College Football Summary

The Longhorns have climbed two spots to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 following a recent loss that dropped the Aggies from the top five down to No. 7. This shift in rankings comes as Texas awaits the release of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings on Tuesday, indicating their keen interest in the playoff picture.

Meanwhile, tension arises in the coaching carousel as Michigan State has fired football coach Jonathan Smith, with former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald emerging as a potential candidate for the position.

The coaching changes are particularly notable during rivalry week, which could significantly impact the AP Top 25 rankings, as teams vie for playoff positions. Ohio State's Ryan Day has received praise from a rival Big Ten coach, who believes he will achieve legendary status in college football.

As the regular season concludes, Michigan football is focused on achieving a ten-win season, a significant marker for program success, as noted by coach Sherrone Moore. Oregon has also made headlines by moving up in the polls after defeating Washington, effectively securing their spot in the upcoming 12-team postseason field.

Alabama's head coach, Kalen DeBoer, has made a case for his team to be included in the CFP, regardless of the outcome of the SEC Championship game. In a surprising turn, Lane Kiffin has left Ole Miss for LSU, a decision met with dismay from Ole Miss fans who will not see him coach during their first College Football Playoff appearance.

This decision adds another layer to the ongoing coaching carousel, which has seen Kiffin become a central figure as he transitions to LSU amidst a tumultuous end to the season for Ole Miss. Furthermore, Kentucky is expected to part ways with coach Mark Stoops, marking potentially one of the most expensive firings in college football history with a full buyout of $38 million.

As the season wraps up, Dukes' unexpected trip to the ACC Championship has raised concerns about the conference's playoff hopes. Notably, the chaos surrounding coaching decisions and shifts in team rankings continues to evolve as the college football landscape prepares for bowl games and playoff selections.