Weekly college football top 25 rankings are a big part of every season, and The Gamblers Report will update it’s top 25 following the games each weekend.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount of games and start of play for all 10 conferences is different. The MAC and Pac-12 are set to begin their 2020 seasons in November, which means all 10 conferences will be playing for the next seven weeks. While those teams haven’t kicked off, they are included in our weekly rankings. Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia head into Week 10 ranked as the top four teams, but Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Florida and Cincinnati aren’t far behind. Cincinnati ranks as the top Group of 5 team going into Week 10, but Boise State, Marshall and Coastal Carolina also appear in the top 25.
With Week 9 of the 2020 season in the books, here are the top 25 teams in college football:
College Football Top 25 Rankings (After Week 9)
1. Clemson (7-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Boston College
Trevor Lawrence was missed, but D.J. Uiagalelei had a strong performance in his first career start. Clemson’s defense stepped up in the second half and did not allow a point after surrendering 28 in the first two quarters.
2. Alabama (6-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Mississippi State
Alabama’s defense pitched its first shutout since the 2018 season, while the Mac Jones to DeVonta Smith connection was firing on all cylinders in an easy 41-0 win over Mississippi State.
3. Ohio State (2-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Penn State
Penn State was supposed to be the toughest test for Ohio State in the regular season, but coach Ryan Day’s squad was in full control from the opening snap and left Happy Valley with a 38-25 win.
4. Georgia (4-1)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Kentucky
Bulldogs earned a hard-fought win at Kentucky, but injuries on defense and offensive questions remain going into showdown against Florida.
5. Notre Dame (6-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Georgia Tech
The Fighting Irish crossed their final hurdle – a win over Georgia Tech – before the huge showdown against Clemson next week.
6. Texas A&M (4-1)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Arkansas
Texas A&M’s offensive line dominated, while Kellen Mond (21 of 26 for 260 yards) was sharp in the win over Arkansas.
7. Florida (3-1)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Missouri
The Gators had some rust and were shorthanded on defense but handled Missouri 41-17 to set up huge matchup against Georgia next week.
8. Cincinnati (5-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Memphis
Memphis and SMU – two of the top Group of 5 offenses – were held to just two combined touchdowns against Cincinnati’s defense.
9. Miami (5-1)
Week 9 Result: No Game
The Hurricanes were off in Week 9 and return to action next Friday at NC State.
10. Oregon (0-0)
Week 9 Result: No Game
The Ducks open their 2020 season against Stanford next Saturday.
11. Wisconsin (1-0)
Week 9 Result: No Game
Due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the program, Wisconsin was unable to play Nebraska in Week 9. The Badgers matchup against Purdue next Saturday is in jeopardy as well.
12. BYU (7-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated WKU
Zach Wilson adds four more touchdowns to his prolific 2020 resume in 41-10 win over WKU. Up next: A massive showdown against Boise State on Friday night.
13. Oklahoma State (4-1)
Week 9 Result: Lost to Texas
Oklahoma State outgained Texas 530 to 287, but four turnovers allowed Texas to hang around and find a way to win in overtime.
14. Indiana (2-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Rutgers
No letdown for the Hoosiers after last week’s upset over Penn State, as coach Tom Allen’s team beat Rutgers 37-21.
15. Iowa State (4-2)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Kansas
Running back Breece Hall has rushed for at least 100 yards in all six of Iowa State’s games this season.
16. Oklahoma (4-2)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Texas Tech
Bad news for the rest of the Big 12: The Sooners are getting better every week.
17. SMU (6-1)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Navy
Mustangs handle Navy 51-37 to rebound from last week’s loss against Cincinnati.
18. Coastal Carolina (6-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Georgia State
Total domination is the best way to sum up Coastal Carolina’s win over Georgia State. Quarterback Grayson McCall returned from injury to record 269 total yards and five scores.
19. Marshall (5-0)
Week 9 Result: No Game
The Thundering Herd’s game against FIU on Friday night was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Marshall will return to action on Nov. 7 against UMass.
20. Boise State (2-0)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Air Force
Jack Sears (17 of 20 for 280 yards and three touchdowns) was sharp in relief of Hank Bachmeier in Saturday’s win at Air Force. The Broncos have a huge test up next against BYU.
21. USC (0-0)
Week 9 Result: No Game
The Trojans open their 2020 season against Arizona State next Saturday.
22. North Carolina (4-2)
Week 9 Result: Lost to Virginia
Tar Heels averaged 8.8 yards per play but it wasn’t enough to beat Virginia.
23. Auburn (4-2)
Week 9 Result: Defeated LSU
Bo Nix delivered a big-time performance (381 total yards and four scores) in Auburn’s blowout win over LSU.
24. Michigan (1-1)
Week 9 Result: Lost to Michigan State
Rivalry games often bring out the best in both teams, but Saturday’s defeat to Michigan State might be the worst loss of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.
25. Virginia Tech (4-2)
Week 9 Result: Defeated Louisville
Hendon Hooker was perfect (10 for 10 through the air), but the Hokies’ ground game pounded Louisville’s shorthanded defense for 283 yards in a 42-35 win.
