Ranking the Top 50 College Football Running Backs Right Now: Going Into Week 9

As kickoff for the 2026 college football season draws near, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to project the final 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Stripping away subjective voter bias and preseason hype, the algorithm evaluated per-play efficiency, roster talent, and schedule difficulty to calculate every program's exact postseason odds. We expanded our master index to power rank the top 30 teams most likely to crash the playoff party. From top-tier titans like Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oregon leading the field, to dark horses and Group-of-Five contenders like Boise State, Utah, South Carolina, Florida State, and Virginia lurking on the bubble, we break down every program's FPI profile, projected record, and postseason odds. Check out our complete 30-team playoff projection to see where your team stands.

ESPN Ranks Top 50 College Football Teams With a Chance to Make CFP Going Into Week 9

As the 2026 college football season approaches, USA TODAY Sports assembled a 10-voter panel to power rank the top 25 head coaches in the country. Following a chaotic expanded playoff season and a wild coaching carousel, the master list features major shifts across every power conference. From established heavyweights holding down the top tier to rising program builders like Rhett Lashlee, Jon Sumrall, Clark Lea, Josh Heupel, and Sonny Dykes cracking the rankings, we break down every coach's career record, key achievements, and 2026 outlook. Check out our full 25-coach power rankings to see where your team's leader sits.

USA TODAY's Top 25 College Football Coaches: Records Going Into Week 9

ESPN Ranks College Football's 3 Undefeated Teams by Strength of Schedule Right Now

Going 12-0 in modern college football is arguably the hardest feat in sports. As kickoff for the 2026 season approaches, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to calculate the exact win-out probabilities for every FBS program. Factoring in roster depth, efficiency ratings, and schedule difficulty, we expanded our master index to power rank the 10 teams most likely to finish the regular season undefeated. From Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio State leading the unblemished board to Miami, Oregon, Texas, Penn State, and UNLV lurking, we break down every program's FPI profile, team record, and path to perfection. Check out our full 10-team breakdown to see who could run the table.

ESPN Ranks College Football's 3 Undefeated Teams From Most to Least Likely to Win Out Ahead of Week 9

Miami merits the No. 1 ranking with elite talent on offense and defense, but questions remain over whether the Hurricanes truly stand far above every rival.

Is No. 1 Miami Really College Football's Best Team?

Miami stays unbeaten after crushing Pitt, while Indiana, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame round out a top five shaping the national title race ahead.

College Football Top Five: Miami Claims the No. 1 Spot

Notre Dame&#039;s schedule draws criticism, while Miami, BYU and Big 12 teams rise in the AP poll despite weak opponents, exposing college football&#039;s bad rankings.

Notre Dame Schedule Scrutiny and AP Poll Double Standards

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Florida&#039;s improved defense could keep Georgia close, making the Gators +11.5 and under 55.5 appealing bets in an Atlanta matchup unlikely to become a shootout.

Florida vs. Georgia: Why the Under 55.5 Is the Best Bet

Three star receivers are mounting historic Heisman campaigns, but quarterback bias may favor Miami&#039;s Darian Mensah as Ohio State faces major uncertainty.

Heisman Race: Star Receivers Challenge QB Tradition

Miami remains No. 1 as strength of schedule shapes the rankings, UCLA stays unbeaten, and NIL-driven parity shakes up college football&#039;s top teams this season.

College Football Rankings: Miami Leads, UCLA Rises

Miami stakes its claim to No. 1 after a dominant win over Pitt, while BYU, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Tennessee and Houston tumble in a truly chaotic weekend.

Miami Rises to No. 1 as College Football Playoff Rankings Heat Up

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View the profile of Notre Dame Fighting Irish RB Jake Tafelski on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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Jake Tafelski is a RB for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the NCAAF.

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12-Team College Football Playoff Field Based on BCS Computers Formula Going Into Week 9

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National Championship Odds: Michigan Leads, Arizona Trails Behind

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National Championship Odds: Arizona and Michigan Lead the Pack

Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas lead No. 21 USC past San Diego State in 85-68 exhibition win

TST Images: USC defeats San Diego State, 85-68, in San Diego

Hoosiers and Tar Heels Meet in Indy for Exhibition Match

For Pastner, Rebels, it&#39;s about a chemistry test

Exploring NCAA's Reaction to College Basketball Trends

NCAA Fifth-Year Eligibility and Legal Controversies

NCAA's New 5 for 5 Rule: Its Impact on College Sports

Impact of NIL on College Sports: Benefits & Balance

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How Matisse Thybulle ended up with the Lakers

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Spurs Lead in Western Conference Odds Over OKC & Denver

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Jake Tafelski

#26 · ND · RB

HT/WT

6’0”, 206 lbs

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Dearborn, MI, USA

Class

Senior

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