Georgia took the top spot in the latest ESPN Football Power Index for college football, edging ahead with a rating of 28.3 following a dominant win against Oklahoma in Athens. The weekly ranking, which evaluates a team’s true strength through expected point margins against an average opponent on a neutral field, places Notre Dame and Ohio State tied for second at 27.8 points.
Georgia Claims the Top Spot After Dominating Oklahoma
The Bulldogs sit alone at the summit of the FPI table after stretching their unbeaten start through Week 4. Quarterback Gunner Stockton threw for 171 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Oklahoma, but the offense relied heavily on ground and deep threats. Running back Chauncey Bowens rushed for 26 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Talyn Taylor turned four catches into 110 yards and a score. Georgia next faces Vanderbilt in SEC play.
Notre Dame and Ohio State Share the Second Spot
Notre Dame shares the second position at 27.8 after dismantling Purdue 49-10 in West Lafayette. Quarterback CJ Carr recorded 237 yards, four total touchdowns, and an interception, while Micah Gilbert hauled in two catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. The Fighting Irish travel to Chapel Hill next to face North Carolina.
Ohio State occupies the same 27.8 rating following a 42-19 victory over Illinois. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 367 yards and five total touchdowns, connecting with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for 217 yards and four scores. The Buckeyes head to Iowa City next to meet the Hawkeyes in a matchup of Top 25 programs.
Texas Drops to Fourth After a Narrow Win in Knoxville
Texas slipped from a tie for first down to fourth with an FPI rating of 26.9 after escaping Knoxville with a 20-17 victory over Tennessee. The game concluded when the Volunteers failed to connect on a final Hail Mary attempt. Running back Raleek Brown powered the Longhorns’ offense with 67 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Texas enters a bye week before renewing its rivalry with Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown on October 10.
Miami Rounds Out the Top Five Behind Mensah
Miami rounds out the top five at 25.7 following a 52-3 rout of Central Michigan in Coral Gables. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 338 yards and four total touchdowns. Wide receiver Malachi Toney supported the attack with six receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown. The Hurricanes hit the road to play Clemson in their third ACC conference game of the season.
ESPN Football Power Index Top Five Standings
- 1. Georgia Bulldogs — 28.3
- 2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish — 27.8
- 3. Ohio State Buckeyes — 27.8
- 4. Texas Longhorns — 26.9
- 5. Miami Hurricanes — 25.7
Georgia’s upcoming game against Vanderbilt marks its third conference contest of the 2026 season.
