As college football enters the final stretch, Week 12 proved to be a rollercoaster for the top-ranked teams. While only a handful of top-20 teams faced defeats, the close calls dominated the headlines, reminding everyone of the intense competition this season.

Leading the charge is Oregon, which grandly holds onto its No. 1 spot in the new AP Top 25 poll despite a hard-fought victory against Wisconsin. The Ducks, now boasting an impressive 11-0 record for just the second time in their history, faced a 16-13 scare but managed to clinch the win, showcasing their grit in the process. Meanwhile, other heavyweights like Texas, Boise State, and Clemson also found themselves tested, but each team rose to the occasion, transforming early challenges into late-game triumphs.

The spotlight shifted significantly with Georgia's decisive win over Tennessee, allowing the Bulldogs to ascend in the ranks. This victory not only boosts Georgia in the polls but also has major implications for their College Football Playoff aspirations.

In a twist, BYU faced their first setback of the season, falling to unranked Kansas, raising questions about their position in the standings. Notably, several teams faced unexpected upsets, with Kansas State, LSU, and Louisville all slipping as favorites, making way for potential newcomers in the top 25.

Here’s how we expect the top 25 to shape up, following the excitement of Week 12:

1. Oregon (Last week — 1): Survived a close game at Wisconsin, showcasing their resilience.

2. Ohio State (2): Maintained focus against Northwestern, dominating the game for a 31-7 final score.

3. Texas (3): The Longhorns continue to impress with a staunch defense that anchors their performances. They secured a 20-10 win over Arkansas, further solidifying their position.

4. Penn State (4): A convincing 49-10 victory over Purdue has solidified Penn State's standing in the rankings.

5. Indiana (5): The Hoosiers enjoyed a bye week but are set to make a significant impact in their upcoming game against Ohio State.

6. Notre Dame (8): Riley Leonard led the Fighting Irish to a commanding win with a decisive 35-0 edge early against their opponent.

7. Alabama (9): Dominated Mercer with a decisive 52-7 victory but faces challenges to climb higher, considering their remaining schedule.

8. Ole Miss (10): The Rebels rested this week and will look to return strong against Florida.

9. Georgia (11): The Bulldogs' critical win against Tennessee will echo in their postseason ambitions, propelling them back into the top ten.

10. Tennessee (6): Despite earlier success, their loss to Georgia complicates their ranking, though they remain a strong contender.

11. Miami (12): The Hurricanes will return to action next week, looking to assert their dominance.

12. Boise State (13): A thrilling comeback win against San José State has kept Boise in the conversation for top contender status.

13. BYU (7): Their loss has caused a minor drop, but their previous victories still hold weight.

14. SMU (14): A close 38-28 win kept the Mustangs in the mix as they fended off Boston College.

15. Texas A&M (15): A solid win against New Mexico State keeps the Aggies in place among the top teams.

16. Army (16): Coming off a bye, the Black Knights are preparing for a high-profile matchup against Notre Dame.

17. Colorado (18): Highlight performances from Travis Hunter have made Colorado a formidable opponent.

18. Clemson (17): A crucial late-game touchdown kept their hopes for the ACC title alive in a nail-biter against Pitt.

19. South Carolina (23): The Gamecocks pulled off a stunning 34-30 win against Missouri, fortifying their position.

20. Tulane (25): Clinched a spot in the AAC title game with a dominant 35-0 win against Navy.

21. Arizona State (NR): Dominated Kansas State, emerging as one of the hottest teams in the Big 12.

22. Iowa State (NR): Their impressive win over Cincinnati signals a return to the rankings.

23. Illinois (NR): A decisive win against Michigan State showcases a resurgence for the Fighting Illini.

24. Syracuse (NR): Proved to be a formidable opponent against Cal, improving their record to 7-3.

25. Memphis (NR): With a solid 9-2 record, the Tigers are gaining attention and could make an impact in the upcoming rankings.

As the season progresses, each team's trajectory will continue to be shaped by both triumph and turmoil in the thrilling landscape of college football. Can Oregon remain undefeated? Will Georgia capitalize on their recent success? Stay tuned, because the November excitement is just heating up!