College Football’s Six Undefeated Teams Ranked: Contenders vs. Pretenders
College football fans are glued to the 2025 season, and the fight to stay undefeated is heating up. With several teams dropping their first games, just six unbeaten squads remain.
Let’s dig into these teams—strengths, weaknesses, and whether they’ve got a real shot at the College Football Playoff. From Ohio State’s usual dominance to BYU’s surprising grit, who’s for real? And who’s just hanging on?
Contents
BYU Cougars: A Season of Close Calls and Resilience
It’s been a wild ride for BYU. The Cougars have scraped through some seriously tight games, and honestly, a few felt like pure luck.
Losing star quarterback Jake Retzlaff before the season stung, but freshman Bear Bachmeier has kept them in the mix—somehow.
Strengths
Defensive Prowess: BYU’s defense is legit, ranking 15th nationally in yards per play allowed. That’s not easy to do.
Weaknesses
Tough Schedule Ahead: The road doesn’t get easier from here. Texas Tech, Iowa State, and Cincinnati are looming, and those games could make or break their season.
Contender/Pretender Rating: 4/10
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Physicality and Precision
Georgia Tech has muscled its way up the ACC standings. Quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes have powered a physical offense that just wears people down.
They don’t always win pretty, but they win.
Strengths
Offensive Efficiency: Ninth in the nation in yards per play—these guys know how to move the ball. It’s not flashy, but it works.
Weaknesses
Close Calls: There have been a lot of nail-biters. Squeaking by Clemson and needing overtime against Wake Forest makes you wonder if they can handle the heavyweights.
Contender/Pretender Rating: 6/10
Indiana Hoosiers: The Heisman Hopeful and Playoff Favorites
Indiana’s got a nice blend of transfers and returning talent from last year’s playoff run. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is making some noise in the Heisman race, and that’s not just hype.
This team looks ready for another deep run.
Strengths
Star Power: Mendoza’s been incredible, and he’s got help. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt and defensive back D’Angelo Ponds have both stepped up big time.
Weaknesses
Minimal Weaknesses: Not much to nitpick here. Maybe a slip-up or two, but their schedule looks manageable from here on out.
Contender/Pretender Rating: 9.5/10
Navy’s season has been all about grit. Quarterback Blake Horvath is a true dual-threat, and he’s kept them in games they probably shouldn’t have won.
But the path ahead is rough.
Strengths
Blake Horvath: He’s averaging 106.7 rushing yards per game, more than any other quarterback out there. That’s wild.
Weaknesses
Daunting Schedule: Notre Dame, North Texas, Memphis—yikes. It’s hard to see Navy running the table with that lineup.
Contender/Pretender Rating: 3/10
Ohio State Buckeyes: Dominance and Depth
Ohio State is, well, Ohio State. They’ve been steamrolling teams all season, and their defense is just ridiculous.
Third in the country for yards per play allowed, and first in scoring defense. That’s a scary combo.
Strengths
Defensive Dominance: Opponents are averaging just 5.9 points per game. That’s almost unfair and gives their offense plenty of room to breathe.
Weaknesses
Minimal Weaknesses: If you’re looking for cracks, there aren’t many. Their closest game was a 14-7 win over Texas, but the rest have been smooth sailing.
Contender/Pretender Rating: 10/10
Texas A&M Aggies: Potential and Pitfalls
Texas A&M has had moments where they looked unstoppable, especially with Marcel Reed at quarterback. But, let’s be honest, they’ve also collapsed in the past when it mattered most.
Will this year be any different?
Strengths
Offensive Balance: The Aggies’ offensive line is among the best in the country. That’s helped make their passing and running attacks equally dangerous.
Weaknesses
History of Inconsistency: Despite their current success, the Aggies have a history of faltering in the latter half of the season. Upcoming games against Missouri, LSU, and Texas will be critical tests.
Contender/Pretender Rating: 8.5/10
