As Week 12 of the college football season wrapped up, Dan Mullen, former Florida head coach turned ESPN analyst, released his updated Top 25 rankings. True to his analytical approach, Mullen’s rankings continue to reflect the importance of a team’s loss column, with the fewest losses still holding the most weight in his assessments.
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend was the upset in Provo, where BYU suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of Kansas. The Cougars, who had been a top contender in the Big 12, fell to the Jayhawks 17-13, leaving them with a blemish on an otherwise strong record. This loss significantly impacted their position in Mullen’s rankings, as he dropped them down several spots. Kansas, on the other hand, continued its strong season and earned a major statement win that elevated them in the standings, further cementing the Big 12’s unpredictability.
Another notable shift in the rankings came with Tennessee’s 31-17 loss to Georgia. The Volunteers, once perched in the Top 10, were dethroned from their spot following the defeat at the hands of a Georgia team that had come alive after a shaky start to the season. This loss was particularly disappointing for Tennessee fans as it knocked them out of the conversation for the College Football Playoff, at least for the time being. Georgia, meanwhile, cemented their place as a national contender, as their defense shut down the potent Tennessee offense and they took control of the SEC East. The Bulldogs’ victory was a testament to their resilience and showed that they’re still one of the best teams in college football despite early-season doubts.
Mullen’s rankings reflect a clear preference for teams that have either avoided significant losses or bounced back from early setbacks. As he has done throughout the season, Mullen’s Top 25 leans heavily on teams with only one or two losses, emphasizing the importance of minimizing mistakes over the course of a long season. This focus on consistency at the top of his rankings rewards teams that have maintained high performance throughout the year.
For instance, teams like Michigan and Ohio State continue to hold steady in Mullen’s rankings. Both schools have only one loss, with their respective victories helping to solidify their spots as national championship contenders. Michigan’s win over Penn State earlier in the year was one of the major signature victories that has kept them in the conversation, and they are looking forward to their matchup against Ohio State at the end of the month. The rivalry game between the two Big Ten powerhouses has massive playoff implications, and Mullen’s ranking will likely reflect that outcome in his future updates.
On the flip side, teams like Oregon and Washington continue to rise after impressive wins, particularly in the Pac-12, where the race for the conference championship is as tight as ever. Mullen’s rankings show a clear appreciation for these teams that have performed well in a deep and competitive conference, making them legitimate playoff threats if they can keep winning.
The ranking of Alabama, which has weathered some ups and downs throughout the year, has also remained relatively high, a reflection of the SEC’s depth and Alabama’s ability to maintain a high level of play despite a few losses. Their impressive victory over Kentucky, where the Crimson Tide’s defense stepped up in critical moments, solidified their place in the rankings, showing that they are far from out of the College Football Playoff picture.
Dan Mullen’s Week 12 Top 25 rankings show that the college football season continues to be a rollercoaster, with upsets and surprises reshuffling the landscape as the season heads into its final stretch. Teams that remain consistent will have the best chance to secure a spot in the playoff, but the margin for error is shrinking with each passing week. As the regular season winds down, Mullen’s rankings will likely evolve again, especially with rivalry games and conference championships on the horizon.
