College Football Rankings: Texas, Wake Forest Jumped As LSU, USC Fell After Week 11
LSU’s season slips away
LSU’s loss to Texas left the Tigers outside the College Football Playoff conversation. It was their fourth loss to a ranked opponent, and they stood 3-4 in SEC play.
The story describes LSU as an eight-win team at best and says the program’s administration and donors funded what is widely regarded as the sport’s richest roster. Coach Lane Kiffin faced an expectation of reaching the playoff in his first year.
Week 11 reshapes the list
Three teams—SMU, South Carolina and New Mexico—left the rankings list after losses, travel disruption and wins by teams managing injured rosters. A returning team and two newcomers took their places.
Liberty made its debut after beating Middle Tennessee 28-23 to reach 9-1. Its net yards per play differential was +1.55 through Week 11, the 13th-best mark in the FBS.
Notable results and statistics
Houston surrendered 249 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in its loss to Colorado, its highest totals in those categories in three seasons under Willie Fritz. Missouri gave up 48 points to Georgia, a season high and its most since 2023.
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita had 3,150 passing yards and a 71.7% completion rate, both ranked third in the FBS in the stated categories. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier rushed for three touchdowns against Baylor, while Florida recorded its third win over an AP top-15 team this season.
USC and other teams fall
USC lost to Indiana, its second defeat in three games. The loss left coach Lincoln Riley with a 1-8 record on the road against AP-ranked teams as USC’s head coach.
Boise State beat Oregon State 46-41, with freshman receiver Rasean Jones gaining 230 yards. That was the most receiving yards by a freshman in program history and the fifth-most by any Boise State player in one game.
Key points
- LSU fell out of the playoff conversation after its fourth loss to a ranked opponent.
- Liberty debuted in the rankings list after moving to 9-1.
- USC lost to Indiana for its second defeat in three games.
- Florida had three wins over AP top-15 teams, the most among FBS teams.