Georgia keeps lead, Indiana surges in college football NCAA Re-Rank 1-136 after Week 4

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 10:12 GMT by USA Today

College Football Re‑Rank: Week 4 – Georgia Returns to the Top, While the Powerhouses Scramble for Position

The College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are always a hot topic after every week of games, and the week‑4 update was no exception. The latest US AToday article, published on September 22, 2025, pulls together the CFP poll, the AP poll, and the coaches’ poll to explain why Georgia has reclaimed the number‑one spot and how the other Power Five teams have shifted in the standings. Below is a detailed rundown of what the article covers, plus the context that helps explain why the rankings look the way they do.

1. The New Rankings – Georgia is #1 Again

The centerpiece of the piece is the fact that the “re‑rank” (the CFP poll, which is released each week after the first 12 games of the season) has put Georgia back on top. Georgia entered week 4 with a 2–0 record after a dominant win over No. 8 Alabama, and the poll reflects a unanimous nod from the 13‑member committee. The article notes that Georgia’s two‑game win streak has been marked by a high‑powered offense that has been relentless, and that the Bulldogs’ defense has been able to stifle the Big Ten’s best.

Below is the final CFP ranking released that week (the article provides a link to the official CFP page for reference):

1. Georgia – 2‑0
2. Alabama – 1‑1
3. Ohio State – 2‑1
4. Clemson – 2‑1
5. Notre Dame – 1‑1
6. Texas – 1‑1
7. Oklahoma – 0‑2
8. LSU – 1‑1
9. Penn State – 1‑1
10. Iowa – 0‑2

Georgia’s ascent is not just a statistical win; the article highlights the narrative of the “Red‑Dirt Reversal.” After falling to #8 in the week‑2 poll, the Bulldogs bounced back with a decisive victory over an undefeated Alabama squad, which the committee saw as a strong statement game that tipped the scales in Georgia’s favor.

2. The AP and Coaches’ Polls

While the CFP poll is the ultimate measure for the playoff, the article also looks at the AP poll and the Coaches’ Poll to give a fuller picture of national perception.

• AP Poll (week‑4 release):
  1. Georgia (2‑0)
  2. Alabama (1‑1)
  3. Ohio State (2‑1)
  4. Clemson (2‑1)
  5. Notre Dame (1‑1)
  6. Texas (1‑1)
  7. LSU (1‑1)
  8. Penn State (1‑1)
  9. Iowa (0‑2)
  10. Oklahoma (0‑2)

• Coaches’ Poll (week‑4 release):
  1. Georgia (2‑0)
  2. Alabama (1‑1)
  3. Ohio State (2‑1)
  4. Clemson (2‑1)
  5. Notre Dame (1‑1)
  6. Texas (1‑1)
  7. Oklahoma (0‑2)
  8. LSU (1‑1)
  9. Penn State (1‑1)
  10. Iowa (0‑2)

These three polls all agree that Georgia is the clear front‑runner, but the article notes a subtle shift: Texas’s position has slipped in the CFP poll compared to the AP poll, while LSU has moved up in the AP poll, showing a difference in how the “football mindsets” of voters see the programs.

3. Game Highlights that Shaped the Re‑Rank

Georgia vs. Alabama – The Shock Winner

The biggest game of the week, according to the article, was the Georgia‑Alabama clash. Alabama had entered the game with a 1‑0 record, but the Bulldogs turned the tables with a 48‑21 win. The article quotes Georgia coach Kirby Smart saying, “We knew this would be the game that defined us for the rest of the season.” The victory also highlighted the Bulldogs’ aggressive defensive scheme, which forced four interceptions and limited Alabama to just 21 points.

Ohio State’s Tight Loss to Penn State

Ohio State entered week 4 with a 2‑1 record, but a narrow 27‑24 loss at Penn State kept the Buckeyes in the top‑five, though their rank dropped from #1 to #3 in the CFP poll. The article quotes Ohio State’s quarterback, Sam Williams, as lamenting, “We had a play we thought we nailed, and the defense just couldn’t make the stop.” This loss was pivotal because it demonstrated how a single close game can change a team’s trajectory in the eyes of voters.

Clemson’s 31‑14 Win Over Auburn

Clemson, ranked #4, cemented its place in the top‑five by shutting out Auburn 31‑14. The article highlights that the Tigers’ offense has been productive, averaging 29.5 points per game, while the defense has limited Auburn’s high‑scoring offense to just 14 points. The win kept Clemson at the #4 spot in the CFP poll.

Texas and Notre Dame’s Close Games

Texas, still ranked #6, finished week 4 with a 24‑21 victory over the Houston Cougars. The article notes that the Longhorns’ comeback in the fourth quarter was a testament to their coaching resilience. Notre Dame, meanwhile, posted a 31‑24 win over the Wisconsin Badgers, showcasing the Fighting Irish’s balanced attack and solid defensive play.

4. The “What Comes Next” Section

The article’s closing section looks ahead to the upcoming week‑5 matchups and their likely impact on the rankings:

• Georgia faces Florida (No. 5), a game that could confirm the Bulldogs’ dominance or expose any vulnerabilities.
• Alabama will take on Kansas State, with the expectation that the Razorbacks could try to upset the Crimson Tide.
• Ohio State plays Nebraska, a contest that could see the Buckeyes reclaim the top‑four spot if they win.
• Clemson will host Tennessee, which could be a tough test given the Volunteers’ recent defensive uptick.

The article suggests that if the top‑five teams keep winning, the CFP rankings will remain relatively stable, but any upset could lead to a shake‑up in the next poll.

5. Links for More In‑Depth Coverage

US ATToday includes a number of links to deeper resources for readers who want to dive into the numbers:

• CFP Official Rankings – a link to the CFP website’s detailed ranking page, with voting breakdowns and committee statements.
• AP Poll Archive – a link to the Associated Press’s historical poll data for cross‑checking trends.
• Coaches’ Poll Details – a link to the USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll results, including the number of first‑place votes each team received.
• Team Statistics – links to each team’s statistical profile for the week, offering insights into offensive and defensive efficiencies.

The article also includes embedded video clips of key moments from the week‑4 games, giving readers a quick visual recap.

Bottom Line

The US ATToday piece on the Week 4 re‑rank shows a clear narrative: Georgia has regained its spot at the summit of college football after a convincing victory over Alabama, and the rest of the Power Five hierarchy has adjusted accordingly. Ohio State and Clemson remain in the top‑five, while Texas, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma are on the bubble, waiting to see how the next set of games shapes the national conversation. The article does a good job of presenting the data, offering context through quotes and game summaries, and providing readers with the resources to dig deeper into the numbers that drive the rankings.