Texas
2025 College Football Rankings: Georgia Climbs to No. 3, Texas A&M Drops Out of Top 5
The balance of power shifts once again to the Big Ten and away from the SEC.
The nation’s top two teams — consensus No. 1 and No. 2 — will enter the Big Ten Championship Game undefeated.
Meanwhile, after Texas defeated Texas A&M for the second consecutive year, no SEC team will enter its conference title game unbeaten. The SEC’s former top-ranked team, Texas A&M, didn’t even qualify for the championship, and the Texas squad that beat the Aggies also lost to Ohio State earlier this season.
For the last two seasons, the national champion has emerged from “The Game,” where it just means more. In that same span, the SEC hasn’t even sent a team to the title game.
It wouldn’t shock anyone if Ohio State and Indiana face off not once but twice in the postseason. What remains to be seen is whether the SEC can even find a path back to the national championship game.
Here’s a look at my top 25 rankings following Week 14 of the college football season:
25. Missouri (8-4), Previously Ranked: NR
Week 14 result: Defeated Arkansas, 31-17
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy simply can’t be stopped. The sophomore rushed for a game-high 157 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers’ regular-season finale, marking his eighth 100-yard game in 12 contests.
24. Houston (9-3), Previously Ranked: NR
Week 14 result: Defeated Baylor, 31-24
Houston quarterback Conner Weigman accounted for 322 total yards — including 121 on the ground — and three touchdowns to cap the program’s first nine-win regular season since 2021 and only its second since 2016.
23. James Madison (11-1), Previously Ranked: 21
Week 14 result: Defeated Coastal Carolina, 59-10
James Madison put together an 11-win season in just Year 2 under head coach Bob Chesney and has as many losses to Power 4 teams as programs like Georgia, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas Tech, and BYU. Yet even with a 12-1 record and a conference title, the Dukes could still be left out of the CFP.
In a 24-team playoff, JMU has a shot as one of the two highest-ranked Group of 6 teams, or even as an at-large pick. Still, the harsh reality is that the Dukes could finish 13-1 and never get a chance to test themselves against the sport’s elite.
22. Arizona (9-3), Previously Ranked: NR
Week 14 result: Defeated Arizona State, 23-7
The Wildcats trailed the Sun Devils at halftime before reeling off 20 points in the second half, and their defense created more turnovers (five) than it allowed first downs (three).
21. Tulane (10-2), Previously Ranked: NR
Week 14 result: Defeated Charlotte, 27-0
Tulane coach Jon Sumrall will be in his fourth conference championship game in as many years as a head coach. Tulane — along with UNT and James Madison — have a better shot at the CFP than programs like Vanderbilt, Texas, Miami, and Utah.
If that’s not reason enough to expand the CFP to 24 teams, then you might just not like college football.
20. Navy (9-2), Previously Ranked: 19
Week 14 result: Defeated Memphis, 28-17
The Midshipmen are the first team to hold Memphis to under 20 points in the Tigers’ last 52 games. A win against Army would give Navy back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history.
19. North Texas (11-1), Previously Ranked: 18
Week 14 result: Defeated Temple, 52-25
North Texas capped its best regular season ever with 11 wins, punching its ticket to the American Conference Championship Game. With a win next weekend, North Texas could earn its first trip to the College Football Playoff.
18. Michigan (9-3), Previously Ranked: 15
Week 14 result: Lost to Ohio State, 27-9
The Wolverine offense ran fewer than 50 plays against the Buckeyes. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood passed for just 63 yards, and star wide receiver Andrew Marsh didn’t record a single catch.
17. Virginia (10-2), Previously Ranked: 17
Week 14 result: Defeated Virginia Tech, 27-7
With its first win over Virginia Tech this decade, the Cavaliers secured just the second 10-win season in program history and a berth in the ACC Championship Game. A victory there would also earn UVA its first trip to the CFP.
Neither accomplishment seemed within reach for a team that had won just 11 games combined over the previous three seasons. It’s a remarkable turnaround under coach Tony Elliott, who should be a lock for ACC Coach of the Year.
16. USC (9-3), Previously Ranked: 22
Week 14 result: Defeated UCLA, 29-10
The Trojans would be the last automatic qualifier to the proposed 24-team CFP as the fourth-best Big Ten team, thanks to a 7-2 conference record and a head-to-head win over Michigan.
But once again, this blue blood will have to watch another season go by without earning a shot at the national championship.
15. Utah (10-2), Previously Ranked: 16
Week 14 result: Defeated Kansas, 31-21
The Utes finished 10-2 after going 5-7 last year, narrowly missing a chance at the Big 12 title game. In a 24-team College Football Playoff, Utah is likely one of the top teams and would be a worthy contender for a national championship.
14. Vanderbilt (10-2), Previously Ranked: 14
Week 14 result: Defeated Tennessee, 45-24
Quarterback Diego Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win regular season with another stellar performance: 383 total yards — including 165 rushing — and three total touchdowns. He is one of the best players in the country and should be considered a Heisman finalist, representing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major college football history.
13. Alabama (10-2), Previously Ranked: 12
Week 14 result: Defeated Auburn, 27-20
Alabama notched a win over its rival and punched its ticket to the SEC Championship Game.
Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson threw three touchdown passes, all to junior wideout Isaiah Horton, who had just five total touchdowns in the previous 11 games combined.
12. Notre Dame (10-2), Previously Ranked: 13
Week 14 result: Defeated Stanford, 49-20
Have the Fighting Irish done enough to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff? That’s the million-dollar question.
Marcus Freeman’s team certainly looked the part Saturday night, rolling up 49 points and 514 yards of offense in a dominant win over Stanford.
11. Miami (Fla.) (10-2), Previously Ranked: 11
Week 14 result: Defeated Pitt, 38-7
The Hurricanes are still ranked behind Notre Dame in the CFP selection committee’s rankings, but after beating No. 22 Pitt to cement a 10-win season, you’d expect that to change. Then again, with that bunch of suits, nothing should be assumed.
10. BYU (11-1), Previously Ranked: 9
Week 14 result: Defeated UCF, 41-21
BYU’s season now comes down to one game.
The Cougars could use style points, but their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff hinge entirely on Saturday’s Big 12 Championship Game. To secure a spot, they must beat the only team that has defeated them this season: Texas Tech.
9. Texas (9-3), Previously Ranked: 10
Week 14 result: Defeated Texas A&M, 27-17
The Longhorns have beaten Texas A&M two years in a row, and no one enjoys it more than Texas RB Quintrevion Wisner, who recorded Texas’ first 100-yard rushing performance of the season with 155 yards.
Texas might still have a chance to make the College Football Playoff, but its 3-2 record against top-10 teams — and a loss to a 3-9 Florida team that fired its head coach in October — does little to help its case.
8. Texas Tech (11-1), Previously Ranked: 8
Week 14 result: Defeated West Virginia, 49-0
The Red Raiders left no doubt they are the best team in the Big 12 with a showcase win for the College Football Playoff selection committee.
Texas Tech racked up 572 total yards, including 300 passing from quarterback Behren Morton, 33 first downs, and 188 rushing yards — all without a single 100-yard rusher.
7. Oklahoma (10-2), Previously Ranked: 7
Week 14 result: Defeated LSU, 17-13
Take a sigh of relief, Sooner fans. It wasn’t pretty — far from it —but at 10-2, Oklahoma is now in position to host a first-round CFP game after winning four straight.
Oklahoma’s defense continues to shine, holding the Tigers to just 198 total yards in the victory.
6. Texas A&M (11-1), Previously Ranked: 3
Week 14 result: Lost to Texas, 27-17
Texas A&M came oh, so close. But after falling to their in-state rival for the second straight year, the Aggies not only drop in the rankings, they won’t even get a shot at the SEC title.
5. Ole Miss (11-1), Previously Ranked: 6
Week 14 result: Defeated Mississippi State, 38-19
Lane Kiffin’s future as head coach at Ole Miss had no bearing on how his team played with yet another 350-yard passing performance and 100-yard rushing performance from Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, respectively.
4. Oregon (11-1), Previously Ranked: 5
Week 14 result: Defeated Washington, 26-14
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore threw for 286 yards and a touchdown, while the Ducks’ defense smothered Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. from start to finish.
Dan Lanning’s squad is now 11-1 and hitting its stride at exactly the right moment.
3. Georgia (11-1), Previously Ranked: 4
Week 14 result: Defeated Georgia Tech, 16-9
Death, taxes and the Georgia Bulldogs.
That’s now eight straight wins for the Dawgs in this rivalry called “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” This is a Bulldogs team lying in wait for a postseason they expect to punish opponents in.
2. Indiana (12-0), Previously Ranked: 2
Week 14 result: Defeated Purdue, 56-3
The Hoosiers punctuated their first-ever undefeated regular season with 355 yards on the ground in a dominant win over in-state rival Purdue.
It was a statement for the six weeks ahead. Indiana looks like a team capable of not just contending — but winning — a national title.
1. Ohio State (12-0), Previously Ranked: 1
Week 14 result: Defeated Michigan, 27-9
Ohio State is the best team in the country.
The Buckeyes broke a nearly six-year losing streak to Michigan, secured their first undefeated regular season since 2019, earned a trip to the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2020, and notched their 16th consecutive victory.
RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports. Follow him @RJ_Young.
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It’s a rematch between Lone Star State powers in the 2026 Women’s College World Series Final.
No. 1 seed Texas (51-12, 16-8 in SEC play) and No. 3 seed Texas Tech (61-8, 21-3 in the Big 12) begin their three-game series at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Each
No. 1 seed Texas (51-12, 16-8 in SEC play) and No. 3 seed Texas Tech (61-8, 21-3 in the Big 12) begin their three-game series at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Each
Texas
Brazoria County deputy shoots, kills Texas State University student after car chase, report says
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – A Texas State University student was shot and killed by a Brazoria County Sheriff’s deputy early Monday morning after an attempted traffic stop in Lake Jackson.
The news was first reported by The University Star, Texas State’s student-run newspaper.
In a Tuesday statement to KSAT, the university identified the student as John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., 18. He was a freshman who studied management, according to the school.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the university said in its statement.
Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle just after midnight Monday near Farm-to-Market 2004 and This Way Street in Lake Jackson, the sheriff’s office said.
The driver of the vehicle, who was identified as Mendoza by The University Star, did not stop, deputies said. The deputies then chased after the vehicle for approximately a mile into a neighborhood located in the 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail.
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver went inside a home’s garage and parked before a deputy approached the vehicle, the release said.
The deputy then pulled out his firearm and shot into the vehicle. The sheriff’s office said the gunfire struck the driver.
The University Star reported that Mendoza was the one shot. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The deputy who pulled the trigger has since been placed on administrative leave in accordance with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office policy.
KSAT reached out to the Lake Jackson Police Department and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office for more information, but neither agency has responded at this time.
The shooting investigation is being led by the Texas Rangers, according to a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office news release.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Read also:
Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Texas and Texas Tech will meet in the championship series of the Women’s College World Series in back-to-back years after both teams won semifinal matchups on a scorcher of a day at Devon Park that saw the maximum four games with two “if necessary” showdowns.
Texas has won six elimination games in the NCAA Tournament so far, including two on Monday, to reach its fourth championship series in five years and its third straight. The Longhorns and Red Raiders became the 11th and 12th teams in WCWS history to lose their opener and then reach the finals. This is the first matchup of teams to do that since 2021, when FSU and Oklahoma accomplished the feat.
The Red Raiders return to the championship series after knocking out No. 1 overall seed Alabama, marking their second consecutive appearance in the finals. Kaitlyn Terry and NiJaree Canady worked in tandem in the circle in Game 1 to keep the bats of Alabama’s potent offense relatively quiet, but Canady took it to another level in Game 2, throwing a complete-game shutout. She now has a shutout in each of her four appearances in the WCWS.
“I’m just excited to be able to make it to the championship series again,” Canady said on facing Texas in back-to-back championships. “It’s just a blessing to play them again. It’s good for the state of Texas, showing how good softball is in the state, and I feel like we’re going to get a good turnout.”
“Just so proud of my girls,” Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said. “They really bought in in the last — I feel like the last 30 days that we just have come together and became a whole different team, and they’re just playing for each other so well now.”
As per usual for the Red Raiders’ stacked lineup, it was a runs-by-committee kind of day, with RBIs from five players: Lauren Allred, Terry, Jasmyn Burns, Taylor Pannell — who both homered — and Mia Williams, whose walk-off in Game 1 kept the Red Raiders’ chances alive. Burns was the sole provider of the offense in Game 2 with a solo home run, her second in as many days. That was all Texas Tech needed to shut out the Tide, though another run scored on an error in the top of the seventh allowed Mihyia Davis to add some insurance.
Alabama’s Jocelyn Briski had been dominant the entire WCWS up until Monday’s first matchup, where she just couldn’t seem to find the zone. She had more control in Game 2, but the Tide’s offense couldn’t figure out Canady despite seeing her in the first game.
NiJaree Canady blanked the Crimson Tide in Game 2 for her fourth WCWS shutout. (Nathan J. Fish / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“The key today was one inning at a time,” Glasco said. “Play one inning at a time. Even break it down one pitch and go through. Don’t think about 14. Think get the next out, get to the next out, get to the next inning.
“We know that against a great team like Alabama, there’s going to be moments — I told her (Canady) before, you’re going to lose momentum at some point. You’re going to face adversity, and when you do, we’re going to respond really quickly and get it right back in our dugout.
“That adversity happened at the top of the seventh. Just like Oklahoma last year, we lost the lead. Let’s win it in the bottom here. Let’s not mess around and go eight. Let’s get it right now. It took one batter. They’re just really a resilient bunch of young women.”
The Longhorns likewise won both of the necessary games to advance and keep their hopes for a repeat title alive. Teagan Kavan struck out 10 batters — a new career high in OKC — and allowed just two hits in a complete-game shutout, the fifth of her career on this stage, to surpass Texas legend and Olympian Cat Osterman. Tennessee, which defeated Texas on Thursday to open up play at Devon Park, needed just one win to advance, but its offense was shut down by Kavan and Game 1 starter Citlaly Gutierrez, who took a no-hitter into the fourth inning.
Tennessee, undefeated in the NCAA Tournament until this point, had hit a home run in every contest but couldn’t find a rhythm in either game. For Texas, Katie Stewart led the way at the plate, launching her second and third home runs in 24 hours despite an uncharacteristic three errors in the field. Her second home run of the day was her 30th of the season, a Texas program record that also made her the fourth player in Division I this season to surpass the 30-homer mark.
Katie Stewart hit a solo home run in the fifth inning of Game 1 against Tennessee to help Texas advance to the championship series. (Brett Rojo / Imagn Images)
“It’s what coach (Mike) White has put in us all season, just fighting back from losses,” senior catcher Reese Atwood said. “When we came out of the loser’s bracket after the first game, we fought so hard. We’ve had so many key players step up in different places, different roles, and it’s Texas fight. It’s what we do, and we’re going to continue to do going into the championship.”
Texas and Texas Tech have not faced each other so far in 2026, but the Longhorns have historically owned the in-state rivalry with a 58-12 record against the Red Raiders.
Last season, Texas Tech made program history with its first WCWS ticket punched, then came within one game of taking home its first title in a three-game battle against Texas. In the 2025 tournament, Texas and Texas Tech went through the winner’s bracket before facing each other; the first two games of the championship were pitchers’ duels until Texas’ offense exploded in Game 3 to take home the program’s first championship.
Notably, the college careers of Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens and Alabama seniors Alexis Pupillo and Marlie Giles came to an end. Pickens has made an indelible mark on the sport and leaves behind the record for the fastest pitch recorded in college softball at 79.4 mph. After being drafted No. 1 in the AUSL Draft, Pickens will play professionally with the Carolina Blaze.
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