Dan Mullen shakes up Top 25 college football rankings after Week 9

Following an intense weekend of action in Week 9, Dan Mullen has updated his Top 25 rankings, separating the best teams in college football.

For context, Oregon dominated once again in Week 9, reaffirming their spot at the top of the Big Ten, which features top contenders Ohio State and Penn State. Meanwhile in the SEC, Texas scraped by, Alabama dominated and Texas A&M is looking like a real threat. Additionally, the ACC and Big 12 have undefeated teams at the top, but other contenders are lurking throughout their conferences, as well.

Without further ado, here’s Mullen’s Top 25 following Week 9, featuring some fascinating selections that don’t always match up with the way the AP Poll shook out.

1. Oregon

Oregon might’ve put up their best performance of the season with a 38-9 win over a top 20 Illinois team. The Ducks scored 35 points in the first half, and Mullen is loving what he’s seen from the Ducks.

Here’s a fun fact about QB Dillon Gabriel: he’s now the No. 2 all-time passer in NCAA history with 295 yards Saturday. Oregon is now 3-0 against ranked opponents this year, which is quite impressive.

2. Penn State

Penn State controlled the second half against Wisconsin to notch a key win in Madison and they stayed undefeated, with Mullen ranking them second. However, the Nittany Lions lost QB Drew Allar, and it remains to be seen what his status is for Ohio State.

Not only that, Penn State lost Dani Dennis-Sutton, which could be a massive loss for the defense. This could be Penn State’s season next weekend, and they’re not at full strength, that’s for sure.

3. Miami

Miami dominated Florida State to remain undefeated, and the Hurricanes are clearly the best team in the state of Florida, which Mullen recognizes. They’re also the best in the ACC to this point, and that means something.

During the win, Damien Martinez had a great game, while Cam Ward turned in his most “meh” performance of the year. No matter, he still caught a touchdown on a trick play. The Hurricanes should be favored, at least until the ACC title game.

4. Indiana

Indiana advanced to 8-0, and experts like Mullen are beginning to take notice. The Hoosiers defeated the Washington Huskies with all the pomp and circumstance surrounding their game, as they kept the main thing the main thing over the weekend.

They have a real shot at the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff in Curt Cignetti’s first season. What a sentence that is to write about the Hoosiers, but it’s getting more and more likely with each win.

5. Iowa State

Iowa State continues to fly under the radar in many rankings, but not Mullen’s. He’s giving the Cyclones their proper respect, as the undefeated Big 12 team enjoyed a bye week in Week 9.

Texas Tech will come to town in Week 10, as Iowa State looks to continue their impressive run moving forward. There’s a spot in the College Football Playoff for at least one Big 12 team, and they’re looking to get a stranglehold on it.

6. Pittsburgh

Another team that continues to fly under the radar in many rankings that Mullen values is Pittsburgh. The Panthers remained undefeated with a win over Syracuse — well, win is generous to their opponent, as Pittsburgh simply dismantled the Orange.

A huge ACC clash is on the docket for the Panthers in Week 10. They’ll face SMU on the road, and that game could be a deciding one inside the conference with many teams battling for position.

7. BYU

BYU is still undefeated and the Cougars are in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 title. They dominated UCF over the weekend in the Sunshine State, and Mullen believes they’re one of the teams to beat in 2024.

BYU also heads into a bye week ahead of a rivalry game against Utah, which has its own problems. However, this “Holy War” will be must-see TV, and Mullen will certainly be tuned in.

8. Georgia

This ranking may be surprising from the former SEC coach for some. Georgia needed a bye week after beating Texas and putting themselves back into the national title picture. The Bulldogs were banged up, plain and simple, but they got the job done.

All-American guard Tate Ratledge could return this coming weekend against Florida, which would be a big boost. Could Kirby Smart’s crew run the table? We’ll see.

9. Notre Dame

Notre Dame absolutely dominated its game against a previously-undefeated Navy to improve to 7-1 on the season. The Fighting Irish caused six turnovers in this one after the Midshipmen didn’t even fumble all year, and Mullen is giving them their respect.

Riley Leonard was responsible for three touchdowns on offense, and Jeremiyah Love ran for 102 yards and two scores. The Fighting Irish are firmly in the top ten with room to grow.

10. Texas A&M

What in the world did Mike Elko do to get this good at his new spot? He comes over from Duke and all of a sudden, he has the Aggies at 7-1 and they’re in the thick of the SEC and College Football Playoff race.

Taking a shot at Jimbo Fisher after a win over LSU? That’ll get Mullen and many analysts behind the Aggies. Time will tell how high they can climb.

Rest of Dan Mullen’s Top 25

11. Texas
12. Clemson
13. Ohio State
14. Tennessee
15. Kansas State
16. Boise State
17. Army
18. SMU
19. Alabama
20. LSU
21. Memphis
22. Colorado
23. Washington State
24. Ole Miss
25. Duke

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.