Week 10 college football produced a clear set of risers and fallers, with Texas building a stronger playoff case, Utah protecting its unbeaten record, and several traditional powers sliding deeper into trouble. The biggest winner was Texas, whose 297-yard, three-touchdown, no-turnover passing day from Arch Manning helped the Longhorns add another quality result to a growing résumé.
Texas Builds a Playoff Case
Texas has not always looked polished, but the Longhorns now own wins over Ole Miss, Ohio State, Tennessee and Missouri. That collection of victories gives them a strong position, especially as a potential three-loss team in the postseason conversation. Manning’s efficient performance against Missouri was a key part of the latest step forward.
Utah Finally Beats BYU, Reaches 9-0
Utah’s win over BYU ended a three-game losing streak in the rivalry and moved the Utes to 9-0 for the first time since 2008. Quarterback Devon Dampier drove the comeback after Utah trailed early in the second half. The victory strengthens Utah’s College Football Playoff case and could even push the Utes toward the top spot depending on other results.
Ohio State’s Slide Deepens
Ohio State’s problems are mounting on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes were pushed around at the line of scrimmage by USC and Oregon, and their secondary collapsed. Quarterback Julian Sayin’s injury has clearly hurt, and freshman Luke Fahey has struggled in two starts, particularly with downfield passing. The program is bottoming out in every phase, leaving coach Ryan Day with major questions to answer.
LSU’s Investment Yields Little
LSU coach Lane Kiffin has the largest contract in the SEC and reportedly the most expensive roster in college football, but the return has been poor. A 31-14 loss to Alabama dropped LSU to 0-3 against CFP Top 25 opponents. The Tigers turned the ball over on downs three times and wasted multiple red-zone trips. Kiffin is now 0-6 against Alabama as a head coach, and LSU’s postseason hopes are on life support.
Nebraska’s Collapse Continues
Nebraska started 5-0 but has lost three straight and still has not secured bowl eligibility after a 24-13 loss to Illinois. The Cornhuskers gained 426 yards but scored only 13 points because of missed field goals and failed fourth-down attempts. They converted just one of four fourth downs. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen was fired after the game.
Ferris State Keeps Rolling
Ferris State won its 40th straight game, tying a Division II record, with an 80-0 victory over Wayne State. The streak began with Trinidad Chambliss’s first solo start in 2024. Coach Tony Annese has built a machine in Big Rapids, compiling a 153-21 record and four national championships in the last five years.
Tulane’s Internal Promotion Backfires
Tulane promoted Will Hall from passing game coordinator to head coach after Jon Sumrall left for Florida. The decision has been a disaster. The Green Wave fell to 4-5 after a 60-10 loss to Tulsa, a stunning result for the reigning American Conference champions. With North Texas and South Florida still on the schedule, Tulane could miss a bowl game entirely.
