

Winning 16-13 after trailing 13-6 going into the fourth quarter was scary. But the Ducks left Madison with an 11-0 record despite a sluggish day from QB Dillon Gabriel.

9. Tennessee

Tennessee dropped a game to Georgia but didn’t move in the FPI. This is still a very good football team.

But can the Vols make the playoff? They only have two losses so they’re in the thick of things. We’ll see how the rest of the SEC shakes out in the final two weeks.

10. Miami (+1)

Despite losing its first game last week, Miami actually moved up in the FPI, replacing undefeated Indiana in the top 10. Debate that if you want.

The Hurricanes are still the front runner in the ACC but SMU is hot on their tail. Get ready for a wild final two weeks in this conference.

ESPN FPI Top 25 after Week 12

11. Indiana (-1)
12. Clemson
13. South Carolina (+1)
14. Texas A&M (+1)
15. SMU (+2)
16. USC (+2)
17. Louisville (-4)
18. Tulane (+2)
19. LSU (-3)
20. Colorado (+2)
21. Boise State
22. Iowa (+1)
23. Iowa State (+1)
24. Missouri (+1)
25. Kansas State (-6)

South Carolina is steadily moving up and might have an outside shot at the playoff in a chaos scenario. Colorado is now top 20 in the FPI following win No. 8 of the season. We’re moving onto Week 13!