College football risers, fallers: Oregon, LSU’s CFP chances take big hits
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You never know how college football might shake out from week to week.
Not many would’ve picked unranked Oklahoma to upset No. 1 Texas in Week 6, or for LSU to fall to Kentucky in overtime. And, though Oregon’s loss was against a ranked opponent, most thought the Ducks would get it done against UCLA — even without starting quarterback Dante Moore.
But that’s college football in the age of name, image and likeness and the transfer portal: Things can change in an instant, and winning each week becomes harder and harder as the season progresses.
Here’s a look at the latest risers and fallers heading into Week 7 of the college football season:
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
See some of the biggest moments, reactions and celebrations from Week 6 of college football action.
Above, Wayne Knight #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon.
(Tom Hauck, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
See some of the biggest moments, reactions and celebrations from Week 6 of college football action.
Above, Wayne Knight #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon.
(Tom Hauck, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Tate Sandell #29 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after kicking the game winning field goal during the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns drops back to pass during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl on October 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Running back Dwight Phillips Jr. #20 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball as linebacker Yhonzae Pierre #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defends during the first half of the game at Bryant Denny Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
(Butch Dill, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Tanook Hines #16 of the USC Trojans and Jahmir Joseph #0 of the Penn State Nittany Lions compete for the ball during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium on October 10, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania.
(Isaiah Vazquez, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Ricky Johnson #11 of the Utah Utes catches a pass agianst Austin Alexander #0 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Jamal Roberts #20 of the Missouri Tigers avoids a tackle by Tawfiq Byard #4 of the Texas A&M Aggies as he run in the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Columbia, Missouri.
(Ed Zurga, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Deuce Alexander #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels reacts to a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half at FirstBank Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Carly Mackler, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Braylon Staley #14 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball in the first half during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
(Wesley Hitt, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Tanook Hines #16 of the USC Trojans reaches over the goal line to score a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium on October 10, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania.
(Isaiah Vazquez, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Davis Warren #8 of the Stanford Cardinal is pressured by Armel Mukam #88 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on October 10, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana.
(Justin Casterline, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Alberto Mendoza #15 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets reacts after Trelain Maddox #1 scores the go-ahead touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
OSU safety Evan Jackson (1) recovers a fumble and runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during an NCAA football game between the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) makes a catch to score a touchdown against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during the first half at Cotton Bowl.
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Jordan Faison #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish avoids a tackle on a punt return from Tyler Kuo #82 of the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on October 10, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana.
(Justin Casterline, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Ryan Wingo #1 of the Texas Longhorns scores a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl on October 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Kewan Lacy #5 of the Ole Miss Rebels runs into the end zone for a touch down against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half at FirstBank Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Carly Mackler, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Oregon Ducks running back Jordon Davison (0) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium.
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
UCLA Bruins cheerleaders and the UCLA Bruins mascot, Joe, look on during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium.
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Jelani Thurman (45) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
West Virginia Mountaineers running back Cam Cook (4) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Milan Puskar Stadium.
(Ben Queen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Arizona Wildcats running back Antwan Roberts (44) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium.
(Ben Queen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (3) celebrates his first down in the first half against Florida State during ACC college football at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Oct. 9, 2026.
(Matt Stone/The Courier Journal, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) looks to throw a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium.
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Drew Wagner #19 of the Northwestern Wildcats scores a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ryan Field on October 10, 2026 in Evanston, Illinois.
(Zoe Davis, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Nyck Harbor #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks catches a pass for a touchdown against Bryce Thornton #1 of the Florida Gators during the first half of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Pat Narduzzi of the Pittsburgh Panthers leads the Panthers onto the field before the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Acrisure Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Justin Berl, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Aiden Flora #21 of the Iowa State Cyclones is slammed to the ground by Tausili Akana #13 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 9, 2026 in Provo, Utah.
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Jeremy Hecklinski #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Husky Stadium on October 09, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Donovan Hoilette #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Justin Berl, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Donta Simpson #8 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates a quarterback sack against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Columbia, Missouri.
(Ed Zurga, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels talks with Ade Willie #3 during a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Justin Berl, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Josh Hoover #10 of the Indiana Hoosiers drops back to pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
(Steven Branscombe, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Journee Tonga #20 of the Brigham Young Cougars is congratulated by teammates Bear Bachmeier #47 and Jojo Phillips #13 after scoring a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 9, 2026 in Provo, Utah.
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
LaNorris Sellers #16 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Joe Hjelle #90 of the Indiana Hoosiers knocks down a pass attempt from Anthony Colandrea #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
(Steven Branscombe, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Jake Clifton #31 of the Brigham Young Cougars reacts after sacking Jaylen Raynor #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 9, 2026 in Provo, Utah.
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Mazeo Bennett Jr. #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks catches a pass during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Jeremy Hecklinski #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a touchdown with Trevor Lauck #59 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 09, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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College Football Week 6’s biggest moments, reactions and celebrations
Jayden Montgomery #36 and Cam Buffington #33 of the Iowa Hawkeyes sack Demond Williams Jr. #1 of the Washington Huskies during the first half at Husky Stadium on October 09, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
Risers
Oklahoma
It was a make-or-break week for Oklahoma against archrival Texas, and the Sooners were able to get back on track after their 27-24 upset win at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Oklahoma’s offense still wasn’t great against Texas’ tough defense — the Sooners scored 14 non-offensive points in the game — but an emotional win could potentially help turn its season around after early-season losses to Michigan and Georgia.
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The schedule ahead won’t be easy, starting with an upcoming home game against No. 17 Kentucky. But maybe Oklahoma can prove it’s turning things around, and the rivalry win wasn’t a fluke.
Kentucky
First-year Kentucky coach Will Stein doesn’t mess around. Stein opted to go for game-winning 2-point conversions in overtime wins over South Carolina and LSU the past two weeks, both of which worked.
The Wildcats are 5-1 this season, with their lone loss coming against Alabama (against whom they had a halftime lead). Quarterback Kenny Minchey has been a solid addition, with 1,394 passing yards and 12 total touchdowns to one interception.
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UCLA
UCLA upset Oregon 17-15 in a Week 6 rock fight, despite starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffering a reported season-ending knee injury in the win.
First-year coach Bob Chesney has the Bruins with a 5-0 record, a year after leading James Madison to the College Football Playoff. Backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, who entered for Iamaleava in the second half, gave UCLA a 17-6 lead on a 9-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarterback.
UCLA’s defense forced Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola into one of the worst performances by a Power Four signal-caller in recent memory. He completed 6 of 19 passes for 43 yards with two interceptions and a fumble before being replaced by third-string quarterback Brock Thomas.
Oregon has no more room for error after the Ducks’ CFP chances took a massive hit with their loss to UCLA, falling to two losses on the season. Oregon can still make the playoff, but it’ll likely have to win out in the regular season, which includes a road matchup against Ohio State on Nov. 7.
Oregon entered the season as one of the top national championship contenders after returning Moore and most of its roster that made the CFP semifinal last season. Things haven’t quite gone to plan so far, though, with losses to Oklahoma State and UCLA.
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LSU
LSU was nearly a 10-point favorite against Kentucky on Oct. 10, but the Wildcats played spoiler, upsetting the Tigers 35-34 in overtime.
Turnovers keep plaguing LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who threw an interception and fumbled in the loss. Leavitt, a high-end transfer from Arizona State, has 17 total touchdowns to nine turnovers this season, as he leads the SEC in interceptions.
LSU’s offense hasn’t quite been as high-powered as expected under first-year coach Lane Kiffin, somewhat due to the uneven play of Leavitt at quarterback.
Florida
Florida was ranked No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll two weeks ago after dominating Ole Miss in a 52-28 win on Sept. 26. After back-to-back losses to Missouri and South Carolina, though, the Gators are now unranked under first-year coach Jon Sumrall.
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Florida’s previously high-end rushing attack has struggled the past two weeks, including in its 3.2-yard-per-carry performance against the reeling Gamecocks. South Carolina’s win over Florida was its first in SEC play since its conference opener against Kentucky last season.
The falloff has been steep for Florida, and it doesn’t seem like a win is coming anytime soon with upcoming games against Texas and Georgia.
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