College Football's Elite Five: A Season of Surprises and Dominance Unveiled
As the college football season reaches its midpoint, the landscape is finally starting to reveal its true contenders. ESPN analyst Joey Galloway has just dropped his highly anticipated updated top five rankings after Week 7, and it's a mix of expected powerhouses and surprising newcomers. But here's where it gets controversial: while some teams are exactly where we thought they'd be, others have defied all odds to climb the ranks. And this is the part most people miss—the journey to the top is far from over, with plenty of football left to play. So, who will ultimately reign supreme? Let's dive into Joey Galloway’s current top five, starting with the undisputed leader, Ohio State.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has undeniably lived up to the hype this season, entering the year as the No. 3 team in the preseason AP Poll. After a stunning season-opening victory over then-No. 1 Texas, the Buckeyes have been on a relentless roll, currently boasting a flawless 6-0 record. But what’s truly impressive is their defensive prowess—they lead the nation in points allowed per game (6.8) and rank third in yards allowed per play (3.9). This dominant defense, paired with a high-powered offense, makes Ohio State a force to be reckoned with. Controversial question: Can anyone stop the Buckeyes, or are they on an unstoppable path to the championship?
2. Miami Hurricanes
Miami entered the season with sky-high expectations, thanks in large part to the addition of quarterback Carson Beck via the transfer portal. Beck has not only met but exceeded those expectations, throwing for 1,213 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just three interceptions while completing an ACC-best 73.4% of his passes. The Hurricanes have already secured three top 25 wins against Notre Dame, USF, and Florida State, solidifying their spot in Galloway’s rankings. But here’s the kicker: Beck’s leadership has Miami dreaming of a conference title, a goal that now seems well within reach. Thought-provoking question: Is Carson Beck the missing piece Miami needed to reclaim their former glory?
3. Texas A&M Aggies
Under the guidance of second-year coach Mike Elko, the Aggies have emerged as a legitimate contender. With a perfect 6-0 record (3-0 in the SEC), Texas A&M shows no signs of slowing down. Their offensive arsenal is nothing short of impressive, with quarterback Marcel Reed leading the charge through the air, and running backs Rueben Owens and Le’Veon Moss dominating on the ground. The schedule also favors the Aggies, with their toughest remaining tests against LSU, Missouri, and Texas. Controversial interpretation: Could Texas A&M be the dark horse team that crashes the College Football Playoff?
4. Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers have silenced their doubters once again. After securing a College Football Playoff berth in coach Curt Cignetti’s first season, Indiana is back and looking stronger than ever. Just two weeks after dismantling No. 9 Illinois, they traveled to Autzen Stadium and handed No. 3 Oregon a 30-20 defeat. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the Big Ten with 17 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. With the toughest part of their schedule behind them, the Hoosiers are in prime position to finish the season undefeated. Question for the audience: Are the Hoosiers the most underrated team in college football right now?
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
Remember when everyone wrote off Alabama after their season-opening loss to Florida State? Well, the Crimson Tide have since silenced their critics with five consecutive victories, including three straight wins against ranked opponents—most notably, a thrilling victory over Georgia in Athens. This resilience has earned them the final spot in Joey Galloway’s top five. But the road doesn’t get any easier, as they face Tennessee this week in the iconic Third Saturday in October rivalry. Controversial point: Is Alabama’s comeback a sign of true championship mettle, or are they just benefiting from a weak schedule?
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: this college football season is far from over, and the race to the top is more competitive than ever. What’s your take on Joey Galloway’s rankings? Do you agree with his top five, or do you think there’s a team that deserves a spot but was left out? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
