1. Georgia (4-0) (Last week: 1)
Georgia’s worst performance by a fair margin of the season came this week in a 17-point home win over Kent State. With Missouri, Auburn and Vanderbilt up next, fighting boredom may be the Bulldogs’ biggest challenge.
2. Alabama (4-0) (2)
Yes, the opponent was Vanderbilt, so take the numbers with several grains of salt, but speedster Ja’Corey Brooks busting out for career-highs of 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns is worth monitoring. He has the potential to emerge as a needed No. 1 target for Bryce Young.
3. Ohio State (4-0) (3)
Even down several starters, Ohio State crushed Wisconsin and looks to be in another class from the rest of the Big Ten.
4. Clemson (4-0) (4)
DJ Uiagalelei found his freshman-year form, throwing for 371 yards and five touchdowns in a come-from-behind road win over Wake Forest.
5. Michigan (4-0) (5)
Blake Corum saved the Wolverines on Saturday, rushing for 243 yards and two scores in an otherwise sloppy performance against Maryland. Michigan will have to be much better to remain unbeaten.
6. USC (4-0) (6)
Through four games the Trojans are plus-14 in turnover differential, a major key to their fast start. They don’t beat Oregon State on Saturday without the plus-four edge in that department.
7. Oklahoma State (3-0) (9)
One of only three undefeated teams left in the Big 12, the Cowboys face their first test at Baylor on Saturday. It is an early opportunity to send a message to the playoff committee.
8. Kentucky (4-0) (10)
Kentucky isn’t just a feel-good story. The Wildcats may be an actual SEC East contender. Saturday’s visit to undefeated Ole Miss will be a good measuring stick.
9. Tennessee (4-0) (NR)
It has been 15 years since the Volunteers last won 10 games in a single season, but they look the part this fall, already owning quality wins over Pittsburgh and Florida. Tennessee finally got it right with a coach in Josh Heupel.
10. N.C. State (4-0) (NR)
It’s all there for the Wolfpack: A prime-time audience, vulnerable Clemson and a chance to make a national statement in Death Valley that they are the team to beat in the ACC.
Dropped out: Oklahoma (3-1) and Arkansas (3-1)
Heisman Watch (in alphabetical order)
QB Stetson Bennett IV, Georgia
The senior threw his first interception in 167 passing attempts on Saturday, but it was relatively meaningless in an easy win over Kent State.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
One of the nation’s best stories, Penix added to his fast start with the Huskies, producing his fourth straight 300-yard passing game in a rout of Stanford.
QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
The sophomore has now thrown 16 touchdown passes, just one interception and is completing 70.5 percent of his passes despite his star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba managing just four catches all season due to injury.
QB Caleb Williams, USC
Shaky most of the night and beaten up by Oregon State, Williams showed toughness and fortitude, leading USC on a game-winning drive in the final minutes. That was more impressive than his gaudy numbers over the first three weeks of the season.
QB Bryce Young, Alabama
We’ve reached the teeth of the Alabama schedule, games against Arkansas, Texas A&M and Tennessee in the coming weeks, significant tests for Young after his so-so performance against Texas.
