Dan Mullen releases Top 25 college football rankings after Week 10

The first weekend of November is in the books. With that, analyst and former head coach Dan Mullen released an update on his Top 25 college football rankings after Week 10.

These are rankings that Mullen shares on social media. They’re based on how he feels about different teams around the country and they’re presented without additional commentary.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how Mullen thinks the current Top 25 in college football shakes out.

1. Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks are sitting atop the rankings for Dan Mullen. That’s probably not much of a surprise. The Ducks came into the season as one of the best-regarded teams and there really hasn’t been anything to change that. Oregon even has one of the biggest wins in the country this season going back to when they beat Ohio State.

From here, Oregon looks to be in a good position to not just make the Big Ten Championship Game but the College Football Playoff. That would come either with a win in that conference championship game or as an at-large bid. Either way, the Ducks are in good shape.

2. Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes are led by a Heisman hopeful in quarterback Cam Ward. He’s been outstanding this season for the Hurricanes and is a major reason why Miami is seen as one of the best teams in the country. In their most recent game, he had 400 passing yards and five touchdowns.

If there’s a concern about Miami, it’s that the Hurricanes have had a few close calls, particularly in ACC play. The Hurricanes have won three one-score games this season, all of which were in conference play. So, while the Hurricanes are in good shape to go to the ACC Championship Game, there’s already been a couple of close calls.

3. Indiana Hoosiers

Next, Dan Mullen returns to the Big Ten for the Indiana Hoosiers. In their last game against Michigan State, the Hoosiers trailed 10-0 at the end of the first quarter. That was the first time Indiana trailed all season long. They came back to win by a massive score of 47-10.

Now sitting at 9-0, Indiana is one of the best stories of the college football season and has earned their Top 25 ranking. Next, the Hoosiers will get their chance against a pair of iconic Big Ten brands, with upcoming games against Michigan and Ohio State.

4. BYU Cougars

The BYU Cougars are now the only unbeaten team remaining in the Big 12. With that, the Cougars have the inside track on making the conference championship game and, in turn, the College Football Playoff. That is, as long as BYU can avoid any upsets in the next few weeks.

One of the biggest reasons for BYU’s success this season has come down to the defensive effort. BYU is giving up just 19.6 points per game, which is 24th in the country in scoring defense. That mark also puts the Cougars at third in the Big 12 this season.

5. Texas Longhorns

For much of the season, the Texas Longhorns have been considered one of the best teams in the country. Even with a loss to Georgia, the Longhorns are still ranked as highly as fifth, according to Mullen. While Mullen didn’t explain the logic behind any individual ranking on his list, it’s safe to say that the high-flying Longhorns offense is a key piece of the puzzle.

In the final four games of the season, Texas is going to look to avoid any upsets. If they can do that, then the Longhorns are in good shape to compete for an SEC Championship. Of course, a reunion with rival Texas A&M could present challenges down the road.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

Mullen has the Ohio State Buckeyes sixth coming off a massive win over Penn State. That was on the road and showed the defense flex its muscles. Holding the Nittany Lions to just 13 points at home, the Buckeyes once again reminded everyone why they’re considered one of the best teams in the country.

The Big Ten standings are crowded at the top, with multiple unbeaten teams remaining. Oregon has the tiebreaker over Ohio State. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes have the tiebreaker over Penn State. However, the Indiana Hoosiers still loom for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

7. Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs earned a rivalry win over the Florida Gators, even if it was a bit closer than they would have liked. Even with that, however, there was room for concern. In particular, quarterback Carson Beck has been dealing with turnover issues, throwing 11 interceptions in the last five games. The Bulldogs will need to figure that problem out quickly.

Even with that turnover issue, Georgia is still in great shape to make the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. Every SEC team has at least one loss and the Bulldogs have the tiebreaker over Texas. On top of that, the Bulldogs have once again been phenomenal on defense.

8. Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions lost their first game of the season in a defensive battle against the Ohio State Buckeyes. While Penn State had its opportunities, the Nittany Lions weren’t able to take advantage. In particular, Penn State struggled to finish drives.

The good news is that Penn State is still in a good position to make the College Football Playoff. A one-loss Big Ten team will likely make the expanded field. However, the question then becomes whether or not the Penn State resume is strong enough to earn a home game, which might be a trickier argument to make.

9. Tennessee Volunteers

Next up for Mullen are the Tennessee Volunteers. The offense has struggled early in games lately for the Volunteers before figuring things out as things go on. That continued against Tennessee, with the Volunteers not scoring until the second quarter against Kentucky and needing to climb out of a hole early.

A major strength for Tennessee this season has been their defense, which is one of the best in the country. On top of that, the Volunteers still have a marquee game remaining against Georgia. With that, the Volunteers could propel themselves forward this season and be in an excellent position for the postseason.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Dan Mullen rounded out his Top 10 with Notre Dame. The Irish are coming off a bye week but have looked excellent this season overall, with the exception of their upset loss to Northern Illinois. From here, if the Irish are able to win out, then they should be in good shape for the postseason.

One concern for Notre Dame is going to be injuries. Those are starting to add up and while depth is typically a strength for Notre Dame, it’s going to be difficult to manage them throughout November. Still, the Irish are in good shape and well-regarded nationally.

The rest of Dan Mullen’s Top 25

11. Boise State Broncos
12. Army Black Knights
13. SMU Mustangs
14. Texas A&M Aggies
15. LSU Tigers
16. Alabama Crimson Tide
17. Pitt Panthers
18. Ole Miss Rebels
19. Iowa State Cyclones
20. Clemson Tigers
21. Kansas State Wildcats
22. Colorado Buffaloes
23. Washington State Cougars
24. Vanderbilt Commodores
25. South Carolina Gamecocks