Breaking Down the New SP+ Rankings for 2025
The latest SP+ rankings for the 2025 college football season have been released, providing a comprehensive look at all 136 FBS teams after the most recent weekend of action. Published by ESPN, these rankings, crafted by analyst Bill Connelly, incorporate factors like returning production, recent recruiting, and performance data to predict team strength. Alongside the overall rankings, the update includes strength of schedule and résumé SP+ metrics, offering deeper insights into each team's standing.
This week's rankings reflect significant shifts for some programs based on their on-field results. For instance, Maryland jumped 11 spots to number 33 overall following a decisive 27-10 victory over Wisconsin, with notable strength in defense, ranking 13th in that category. Meanwhile, teams like Alabama, Boise State, and Clemson saw substantial drops in their SP+ scores, with Alabama falling by 7.4 points, Boise by 6.4, and Clemson by 6.3, as highlighted in posts on X by Bill Connelly.
Standout Teams and Surprising Movers
Several teams have emerged as notable performers in the updated rankings. When looking at rankings based solely on 2025 performance data, Texas Tech claims the top spot, followed by Oregon, Penn State, and BYU, according to Connelly's analysis shared on X. This reshuffling suggests a dynamic season where newer data is beginning to outweigh past seasons' influence, as seen with Southern Mississippi moving up from 112 to 99 in the rankings despite a recent loss.
Indiana also made waves, soaring in various polls after a dominant win over Illinois, as noted in other college football ranking updates. These movements underscore how quickly perceptions can shift in a competitive FBS landscape, with SP+ providing a predictive lens that sometimes contrasts with traditional polls. The rankings continue to evolve as the season progresses, reflecting real-time adjustments based on game outcomes and statistical trends.
What SP+ Means for the Rest of the Season
The SP+ system isn't just a snapshot; it's a tool for forecasting potential outcomes as the 2025 season unfolds. By factoring in strength of schedule, it highlights which teams face tougher paths to success and which might be undervalued based on raw performance. For fans and analysts alike, these metrics offer a way to gauge playoff contenders beyond mere win-loss records, with teams like Ohio State and Penn State previously noted as well-positioned for the College Football Playoff in earlier updates.
As more games are played, the weight of 2024 data diminishes, allowing current season performances to take center stage. This shift promises further surprises in the rankings, keeping the college football conversation lively. With a static page for SP+ updates on ESPN's site, tracking these changes week to week has never been easier for those eager to see how their favorite teams stack up.