{"id":429359,"date":"2026-09-08T06:46:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T06:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/429359\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T06:46:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T06:46:17","slug":"2026-college-football-rankings-top-25-week-2-expert-picks-analysis-projections-including-texas-ohio-st","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/429359\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 College Football Rankings Top 25 – Week 2: Expert picks, analysis, projections including Texas, Ohio St"},"content":{"rendered":"

Week 0 and Week 1 gave us plenty of drama! UMass gave us one of the biggest upsets in modern day College Football when they knocked off Rutgers, while Michigan needed a diabolical miracle to beat Western Michigan at the buzzer on a Hail Mary. Oregon also a close call at home to Boise State, so the Big Ten was off to a rough start, but they have a chance to make a statement in Week 2. Texas hosts Ohio State in Week 2 as the headline<\/p>\n

Well, here are my Top 25 rankings entering Week 2 of the 2026 season, along with quick overviews and predictions for each team. Every Sunday moving forward you can find my Top 25 here on NBC<\/a>! Make sure to join the chat on social and chime in with your rankings or where I went wrong! Let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n

\"Ohio<\/p>\n

\n 1. Ohio State Buckeyes
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 56-3 win vs Ball State
Next Game: At #5 Texas \u2014 Saturday at 7:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Three different Buckeyes threw for five touchdowns against Ball State and three different rushers had a touchdown as well. Ohio State even scored in the final two minutes against Ball State in a 56-3 win. The Buckeyes were shaking off all the rust and getting all their guys confidence up ahead of the top five showdown with Texas. Ohio State won last year\u2019s meeting versus Texas in Columbus, 14-7. We\u2019ll see what happens this year! I say Ohio State 21, Texas 20. Jeremiah Smith snaps his two-game touchdown drought against Texas and the Longhorns move to 0-6 against Ohio State and Georgia since 2024.<\/p>\n

\"Georgia.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 2. Georgia Bulldogs
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 63-3 win vs Tennessee State
Next Game: Vs Western Kentucky \u2014 Saturday at 12:45 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

The Bulldogs didn\u2019t break a sweat in a 60-point win over Tennessee State, and they might not break a sweat against Western Kentucky either. Georgia totaled 660 yards of offense, while the defense walked over the Tigers with some spit-shined shoes. Georgia\u2019s rush defense held Tennessee State to 10 yards on 32 carries (0.3 ypc), plus the Tigers only managed 99 passing yards. Let\u2019s see what Western Kentucky and their weird mascot can do, but I wouldn\u2019t expect much of anything after WKU lost by 35 points to Nevada.<\/p>\n

\"Indiana<\/p>\n

\n 3. Indiana Hoosiers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 52-16 win vs North Texas
Next Game: Vs Howard \u2014 Saturday at 12 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

The Josh Hoover era at Indiana started with five-straight scoring drives and six of the first seven. Hoover tossed four touchdowns and Indiana\u2019s new big four of Hoover, Turbo Richard (96 yards), Nick Marsh (17 yards, 1 TD), and Charlie Becker (64 yards, 2 TDs) all showed up and made their presence felt. Indiana was outgained in yards, 367-365, but wildly enough, the Hoosiers had the ball 15 minutes less than North Texas in a 36-point win! That\u2019s efficient football, Curt Cignetti.<\/p>\n

\"Texas.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 4. Texas Longhorns
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 59-7 win vs Texas State
Next Game: Vs #1 Ohio State \u2014 Saturday at 7:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Texas Memorial Stadium is the place to be this Saturday! Anytime we have a top five matchup in college football, the world should stop for it. This game could dictate not only the Longhorns season, but Arch Manning\u2018s career. Maning lost to Georgia and Ohio State last year and as a backup in 2024, Manning played a few snaps in three losses to Georgia (twice) and Ohio State. If Manning and Texas can\u2019t get over or through Ohio State or Georgia, his draft stock will only drop and a bowl bid will be inevitable.<\/p>\n

\"MIAMI.png\"<\/p>\n

\n 5. Miami Hurricanes
2026 Record: 1-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 45-6 win at Stanford
Next Game: Vs Florida A&M \u2014 Thursday at 8 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney took the College Football world by storm on Friday night when they cruised past Stanford in style, 45-6. Mensah threw five touchdowns and 401 yards on 27-of-30 (90%) through the air and Toney caught 12 of those passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns! Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith have competition for best QB-WR duo in the country. Miami plays Florida A&M next, so it\u2019s safe to say the starters will be done by the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n

\"Texas_Tech.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 6. Texas Tech Red Raiders
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 33-10 win vs Abilene Christian
Next Game: At Oregon State \u2014 Saturday at 7:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Texas Tech\u2019s tuneup game versus Abilene Christian didn\u2019t teach us a whole lot due to them being an FCS squad, but the Red Raiders\u2019 Week 2 road game at Oregon State will tell us a little more. What I can tell you is the intrigue around Will Hammond continues for me after he threw a career-high 298 yards but also tossed an interception in Week 1. Luckily Hammond has an experienced line in front of him and a trio of terrific running backs behind him to take the pressure off.<\/p>\n

\"Notre_Dame.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2026 Record: 1-0
Last Game: 41-13 win vs Wisconsin
Next Game: Vs Rice \u2014 Saturday at 3:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Everyone knew that the drop off in talent and production at the running back position was going to be a problem for Notre Dame, but for at least one week, Aneyas Williams answered the call. Williams finished with 90 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries (4.5 ypc), while Nolan James Jr. and Kaden Young combined for 27 yards on 10 carries. On the other side, Notre Dame\u2019s defense looked elite, especially in the second half. The Irish held the Badgers to three second-half points, but lost DB Brauntae Johnson and DL Jason Onye in the process. Their status will be worth watching as both were wearing walking boots in the fourth quarter of the 41-13 win over Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

Peacock<\/a> offers one of the most comprehensive live sports streaming lineups available today, bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, Premier League, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, golf, motorsports, and major global sporting events in a single service.<\/p>\n

\"Oregon.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 8. Oregon Ducks
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 34-27 win vs Boise State
Next Game: At Oklahoma State \u2014 Saturday at 12 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Oregon has to be bumped down a few spots after almost losing to Boise State. The Ducks were down 17-14 at the half, but Dan Lanning and Dante Moore had a few tricks up their sleeves. Oregon delivered a comeback that had Eugene rocking as they scored on five straight drives. Dante Moore finished with 378 passing yards, his fourth 300-yard game of his career, plus three touchdowns. Outside of the positives, Oregon could have discipline issues. The Ducks had 10 penalties for 90 yards at home. Oregon goes on the road to Oklahoma State on Saturday and how many penalties Oregon accrues will be worth watching.<\/p>\n

\"LSU.png\"<\/p>\n

\n 9. LSU Tigers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 51-10 win vs Clemson
Next Game: Vs Louisiana Tech \u2014 Saturday at 7:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Sam Leavitt was dancing in the rain during his LSU debut. The Heisman hopeful dashed for two rushing touchdowns and 113 yards on 12 carries. Dilin Jones also ran for 113 yards on 23 attempts and scored twice in the 51-10 thrashing. Lane Kiffin brought the offense, but the defense was superb. Clemson went 1-of-13 on third downs and were held to 145 yards, eight first downs (LSU had 38) including 40 on the ground over 26 attempts (1.6 ypc).<\/p>\n

\"Ole_Miss.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 10. Ole Miss Rebels
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 41-38 win vs #24 Louisville
Next Game: Vs Charlotte \u2014 Saturday at 7:45 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

One of the best games of Week 1 was Louisville versus Ole Miss in Nashville, TN. The offenses were humming tunes all night long in a 41-38 shootout. Trinidad Chambliss led an eight-play 40-yard drive that set up Lucas Carneiro to be the hero and knocked down a 48-yard field goal. However, the Rebels led by 14 with 6:43 remaining and almost squandered it allowing two quick scoring drives. Ole Miss can breathe next week when they face a Charlotte team that lost to The Citadel in Week 1.<\/p>\n

\"Oklahoma.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 11. Oklahoma Sooners
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 51-0 win vs UTEP
Next Game: At #16 Michigan \u2014 Saturday at 12 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Oklahoma didn\u2019t have any troubles in a look ahead spot as they routed UTEP, 51-0 after a home date with ranked Michigan. The Sooners secondary held UTEP to 9-of-17 passing for 78 yards and the defense earned four sacks and grabbed two fumbles (three forced). The Sooners defense could be a daunting task for Michigan\u2019s Bryce Underwood, who is evidently on thin ice already with new head coach Kyle Whittingham.<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

\n 12. Texas A&M Aggies
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 50-0 win vs Missouri State
Next Game: Vs Arizona State \u2014 Saturday at 12 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

The Texas A&M campus polices X account was more entertaining than watching the Aggies destroy Missouri State. It\u2019s only right to mention how impressive the Aggies defense was able to suffocate the Bears, but it wasn\u2019t the best viewing pleasure. Missouri State was held to 30 yards on 8-of-17 passing and 37 rushing yards on 23 carries (1.6 ypc). Texas A&M held Missouri to 67 yards and four first downs \u2014 that was the fewest amount of yards since 1978 in program history.<\/p>\n

\"Alabama.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 13. Alabama Crimson Tide
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 48-10 win vs East Carolina
Next Game: At Kentucky \u2014 Saturday at 3:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Keelon Russell\u2019s 2026 debut as the next starting quarterback resulted in a 48-10 win over East Carolina where he surpassingly accounted for one touchdown. The Tide did it all as a unit with five rushing touchdowns, an interception return for a score, and two field goals. The most impressive stat though had to be East Carolina having two rushing yards on 22 carries (0.1 ypc) or maybe Alabama holding the Pirates to 0-for-9 on third downs. We will get a better read on Russell against Kentucky this weekend, but it was good to see Ryan Coleman-Williams bounce back from two early drops and finish with 130 yards on five catches.<\/p>\n

\"BYU.png\"<\/p>\n

\n 14. BYU Cougars
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 63-7 win vs Utah Tech
Next Game: Vs Arizona \u2014 Saturday at 3:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

BYU ran up and down Utah Tech. The Cougars totaled 308 rushing yards on 46 carries (6.7 ypc) and had five touchdowns from five different players. Bear Bachmeier tossed three touchdowns and completed 16 of his 20 passes, while the defense held Utah Tech to 184 yards and forced four turnovers. BYU hosts Arizona next. The two went to 2OT last year and BYU won 33-27 behind a Bachmeier rushing touchdown followed by a defensive stand. This should be a fun matchup and BYU will need to keep its head on a swivel.<\/p>\n

\"USC.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 15. USC Trojans
2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 39-0 win vs Fresno State
Next Game: Vs Louisiana \u2014 Saturday at 11 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Jayden Maiava is 48-of-54 passing (88.9%) for 635 yards, and six total touchdowns through two games. While USC scoring 39 and 42 points may not be the Trojans we are used to seeing early in the season, USC does look dangerous with over 500 yards of offense in each contest.<\/p>\n

How can I watch college football on Peacock<\/a>? Sign up here<\/a> to watch all of our live sports and events, including Big Ten and Notre Dame football.<\/p>\n

What devices does Peacock support?You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Utah.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 16. Utah Utes
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 66-14 win vs Idaho
Next Game: Vs Arkansas \u2014 Saturday at 10:15 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

In Utah\u2019s first season opener without Kyle Whittingham (Michigan HC) in 21 years, the Utes routed Idaho, 66-14. Morgan Scalley\u2018s squad looked good as Devon Dampier led an efficient offense that had 633 total yards, including 364 on the ground! Five different players had at least six carries and six different guys had 25 or more yards.<\/p>\n

\"South_Carolina.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 17. South Carolina Gamecocks
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 57-0 win vs Kent State
Next Game: Vs Towson \u2014 Saturday at 7 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

South Carolina obliterated Kent State in their season opener, 66-0, as the Gamecocks put up 645 total yards to the Golden Flashes 179! LaNorris Sellers shined going 19-of-23 for 270 passing yards and three touchdowns. He\u2019s the key to South Carolina\u2019s ignition.<\/p>\n

\"ACC\/SMU.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 18. SMU Mustangs
2026 Record: 1-0 (1-0)
Last Game: 27-24 win at Florida State
Next Game: Vs UC Davis \u2014 Saturday at 4 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

SMU and Florida State was a perfect way to end the week. A delay because of a power outage was solved when someone just unplugged something and plugged it back in. The game kicked off almost two hours late, didn\u2019t have clock for the quarterbacks or any communication via technology with coaches, but the ending made up for it! The game came down to the wire and SMU chipped in a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining to win 27-24 at Florida State. Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high 430 yards, plus three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the win.<\/p>\n

\"Washington.png\"<\/p>\n

\n 19. Washington Huskies
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 24-10 win vs Washington State
Next Game: Vs Utah State \u2014 Saturday at 3:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

The Apple Cup lived up to the hype as Washington sealed a 24-10 win over Washington State. The Huskies defense forced three turnovers and held the Cougars to 0-for-9 on third downs! Demond Williams Jr. led the team in passing (268) and rushing (61) on Sunday, plus added a touchdown through the air and on the ground.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss out! Subscribe to Peacock today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Virginia.png\"<\/p>\n

\n 20. Virginia Cavaliers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 34-8 win vs NC State
Next Game: Vs Norfolk State \u2014 Friday at 7:00 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

All the questions about Virginia were answered in the Week 0 win over NC State. Virginia ran the ball 57 times for 258 yards and two touchdowns! The Cavaliers only threw the ball 11 times and six different players ran the ball at least six times. Virginia\u2019s defense held NC State to 92 passing yards and 76 rushing yards. The Hoos will be a threat in the ACC back-to-back years.<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

\n 21. Florida Gators
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 66-21 win vs Florida Atlantic
Next Game: Vs Campbell \u2014 Saturday at 5:30 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

The Jon Sumrall era in Gainesville started off with a bang. The Gators poured 66 points on top of Florida Atlantic and totaled 624 yards. Jayden Baugh ran wild with 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Aaron Philo completed 16 of his 21 passes for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Gators defense forced three turnovers and the band brought back the gator bait chant. It was a pretty good weekend for the Florida faithful.<\/p>\n

\"PITT.png\"<\/p>\n

22. Pitt Panthers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 59-14 win vs Miami (OH)<\/p>\n

Next Game: Vs UCF \u2014 Saturday at 3:30 PM ET<\/p>\n

Pit put up 59 points and Mason Heintschel threw for 453 yards and seven touchdowns! Heintschel tied Pitt\u2019s school record with seven touchdown tosses, which was set by Pete Gonzalez in 1997 vs Rutgers. The most impressive part of his start versus Miami (OH) was he threw a touchdown to seven different receivers! The Panthers offense hummed to 646 yards and didn\u2019t turn the ball over once.<\/p>\n

\"Penn_State.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 23. Penn State Nittany Lions
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 45-0 win vs Marshall
Next Game: At Temple \u2014 Saturday at 12 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

The Matt Campbell era in Happy Valley started off without a hiccup. Penn State dominated Marshall, 45-0, and had 487 total yards to Marshall\u2019s 147 (44 rush yards). Rocco Becht threw four touchdowns on 13-of-18 passing and 271 yards, while Koby Howard shined as the top wide out (6 rec, 161 yards, 1 TD).<\/p>\n

\"Missouri.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 24. Missouri Tigers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 54-14 win vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Next Game: At Kansas \u2014 Friday at 8 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Austin Simmons made his Missouri debut and he was sharp. Simmons finished 17-of-19 passing for 252 yards and four touchdowns. Star RB Ahmad Hardy missed Week 1 for the Tigers and is without a timetable as he is still recovering from a gunshot wound. This is a borderline top 25 to 40th-ranked team without him, so the sooner he comes back the better.<\/p>\n

\"Boise_State.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 25. Boise State Broncos
2026 Record: 0-1 (0-0)
Last Game: 34-27 loss at #2 Oregon
Next Game: Vs Memphis \u2014 Saturday at 6 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Boise State only moves down one spot in the rankings and remains top 25 for me. The Broncos led Oregon 17-7 at the half and pushed the Ducks to the limit in a 34-27 loss. Despite being out-gained in total yards 497 to 274, Boise State found ways to hang around thanks to Maddux Madsen tossing three touchdowns and the defense holding Oregon to three field goals. Even at 0-1, I will take this Boise State team over Auburn, Michigan, and a one-loss Louisville team that looked darn good too.<\/p>\n

Out of the Top 25 <\/p>\n

\"Auburn.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n Auburn Tigers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 17-16 win vs Baylor
Next Game: Vs Southern Miss \u2014 Saturday at 7:45 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

\"Michigan<\/p>\n

\n Michigan Wolverines
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 13-12 win vs Western Michigan
Next Game: Vs #10 Oklahoma \u2014 Saturday at 12 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

New to the Top 25<\/p>\n

\"Virginia.png\"<\/p>\n

\n 20. Virginia Cavaliers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 34-8 win vs NC State
Next Game: Vs Norfolk State \u2014 Friday at 7:00 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

\"Missouri.svg\"<\/p>\n

\n 24. Missouri Tigers
2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
Last Game: 54-14 win vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Next Game: At Kansas \u2014 Friday at 8 PM ET\n <\/p>\n

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.<\/p>\n

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:<\/p>\n

Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Week 0 and Week 1 gave us plenty of drama! UMass gave us one of the biggest upsets…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":429360,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[27,29,28],"class_list":["post-429359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-texas","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=429359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429359\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/429360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=429359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=429359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=429359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}