1. Oregon (9-0, 12-0) ◄►

Last Week: Defeated Washington 49-21
This Week: vs Penn State in Big Ten Championship Game

The whole season has led up to this moment.

Oregon crushed rival Washington and will face Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The Ducks already have wins over Big Ten Powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan.

A victory over the Nittany Lions would officially confirm that Oregon runs the Big Ten.

2. Arizona State (7-2, 10-2) ◄►

Last Week: Defeated Arizona 49-7
This Week: vs Iowa State in Big 12 Championship Game

The Sun Devils reached the Big 12 Championship Game with a dominant victory over Arizona.

Nobody expected Arizona State to be in this position. Most media members thought ASU would struggle this season.

But last year was an abnormality that clouded perceptions. This year’s success is more indicative of the program’s true status.

3. Boise State (7-0, 11-1) ◄►

Last Week: Defeated Oregon State 34-18
This Week: vs UNLV in Mountain West Championship Game

There are reasons why some doubt Boise State. The Broncos have played questionably close games with Nevada and Wyoming to close the year.

But BSU still secured the wins and positioned itself to make the Playoff.

The season is on the line against UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game this week.

A loss to the Rebels would keep Boise State out of the Playoff.

4. UNLV (6-1, 10-2) ◄►

Last Week: Defeated Nevada 38-14
This Week: vs Boise State in Mountain West Championship Game

The Rebels are rolling.

Barry Odom’s team enters the MWC Championship Game with a record of 10-2.

The team’s only losses are to Syracuse and Boise State, two teams that should find themselves ranked in the Playoff poll this week.

With a dynamic offense and impact players at multiple positions, UNLV should make the Playoff if it beats Boise State.

5. BYU (7-2, 10-2) ◄►

Last Week: Defeated Houston 30-18

If the Big 12 had a better propaganda machine and more friendly members on the Playoff Committee, BYU would have a stronger chance of securing an At-Large bid.

The Cougars have a key win over SMU and their two losses are by a combined nine points.

But the league isn’t called the “Big Ten” or SEC”, so a team like BYU doesn’t garner serious At-Large consideration by the Committee.

6. Colorado (7-2, 9-3) ◄►

Last Week: Defeated Oklahoma State 52-0

Colorado football is at a crossroads.

Deion Sanders built up the program in just two years and continues to make improvements.

But his future in Boulder is in question.

If Coach Prime decides to stay, his team is a growing recruiting powerhouse that could go on a multi-year run.

Continuing to improve the lines and bringing in an impact running back could be key for next year.

7. Washington (4-5, 6-6) ◄►

Last Week: Lost at Oregon, 49-21

Jedd Fisch would have taken a 6-6 season with wins over Michigan and USC if it was offered to him when he took the job.

The first year in Seattle was a success and the future appears bright with Demond Williams Jr.

Recruiting will be crucial to UW moving up in the Big Ten pecking order. Fisch is a good recruiter and should continue to rebuild the Huskies.

8. USC (4-5, 6-6) ◄►

Last Week: Lost to Notre Dame 49-35

No matter how you frame it, a 6-6 season is not the standard at USC.

To succeed in the Big Ten, the Trojans must improve their lines on both sides of the ball. The reason why Oregon has been so successful this season is because they have built their program around their lines.

Until the identity of USC changes, the future seems bleak.

9. Colorado State (6-1, 8-4) ▲NR

Last Week: Defeated Utah State 42-37

Finishing third in the Mountain West with an 8-4 record, Colorado State had its best season in a decade.

The eight wins were the most since 2014 and signifies the arrival of the program under Jay Norvell. Taking over in 2022, Norvell has steadily improved the team.

CSU went 3-9 in his first season, 5-7 last year, and now has a chance to reach nine wins.

10. California (2-6, 6-6) ◄►

Last Week: Lost to SMU 38-6

Going 6-6 in the first season of the ACC was significant for Cal’s program.

Almost left in the dust during realignment, the transition to the East Coast league has been almost perfect.

The exposure that was brought to the program this season changed the perception of Cal Athletics.

Look for Justin Wilcox to bring in an elite transfer class through the portal.