College Football Rankings: ESPN releases updated FPI Top 25 after Week 14, rivalry games

The latest college football rankings from ESPN are here after the network updated its FPI Top 25 following Week 14 of the season and a rivalry weekend for the ages.

There were upsets, a lot of flag planting, some heated moments and questions about the College Football Playoff. It had it all.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s new FPI rankings following Week 14 of action.

1. Texas

Texas took care of rival Texas A&M for the first time since 2011, the last edition of this rivalry game, 17-7. It wasn’t the prettiest, but it was a ranked win on the road.

The Longhorns stayed at the top of the FPI and clinched a spot in the SEC Championship. They’re likely in regardless, but Texas could grab the No. 2, maybe even No. 1 seed, with a win.

2. Notre Dame (+1)

Notre Dame has steamrolled opponents since losing to Northern Illinois. Winners of 10 in a row, Notre Dame moved up one spot in the FPI following a 49-35 win over USC on the road.

The Fighting Irish can’t go any higher than the No. 5 seed, but you have to think they’ll host a playoff game. Now, the waiting game begins.

3. Ohio State (-1)

The Buckeyes only moved down one spot in the FPI following the upset loss to Michigan. It was a stunner no doubt.

On paper, this is still one heck of a team, but there are serious questions about coaching. Losses to Oregon and Michigan when, arguably, Ohio State should be No. 1? No good. Still, this team is likely to make the playoff and even host a game in the first round.

4. Alabama

Alabama might’ve aided its playoff chances with a convincing win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide stayed in the top four of the FPI as well.

Alabama might sneak in as one of the last seeds since there are three losses on its schedule. That’ll likely mean a road game in the first round but the Crimson Tide will at least make it if it all goes right.

5. Georgia

Georgia pretty much locked up a playoff spot with a win over Georgia Tech Friday night. The Bulldogs didn’t move in the FPI though.

At 10-2, the Bulldogs get a rematch with Texas after beating them earlier this season. Now on a neutral site in Atlanta for the SEC title, things could change. But, Georgia is playing for a first round bye or potentially a road game in the first round.

6. Oregon (+1)

Oh yeah, Oregon finished undefeated by the way! ESPN still has the Ducks outside the top five of the FPI though.

Oregon dominated Washington 49-21 to wrap up the 12-0 campaign and they’ll take on Penn State in the Big Ten Championship. They pretty much locked up a playoff spot, but with a win, they’ll get the top seed.

7. Tennessee (+1)

It didn’t look good early on, but Tennessee got by Vanderbilt 36-23 to secure a 10-2 campaign. That should be enough to get in the CFP.

Oh yeah, the Vols moved up one spot in the FPI as well. Now, it’s a waiting game for playoff positioning as Tennessee just missed out on the SEC Championship.

8. Ole Miss (-2)

The Rebels beat rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl but dropped two spots in the FPI. That was just due to other teams moving up with bigger wins or results.

Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss are likely to get a top tier bowl game outside the playoff since the crew has three losses. Too many missed opportunities for a team that could’ve been fun in the bracket.

9. Penn State

Penn State will play for the Big Ten title after all. The Nittany Lions didn’t move in the FPI despite thrashing Maryland Saturday.

But, they’ll take on Oregon in Indy after Ohio State’s loss. So for the first time since 2016, James Franklin has the ultimate opportunity to get Penn State over the hump going into the playoff.

10. Indiana (+1)

You have to say Indiana locked up a playoff spot by beating rival Purdue 66-0. Yes, that score is correct. The lone shutout of the season came at the end and the Hoosiers moved up a spot in the FPI.

At 11-1, the lone loss coming to Ohio State last week, Indiana should be in the bracket. Whether they host a game or not remains to be seen. Beating Michigan 20-15 actually doesn’t look as bad now considering the Wolverines just beat Ohio State. It kind of evens out, but Indiana is a legit playoff team as they’ve been the entire second half of the year.

ESPN FPI Top 25 after Week 14

11. Miami (-1)
12. SMU
13. Louisville
14. South Carolina
15. Clemson (-1)
16. Texas A&M
17. LSU (+2)
18. USC
19. Colorado (+5)
20. Missouri (+1)
21. Tulane (-4)
22. Florida (+3)
23. Iowa State (+3)
24. Iowa (-4)
25. Kansas State (-3)

Miami is out of the top 10 of the FPI and the ACC Championship game with a loss to Syracuse. That might very well knock them out of the playoff too. Colorado made a huge jump dominating Oklahoma State but it wasn’t enough based on tiebreakers to play for the Big 12 title.