Amber Aniston • October 28, 2024

College Football Week 10 Rankings: Texas A&M and Notre Dame Soar into Top 10

As the college football season progresses, Week 10’s rankings have shuffled the landscape yet again. Five ranked teams fell in Week 9, allowing some familiar names to move back into the top tier of the AP Top 25. Notably, Notre Dame and Texas A&M have climbed into the top 10, securing No. 8 and No. 10 spots, respectively, following impressive wins.


Texas A&M’s Rise to the Top 10

The Aggies delivered a commanding performance in their Week 9 matchup, defeating then-No. 8 LSU 38-23. This victory elevated Texas A&M from No. 14 to No. 10, solidifying their presence among the nation’s elite. Marcel Reed, the redshirt freshman quarterback, stepped up for the Aggies when starting quarterback Conner Weigman struggled. Reed’s three rushing touchdowns, coupled with a career-best 91.5 overall performance grade, earned him accolades as a game-changer for Texas A&M.


Currently sitting at 7-1 and the only undefeated team in SEC play, the Aggies have taken control of the conference standings. Their meteoric rise comes as they eye a crucial Week 10 matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks. If Texas A&M can maintain this momentum, they have a legitimate shot at a top bowl game or even a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth.


Notre Dame’s Return to the Top

Notre Dame also made headlines this week by reclaiming a spot in the top 10 for the first time since Week 2. The Fighting Irish (7-1) demolished No. 24 Navy 51-14, a statement win that reaffirmed their strength on both sides of the ball. Riley Leonard, the standout quarterback, delivered a career-high performance with three passing touchdowns and an additional rushing touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.


With this victory, Notre Dame is now back in the national conversation for the College Football Playoff. Their win over Navy was their third victory against a ranked opponent this season, which significantly boosted their résumé for the selection committee. While Notre Dame enjoys a bye this week, their sights are firmly set on the final stretch of the season, where they’ll need to maintain their form to remain in playoff contention.


Top 25 Teams Holding Steady

Despite some significant shakeups, Oregon continues to dominate the AP Top 25. The Ducks remain at No. 1 with an 8-0 record after dismantling No. 20 Illinois 38-9. Oregon’s offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, amassed 527 total yards while their defense stifled Illinois’ passing attack, holding the Fighting Illini to a staggering -0.481 EPA per pass attempt.


Other undefeated teams, such as Penn State (No. 3) and Miami (FL) (No. 5), also held their ground after solid performances in Week 9. Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula stepped in for the injured Drew Allar and led the Nittany Lions to a 28-13 victory over Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Miami’s running back Damien Martinez powered the Hurricanes to a 36-14 win over Florida State, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns.


LSU and Other Falling Teams

Not every team fared as well in Week 9. LSU dropped from No. 8 to No. 16 following their loss to Texas A&M. This marks a critical blow to LSU’s playoff hopes, as they now have two losses on their record. Other teams like Missouri and Illinois also suffered setbacks, dropping out of the top 20 after losses to ranked opponents.


New Faces in the Rankings

Week 10 has also brought some fresh faces into the top 25. The Colorado Buffaloes have cracked the rankings for the first time this season, landing at No. 23. Under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders, Colorado has enjoyed a resurgence this year, with standout performances from two Heisman hopefuls, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. After their 6-2 start and a commanding win over Cincinnati, the Buffaloes are now legitimate contenders for the Big 12 title.


Washington State (No. 22) also made their first appearance in the rankings this season after edging out San Diego State 24-21. With a 7-1 record, the Cougars are looking to make a push for a high-profile bowl game if they can continue their winning streak.


Week 10’s Key Matchups

As we head into Week 10, several matchups stand out that could further shake up the rankings. No. 3 Penn State will face off against No. 6 Ohio State in a Big Ten showdown that could have major implications for the CFP. In the SEC, Texas A&M will look to extend their dominance against South Carolina, while Notre Dame has a much-needed bye before their next test.


For fans and analysts alike, the next few weeks of college football promise excitement and unpredictability. With teams jockeying for position in the College Football Playoff race, every game matters, and Week 10 will be no exception.


AP Top 25 Week 10 Rankings:

  1. Oregon (8-0)
  2. Georgia (6-1)
  3. Penn State (7-0)
  4. Ohio State (6-1)
  5. Miami (FL) (8-0)
  6. Texas (7-1)
  7. Tennessee (6-1)
  8. Notre Dame (7-1)
  9. BYU (8-0)
  10. Texas A&M (7-1)
  11. Clemson (6-1)
  12. Iowa State (7-0)
  13. Indiana (8-0)
  14. Alabama (6-2)
  15. Boise State (6-1)
  16. LSU (6-2)
  17. Kansas State (7-1)
  18. Pittsburgh (7-0)
  19. Ole Miss (6-2)
  20. SMU (7-1)
  21. Army (7-0)
  22. Washington State (7-1)
  23. Colorado (6-2)
  24. Illinois (6-2)
  25. Missouri (6-2)


For more insights and weekly updates on the top college football teams, visit our sports news section. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis as we approach the final weeks of the regular season.

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