The Post’s College Football Rankings Following Week 4
As we dive into the heart of the college football season, Week 4 has brought us a clearer picture of the contenders and pretenders in the race for the national championship. Here’s a detailed look at the latest rankings and what they mean for the teams involved.
1. Georgia (3-0) (Last week: 1)
The Bulldogs remain at the top of the rankings, but their mettle will be tested this Saturday against Alabama. This matchup marks the beginning of a challenging stretch for Georgia, which includes road games at Texas on October 19 and Ole Miss on November 9, along with a home game against Tennessee on November 16. The Bulldogs have shown resilience so far, but the upcoming slate will be a true litmus test for their championship aspirations.
2. Texas (4-0) (2)
Arch Manning made headlines in his first start, showcasing both promise and room for improvement. Despite throwing for 258 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 51-3 victory over UL Monroe, his two interceptions raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers remains a formidable presence, ensuring that the Longhorns have depth at the quarterback position. Texas is poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12, but consistency will be key as they move forward.
3. Ohio State (3-0) (3)
After a cupcake-filled schedule, Ohio State finally faced a more formidable opponent in Michigan State. While the Spartans are not a national title contender, they provided a better gauge of the Buckeyes’ capabilities compared to Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall. Ohio State’s ability to handle tougher competition will be crucial as they gear up for the rest of the season, especially with a showdown against Oregon looming on the horizon.
4. Alabama (3-0) (4)
The Crimson Tide find themselves as 1.5-point underdogs against Georgia, a rare occurrence for a team that has dominated the SEC for over a decade. This marks the first time Alabama has been a home underdog since 2007, and new head coach Kalen DeBoer is likely to use this as motivation for his squad. With a storied history of rising to the occasion, Alabama will be looking to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in this pivotal matchup.
5. Tennessee (4-0) (7)
The Volunteers have emerged as a legitimate title contender after a strong performance against Oklahoma, winning by ten points despite committing two turnovers. Tennessee’s ability to win on the road against a top-15 opponent speaks volumes about their resilience and potential. With Alabama set to visit Knoxville on October 19, the Volunteers are gearing up for what could be a season-defining clash.
6. Ole Miss (4-0) (5)
After a series of blowout victories against lesser opponents, Ole Miss is finally set to face a real test as they begin their SEC schedule against Kentucky. The Rebels have dominated their early-season matchups, but this game will provide a clearer picture of their capabilities and aspirations for the season. A strong performance could solidify their status as a contender in the competitive SEC landscape.
7. Oregon (3-0) (6)
With a focus on their upcoming showdown against Ohio State on October 12, Oregon is using its next two games against UCLA and Michigan State as tune-ups. The Ducks have shown promise, but they will need to elevate their game against tougher competition to prove they belong among the elite teams in college football.
8. Utah (4-0) (NR)
Utah has emerged as a surprise contender in the Big 12, showcasing a strong defense and a powerful running game, even in the absence of starting quarterback Cam Rising. Their victory at Oklahoma State highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue to build momentum, the Utes could become a formidable force in the conference.
9. Penn State (3-0) (8)
The Nittany Lions have faced a soft schedule thus far, leaving many questions about their true capabilities. Their upcoming matchup against Illinois will be a critical test, as it represents their first significant challenge of the season. How they perform against a more competitive opponent will determine their trajectory moving forward.
10. Missouri (4-0) (10)
Missouri’s overtime victory against Vanderbilt felt more like a survival than a celebration, raising concerns about their legitimacy as a contender. While they remain undefeated, their schedule has been relatively soft, and they will need to prove themselves against tougher opponents to be taken seriously in the SEC.
Heisman Watch
As the season progresses, several players are emerging as frontrunners for the prestigious Heisman Trophy:
QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Dart had a standout performance against Georgia Southern, throwing for 382 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to lead the Rebels in high-scoring games could make him a serious contender as the season unfolds.
WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
Hunter continues to impress with his dual-threat capabilities, catching seven passes for 130 yards and making a game-sealing play on defense. His versatility and impact on both sides of the ball make him a player to watch.
RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Leading the nation in rushing, Johnson has amassed 685 yards and nine touchdowns in Iowa’s 4-0 start. His performance will be crucial as the Hawkeyes prepare for a challenging matchup against Ohio State.
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
With a critical game against Georgia on the horizon, Milroe has the opportunity to make a significant statement in the Heisman race. His performance in high-pressure situations will be closely scrutinized.
QB Cam Ward, Miami
Ward has been a transformative presence for Miami, throwing for 404 yards and three touchdowns in a recent blowout victory. His leadership and performance will be pivotal as the Hurricanes aim for a strong finish to the season.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, these rankings and player performances will shape the narrative leading into the heart of the season. Each week brings new challenges and opportunities for teams and players alike, making for an exciting and unpredictable journey toward the championship.