Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against California, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
As the college football season progresses, the races for conference titles in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) have become increasingly competitive. With the stakes heightened by an expanded playoff format, champions from major conferences now have the prospect of automatic bids. The current landscape is marked by intense rivalries and tightly contested standings across various leagues.
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Updates
In the ACC, Virginia stands out as the only unbeaten team with a record of 5-0 in conference play. Following closely are Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh, both at 5-1. Other contenders include Louisville, SMU, and Duke, all with solid records of 4-1. The upcoming matchups will be critical; for example, Duke will host Virginia on November 15, and Georgia Tech will face Pittsburgh a week later.
Tiebreakers could play a significant role in determining playoff eligibility, as Virginia has a decisive head-to-head victory over Louisville. Miami’s chances of contention are slim, sitting at 2-2, but they could affect Pittsburgh’s standing when they meet on November 29.
American Athletic Conference (AAC) Dynamics
The race in the AAC is equally competitive, especially after Navy suffered a loss to North Texas. Currently, six teams have just one loss: Navy at 5-1, Memphis at 4-1, and North Texas at 4-1. South Florida, Tulane, and East Carolina are also in contention with 3-1 records.
Memphis holds a critical head-to-head win over South Florida, and their upcoming schedule includes a pivotal game against Tulane on November 10. The AAC champion will likely aim for a Group of Five bid to the expanded playoff.
BYU and the Big 12 Conference
In the Big 12, BYU leads with a perfect 5-0 record, while Texas Tech and Cincinnati follow closely with 5-1. The division is marked by complex tiebreakers, with BYU’s win over Utah and Texas Tech’s victories against both Utah and Houston bolstering their positions. The next critical matchup occurs when BYU visits Texas Tech on November 11.
Key Battles in the Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten features a significant clash at the top, with Indiana and Ohio State leading the standings. Indiana is currently unbeaten at 6-0, while Ohio State stands at 5-0. Notably, they will not meet during the regular season, which adds complexity to potential tiebreakers. Upcoming matchups, particularly Michigan against Ohio State on November 29, could be pivotal.
Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference
Moving to Conference USA, Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State lead with undefeated records at 4-0. Although Conference USA lacks a playoff contender, the race for the title remains engaging. Kennesaw State’s upcoming match against Jacksonville State on November 15 will be crucial.
In the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the standings show Miami, Ohio leading with a record of 4-0. However, all teams in the MAC have at least three losses overall, making the quest for the title less impactful in the playoff context.
Mountain West and Southeastern Conference Highlights
In the Mountain West, San Diego State remains the leader with a 4-0 record, while Boise State follows at 4-1. The conference has historically been competitive, and upcoming matchups, including San Diego State hosting Boise State on November 15, will be critical for playoff aspirations.
Lastly, in the Southeastern Conference, Texas A&M and Alabama are tied for first with 5-0 records. Their performances against rivals such as Georgia and Mississippi, both at 5-1, will shape the conference’s playoff picture. A showdown between Texas and Georgia on November 15 will further clarify the standings.
As the regular season draws to a close, the excitement surrounding these conference races is palpable. Each game carries significant weight, with implications that could lead to playoff berths and the chance to compete for the national championship. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned as the drama unfolds in the weeks ahead.
