College Football Week 13 Power Rankings: Miami Surges, New Teams Emerge
The latest Week 13 Power Rankings for the 2025 college football season are out, and honestly, there are some real surprises. Top teams are making big moves as they prep for the playoffs. From new defensive schemes to breakout individual performances, this season’s been anything but predictable.
Let’s dig into the highlights from the latest rankings. There are a handful of changes and standout moments that are shaping the whole college football landscape right now.
Contents
- 1 Oregon’s Defensive Turnaround
- 2 Arch Manning’s Historic Performance
- 3 Ohio State’s Rushing Resurgence
- 4 Indiana’s Red Zone Efficiency
- 5 Texas A&M’s Complete Game
- 6 Georgia’s Offensive Balance
- 7 Ole Miss’ Discipline
- 8 Notre Dame’s Defensive Revival
- 9 BYU’s Playoff Path
- 10 Miami’s Passing Game Depth
- 11 Conclusion
Oregon’s Defensive Turnaround
Oregon’s defense? Night and day compared to the start of the season. Early on, they just couldn’t stop the run. Now, they’re shutting teams down.
Take their win over USC—just 52 rushing yards allowed. That’s wild, considering USC usually racks up almost 200 a game. This shift on defense is giving Oregon real momentum as they eye another playoff run.
Key Factors in Oregon’s Success
- Run Defense: Oregon’s held their last four opponents under 125 rushing yards each.
- Coaching: Dan Lanning’s made defense the priority, and it’s working.
Arch Manning’s Historic Performance
Arch Manning just put his name in Texas history books with a six-touchdown game against Arkansas. Not bad for a first-year starter, right?
He’s looking more comfortable every week. The offensive line’s stepped up, too, giving him the time he needs to make things happen.
Highlights of Manning’s Season
- Touchdowns: Six in a single game versus Arkansas.
- Versatility: First Longhorn ever to run, throw, and catch a touchdown in one game.
Ohio State’s Rushing Resurgence
Ohio State’s run game finally found its groove—just in time. With big matchups coming up, that’s a relief for Buckeye fans.
Freshman Bo Jackson led the way against Rutgers, posting 110 yards and two touchdowns. Their ground attack is picking up slack while injuries hit the receiving corps.
Statistical Improvements
- Yards per Rush: Up from 4.58 to 5.55 since the start of November.
- Rushing Yards per Game: Now at 202.5, up from 151.7.
Indiana’s Red Zone Efficiency
Indiana’s offense is suddenly lethal in the red zone. Heisman hopeful Fernando Mendoza is leading the charge.
The Hoosiers are scoring touchdowns on 74% of their red zone trips. Mendoza’s poise has been a huge part of that turnaround.
Mendoza’s Red Zone Mastery
- Passing Touchdowns: 20 inside the red zone.
- Overall Red Zone Performance: 42 touchdowns in 57 trips.
Texas A&M’s Complete Game
Texas A&M has been quietly climbing and now sits undefeated at 12-0. Not bad for a team picked eighth in the SEC preseason poll.
Marcel Reed and Cashius Howell have been clutch all year, making big plays on both sides of the ball.
Key Players
- Marcel Reed: SEC leader in touchdown passes with 25.
- Cashius Howell: Dominant edge rusher—he’s been a real difference-maker.
Georgia’s Offensive Balance
Georgia’s offense had some skeptics early on, mostly about the line. But they’ve found their rhythm and look balanced now.
Gunner Stockton’s been a revelation at quarterback, hitting 71.4% of his passes and adding plenty with his legs, too.
Offensive Highlights
- Gunner Stockton: 2,465 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight on the ground.
- Scoring: Sitting at 33.7 points per game—good for 26th in the FBS.
Ole Miss’ Discipline
Ole Miss is on the verge of a playoff spot, and it’s not just talent—it’s discipline. Penalties and turnovers have plummeted lately.
They’re playing smarter, and it’s showing up in the win column.
Improvements in Discipline
- Penalties: Averaging just 4.8 per game over the last four SEC matchups.
- Turnovers: Only three in those same four games.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Revival
Notre Dame’s secondary has flipped the script since starting 0-2. Now, they’re one of the toughest units out there.
They’re giving up only 4.9 yards per dropback and have snagged 19 interceptions since those early losses.
Defensive Standouts
- Leonard Moore and Christian Gray: Back to All-America level play.
- Tae Johnson: 48 tackles and four picks—he’s been everywhere.
BYU’s Playoff Path
BYU’s playoff scenario is brutally simple: win, and they’re in. At 10-1 in a Power 4 conference, there’s no room for error now.
Their recent win over Cincinnati was expected, but honestly, it didn’t move the needle much.
Upcoming Challenges
- Regular-Season Finale: UCF is up next.
- Big 12 Title Game: Texas Tech could be waiting there.
Miami’s Passing Game Depth
Miami’s passing attack is suddenly loaded with options. Carson Beck is thriving, and the numbers back it up—858 yards and eight touchdowns in three games is no joke.
Freshman Malachi Toney’s turning heads, and Keelan Marion plus tight end Elija Lofton are stepping up, too.
Key Contributors
- Carson Beck: 858 passing yards and eight touchdowns in his last three outings.
- Malachi Toney: Freshman who’s quickly become a go-to receiver.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season has really become a showcase of adaptability. Teams like Oregon, Texas, and Ohio State have shown real progress in key areas.
Now, with just one week left in the regular season, the pressure is on. Everyone’s focused on holding onto those gains and grabbing the wins that matter.
If you want the nitty-gritty details on rankings and how each team stacks up, check out the full Week 13 Power Rankings.
