CBS Sports columnist Tom Fornelli released his latest college football power ratings, with Georgia and Miami retaining the top two positions despite growing concerns about their performances as the 2026 season enters November.
Georgia remains No. 1 with title odds of +350, but Fornelli notes quarterback Gunner Stockton has been poor in the last two games, including a blowout win over Florida. The analyst warns that Georgia cannot win a national title with such quarterback play unless the defense goes on a generational run.
Miami stays at No. 2 (+620 odds) but has allowed 35 points to Florida State, 23 to a backup-quarterback Pitt team, and 35 to North Carolina in its last three games. Fornelli says any playoff opponent will likely have a better offense than those three.
Notre Dame rises to No. 3 (+550) but lost leading tackler Drayk Bowen for the upcoming game against Miami, while defensive linemen Francis Brewu and Jason Onye are questionable. The Irish face a critical two-game stretch after already losing the first leg.
Alabama sits at No. 4 (+1100) coming off a bye week before a road game against LSU, one of four matchups between teams in this week's top 12.
Ohio State drops to No. 5 (+1000) after a loss to USC. Fornelli describes Buckeyes fans as panicked, noting the team started a true freshman at quarterback who struggled.
LSU holds at No. 6 (+810) after a bye, with Fornelli speculating whether coach Lane Kiffin has turned a corner or is saving drama for the Alabama game.
Ole Miss moves up to No. 7 (+1800) after a businesslike second-half performance against Auburn, scoring on every possession after halftime except the final clock-killing drive.
Indiana falls to No. 8 (+1000) after playing nine straight games without a bye; Fornelli suspects the team is more injured than the official report shows.
Texas stays at No. 9 (+1050) following a 31-3 win over a Mississippi State team missing Kamario Taylor, giving Longhorns fans a rare stress-free Saturday.
Utah remains No. 10 (+3000) after a 42-6 halftime lead at Cincinnati, with first-year head coach Morgan Scalley earning praise for weekly preparation.
Oregon climbs to No. 11 (+35000) after a 34-26 win over Northwestern, showing offensive improvement under a new play-caller.
Tennessee rounds out the top 12 at +6400 odds, coming off a bye before a massive game against Kentucky.
For the first time all season, no team dropped out of the top 12.
