College Football Rankings: ESPN releases updated FPI Top 25 after Week 2 with new No. 1
The latest college football rankings from ESPN’s FPI are here following Week 2 and there’s a new No. 1 team.
That might be surprising to hear, but the results speak for themselves. Just check it out for yourself, we don’t make the rules!
Let’s dive into ESPN’s latest FPI ratings following a wild Week 2 of college football.
1. Texas (+2)
The Longhorns are the new No. 1 team per the FPI after the dominating display in Ann Arbor Saturday. The 31-12 win all but proved this Texas team is primed to win a title.
Regardless of what Michigan is this season, Texas didn’t miss a beat after Week 1. ESPN likes them as the top team in the country, at least per the metrics.
2. Georgia (-1)
It might be a little surprising to see Georgia not ranked as the top team in the country. But that’s precisely what ESPN’s FPI did this week.
The Bulldogs thwarted Tennessee Tech just as bad as Clemson last week. But it seems like the ratings favored Texas’ win over the defending national champions just a little more.
3. Alabama (-1)
There’s just something about South Florida and Alabama. It’s a weird matchup and the FPI ratings dropped the Crimson Tide a spot.
Yes, Alabama still won though. In fact, it was a 42-16 blowout. But Kalen DeBoer’s crew put up 28 points in the fourth quarter after leading just 14-13 going into the final 15 minutes.
4. Ohio State
The Buckeyes didn’t move this, staying right at No. 4 in the FPI ratings. Now, this is the best team in the Big Ten and it might not be particularly close.
Another dominating game over the weekend, a 56-0 win over Western Michigan, and people desperately want to see this squad in conference competition. You’ll have to wait a few weeks as it’s a bye week and a non-conference tilt against Marshall first.
5. Tennessee (+2)
Tennessee kept the train rolling with a 51-10 win over NC State, which was ranked No. 24 in last week’s AP Poll. Nico Iamaleava combined for three touchdowns in this absolute route.
This game was on the road too, so this reflected well in the FPI ratings. Tennessee is now a top five team in the country and seemingly a legit threat in the SEC.
6. Ole Miss (+2)
The Ole Miss train is running and running fast. The Rebels beat MSTU 52-3 and Jaxson Dart had a day where he completed 24 straight passes.
Insane stuff right? It’s still early, but the FPI ratings love Ole Miss right now, bumping them up two spots from last week.
7. Penn State (-2)
Penn State was penalized for a close game against Bowling Green Saturday. FPI knocked the Nittany Lions out of the top five following Week 2.
It was too close for comfort at home and Penn State escaped by the skin of their teeth. Still, it could just be a simple blip on the radar early in the year.
8. USC (+7)
Welcome to the top 10 Trojans. ESPN’s FPI bumped up Lincoln Riley’s crew seven spots after a 48-0 shutout of Utah State.
USC edged out LSU Week 1 and looked flat out dominant Saturday. The big test is next week when they visit Michigan for their first Big Ten game. That should be fun.
9. Missouri (+3)
The Tigers moved up three spots in the FPI ratings with a 38-0 shutout of Buffalo this weekend. Missouri outscored its two opponents 89-0 in two weeks.
Yeah, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing. That’s pretty impressive. The Tigers welcome a 2-0 Boston College team to town next week.
10. Notre Dame (-4)
Brutal loss for Notre Dame at home following a statement win over Texas A&M to open the season. The offense lost its footing in a 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois.
The defense is certainly legit, but until the offense gets out of neutral, the FPI might continue to penalize the Irish.
ESPN FPI Top 25 after Week 2
11. Louisville (+2)
12. Miami (-1)
13. Oregon (-3)
14. Clemson (+8)
15. Oklahoma (-6)
16. UCF (+4)
17. Michigan (-3)
18. Kansas State (+3)
19. Texas A&M (-1)
20. LSU (-3)
21. Utah (+3)
22. Washington (+3)
23. Arkansas (+7)
24. Boston College (+10)
25. Auburn (-9)
Another week in the books with ESPN’s FPI and the crisp fall air is starting to hit in certain places around the country. It truly is football season!