Ohio State has climbed back to the top of the ESPN Football Power Index ahead of a critical Saturday matchup against Maryland, reclaiming the number one spot following a bye week. The Buckeyes sit at an FPI rating of 28.2, leading a tight race that features Notre Dame and Miami just behind them.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Playoff Odds Volatility: Miami holds a 32.5% national championship game appearance probability despite facing zero ranked opponents so far, presenting an outlier value in current futures markets.
- SEC Title Realignment: Alabama’s 6-2 start drops their SEC championship probability to 15.9%, though their 62.8% playoff projection keeps them heavily relevant for late-season bracket pools.
The Buckeyes Retake the Summit Amid Roster Uncertainty
Following a tightly contested victory over Indiana two weeks ago and a subsequent statement performance against the defending national champions, Ohio State secured the top spot in the latest FPI metrics with a projected record of 10-8-2. But the tape tells a different story regarding stability, as the program must navigate the immediate future without Julian Sayin. Sidelined indefinitely with a throwing arm injury, Sayin leaves a massive production void that alters the offensive architecture. This Saturday’s fixture in College Park against Maryland marks the first time since 2024 that the Buckeyes will deploy a starter other than Sayin under center.
4TH AND JEREMIAH 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Z8ydvJqzeY
Notre Dame and Miami Chase the Top Spot
Directly behind the Buckeyes, Notre Dame holds the second position at 27.7 FPI points following a timely bye week. The Fighting Irish enter Saturday’s historical clash against Navy in Foxborough trying to steady themselves after a physical defeat to BYU in Provo that marked their first blemish of the season. ESPN analytics project the squad with a 25.2% chance to reach the national championship game and a 14.8% probability to capture the title. Meanwhile, Miami occupies the third slot at 27.5 FPI following a dominant 52-23 blowout over Pittsburgh.
| Team | FPI Rating | Playoff Probability | National Title Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State Buckeyes | 28.2 | – | – |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 27.7 | 25.2% | 14.8% |
| Miami Hurricanes | 27.5 | 32.5% | – |
| Georgia Bulldogs | 26.4 | 79.7% | 12.7% |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 24.5 | 62.8% | 15.9% |
SEC Heavyweights Position for Late-Season Runs
Down in Athens, Georgia sits fourth at 26.4 FPI after using a bye week to lick its wounds from a narrow 24-27 defeat to Auburn. Quarterback Gunner Stockton struggled in that outing, throwing two interceptions in what amounted to his statistical nadir of the campaign. Yet, the Bulldogs maintain a robust 79.7% playoff projection and a 12.7% title odds mark as they prepare for a hostile rivalry showdown in Atlanta against Florida. Further down the ledger, Alabama stands at 6-2 overall following a 31-20 win over Texas A&M powered by Keyron Russell’s three-touchdown display. With a bye week on the immediate horizon before a high-stakes trip to Baton Rouge to face LSU, the Crimson Tide’s underlying metrics point toward an uphill battle in conference play despite solid overall postseason insulation.
Jonaz Walton, ladies and gentlemen!#GoIrish☘️ | @JonazWalton 📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/yi15tnfGRQ
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
Worth a look
- Five-Star Guard Reese Alston, Son of Rafer Alston, Commits to LSU
- Mastercard table gives fans access to 2026 MLB Awards Show
- No. 16 Penn State Women’s Volleyball Defeats No. 18 Indiana 3-1 (newsdirectory3.com)
- Arkansas Issue 1 Seeks to Ban Noncitizen Voting in State and Local Elections (news-usa.today)
