When No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama meet at Bryant-Denny Stadium in the first top-five showdown on Saturday, one man will face more pressure than anybody else.
It won't be Donald Trump – who is scheduled to make an appearance. It won't be former Alabama coach Nick Saban or Georgia coach Kirby Smart either.
Kalen DeBoer is the one who will face the most scrutiny. This is the first big exam in the prime-time national spotlight in Tuscaloosa. It's a top-five test – one that Saban and Smart have mastered over the years.
Saban retired from Alabama with a 30-15 record against top-five teams. That .667 all-time winning percentage is the best all time. Kirby Smart is 9-5 against top-five teams. A victory Saturday would equal the same .667 winning percentage. Saban is the GOAT, and Smart is the top coach in college football right now.
DeBoer was 2-1 against top-five teams at Washington last season – which is the same .667 winning percentage on a smaller scale. DeBoer coached in a College Football Playoff championship game with the Huskies last season, and yet somehow this matchup feels larger in scale. Will the winner move up to No. 1?
MORE: College Football Playoff projections after Week 4
Each week, Sporting News breaks down the FBS with our 1-134 rankings. Texas is No. 1 for the second straight week, and there are five SEC teams in the top 10.
Here is our 1-134 rankings heading into Week 5:
College football rankings 2024
Top 25 for Week 5
1. Texas (4-0)
Arch Manning (15 of 29, 258 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) shook off a first-drive interception for a solid first start in a 51-3 victory against UL-Monroe. Jayden Blue (25-124, 3 TDs) provided an answer in the running game, and the Warhawks managed just 111 total yards. Texas has outscored its opponents 190-22 – and they have the look of the most-complete team in the FBS to this point. Will Quinn Ewers be back for the SEC opener against Mississippi State?
MORE: Against the spread picks for Week 5's Top 25 games
2. Georgia (3-0)
This will be a prove-it game for Carson Beck coming off the close shave at Kentucky in Week 3. Beck was 21 of 29 for 243 yards in the SEC Championship Game against the Crimson Tide, and Alabama has won eight of the last nine meetings in the series. Georgia has allowed 202 yards per game to this point. How much can they lean on that defense on the road?
3. Ohio State (3-0)
The Buckeyes averaged 10 yards per play in a 49-14 victory against Marshall where the new-look running game with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly flexed. Quinshon Judkins had 173 yards and two TDs, and TreVeyon Henderson had two TDs. Ohio State had four TDs of 40 yards or more – which bodes well heading into the Big Ten opener at Michigan State.
4. Alabama (3-0)
Jalen Milroe has been fantastic with DeBoer through three games. Milroe has a 213.4 passer rating, eight TDs and no interceptions. Milroe did not commit a turnover in last year's SEC championship game against the Bulldogs – and the added threat in the running game (590 yards, 8 TDs) is dangerous. This is a chance to make a Heisman Trophy statement.
5. Ole Miss (4-0)
The Rebels beat Georgia Southern 52-13 in yet another high-yield offensive performance that netted 607 yards. Jaxson Dart (382 yards, 4 TDs, INT) isn't being talked about in the early Heisman Trophy conversation, and the defense allowed its first TD of the season. Still, this is the top team offense in the FBS in yards per game (670.8) and points per game (55.0).
6. Miami, Fla. (4-0)
Miami broke open a one-score lead against South Florida in a 50-15 victory, and the difference Cam Ward continues to make is off the charts. He had a season-high 400 passing yards, and he hasn't had a game with less than 300 passing yards. The defense limited the Bulls to 62 rushing yards on 1.9 yards per carry. The Hurricanes get the Friday night spotlight in the ACC opener against Virginia Tech.
7. Tennessee (4-0)
Josh Heupel led the Vols to a 25-15 victory against his alma mater in a game that was not flashy but physical. Nico Iamaleava (13 of 21, 194 yards) shook off a few turnovers, and the defense compiled three sacks, three turnovers and 11 tackles for loss. That showed this team has some substance. Need more proof? The Vols rank fourth in the FBS in total offense (565.8) and first in total defense (176.0). The Volunteers have a bye week before a road trip to Arkansas.
8. Oregon (3-0)
Oregon had a bye week after an up-and-down first three games. Dillon Gabriel leads the Big Ten with 304.7 passing yards per game and an 84% completion percentage, and the running game is trending upward at 4.3 yards per carry. Oregon also is limiting opponents to a 50% completion percentage. The Ducks open Big Ten play at UCLA in Week 5.
9. Penn State (3-0)
Drew Allar ranks third in the FBS with a 218.3 passer rating, and Nick Singleton has regained his form with 8.5 yards per carry. The Nittany Lions routed Kent State 56-0 in Week 4, and they have maintained their spot in the Big Ten upper class with an offense that averages 537.7 yards per game. Illinois presents the first real Big Ten up front on both sides.
10. Utah (4-0)
Cam Rising (hand) has not returned yet. Isaac Wilson – the brother of Zach Wilson – has learned on the job in his place, and the results have been encouraging. He led the Utes to a 22-19 victory against Oklahoma State – a huge Big 12 victory. Utah ranks second in the conference in total defense (260.8) and points per game (13.0). Kyle Whittingham has made this formula work for two decades. The Utes play Arizona in Week 5.
11. Missouri (4-0)
The Tigers are unbeaten and have allowed 12 points per game – but there will be a slight pile-on after a 30-27 overtime escape against Vanderbilt. Nate Noel rushed for 199 yards and ranks third in the SEC in rushing yards. Brady Cook and Luther Burden III connected for two TDs, and Missouri has two one-score wins in as many weeks. A bye week comes in handy before an Oct. 5 trip to Texas A&M.
12. Clemson (2-1)
Clemson jumped out to a 45-7 halftime lead and buried NC State 59-35 in ACC play. Cade Klubnik passed for 180 of his 209 yards in the first half, and he passed for three TDs. Four different Tigers scored a rushing TD, and they rolled up 269 yards. The Tigers have 62.5 points and 617.5 yards in two games since the Week 1 loss to Georgia. Are we under-valuing Dabo Swinney in the ACC race?
13. Louisville (3-0)
The Cardinals are in the hunt for the ACC championship again, and they pulled away in the second half of a 31-19 victory against Georgia Tech. They rank third in the ACC in total offense (502.3) and total defense (268.7), and quarterback Tyler Shough has eight TD passes, no interceptions and just one sack. Will they be a road favorite at Notre Dame in Week 5? The Cardinals beat the Irish 33-20 last season, and the schools have split the last four meetings.
14. Michigan (3-1)
How long can Michigan win with a passing attack that ranks 129th in yards per game through four weeks? The 1970s throwback formula worked against USC in a 27-24 victory. Alex Orji will develop as a passer with more reps, and Kalel Mullings is averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Is it sustainable through the rest of Big Ten play? Isn't that what Iowa does every year? Keep an eye on the status of tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson ahead of the matchup against Minnesota.
MORE: Michigan-USC thriller shows proof of concept in Big Ten expansion
15. USC (2-1)
USC allowed 291 rushing yards in the 27-24 loss to Michigan, but 157 of those yards were on three plays. So, is the defense – which has been the sore spot for Lincoln Riley – that much better under defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn? We do think there is improvement, and Miller Moss (28 of 51, 283 yards, 3 TDs, INT) proved he can play with the best Big Ten defenses. Wisconsin visits The Coliseum in Week 5.
16. LSU (3-1)
The Tigers beat UCLA 34-17. Garrett Nussmeier (32 of 44, 352 yards, 3 TDs) continues to play well, and Brian Kelly has to be encouraged by the reduction in penalties. LSU had just five penalties for 22 yards against the Bruins. The Tigers played a tough September schedule, but South Alabama should have their attention in Week 5. The Jaguars have scored 135 points the last two weeks, including a 48-14 victory at Appalachian State.
17. Notre Dame (3-1)
The Irish were sloppy in the first half of a 28-3 victory against Miami, Ohio, but the Irish defense is not a question mark. Notre Dame limited the RedHawks to 2 of 12 on third down. Riley Leonard had 154 passing yards, 132 rushing yards and three total TDs, but the passing game has been stop and start. It will need to be better in a home matchup against Louisville.
18. Illinois (4-0)
The Illini are off to their best start under Bret Bielema after an impressive 31-24 victory at Nebraska in a ranked Big Ten matchup. Luke Altmyer (21 of 27, 215 yards, 4 TDs) has 10 TDs and no interceptions this season, and the defense allowed 50 yards rushing against the Huskers. Illinois travels to Penn State in Week 5 in a revisitation of their nine-OT matchup in 2021. Can the Illini pull off another upset?
19. Oklahoma State (3-1)
Alan Bowman (16 of 33, 205 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) threw a pair of fourth-quarter TDs, but it was not enough in a 22-19 loss to Utah. That is a missed opportunity for the Cowboys in Big 12 play where the running game managed 15 attempts for 48 yards. That lack of a rushing attack proved costly, and Mike Gundy will need to straighten that out if Oklahoma State wants to stay in the playoff hunt. A trip to Kansas State will be telling with the Wildcats also coming off a loss.
20. Oklahoma (3-1)
The Sooners made a quarterback switch in a 25-15 loss to Tennessee that will be more talked about than the loss to the Volunteers. Jackson Arnold (7 of 16, 54 yards, INT) was benched in favor of freshman Michael Hawkins (11 of 18, 132 yards, TD). Hawkins added 22 rushing yards. Oklahoma had three turnovers and was 3 of 15 on third down. The quarterback who can change that will be the starter moving into a brutal SEC schedule that continues at Auburn.
21. Iowa State (3-0)
The Cyclones routed Arkansas State in a 52-7 blowout. Iowa State forced four turnovers with a defense that has allowed 9.7 points per game. Rocco Becht (11 of 18, 204 yards, 2 TDs, INT) kept the offense on schedule, and the Cyclones are 3-0 for the second time in three seasons under Matt Campbell. Iowa State plays Houston in Week 5.
22. BYU (4-0)
The Cougars have entered the Big 12 chat. BYU beat Kansas State 38-9 in a game where the defense took advantage of three turnovers and Parker Kingston's 90-yard punt return was the highlight of a signature home victory against a conference opponent. For all the talk about offense, defense might be the championship key in the conference. If that is true, then BYU has a shot. The Cougars play at Baylor in Week 5.
23. UCF (3-0)
The Knights lead the Big 12 with 45.7 ppg and 570 yards per game, and they will be in the spotlight against Colorado in Week 5 and again in Week 6 with Florida. Gus Malzahn has a potential playoff sleeper in the works with KJ Jefferson (183.9 passer rating) and running back RJ Harvey (7.6 ypg.).
24. Kansas State (3-1)
Kansas State lost 38-9 at BYU – a stunning loss considering the Wildcats looked like the class of the Big 12 through the first three weeks of the season. Three turnovers – including two before halftime – led to irreversible momentum swing. Avery Johnson (15 of 28, 130 yards, 2 INTs) struggled, but he still had the benefit of a strong running game (228 yards). The Wildcats used their mulligan – and now they return home to face Oklahoma State.
25. UNLV (3-0)
It was a productive bye week for the Rebels. UNLV – which has enjoyed a quick turn-around under Barry Odom – is now the highest-ranked Group of 5 team after losses by Memphis, Northern Illinois and Toledo in Week 4. SN Preseason second-team All-American receiver Ricky White has three TDs, but he will need to be more involved in a two-week stretch against Fresno State and Syracuse.
College football 1-134 rankings: (1-25)
A look at the top 25 teams in the FBS heading into Week 5:
| RANK | SCHOOL | RECORD | PREVIOUS | WEEK RESULT |
| 1 | Texas | 4-0 | 1 | Beat UL-Monroe 51-3 |
| 2 | Georgia | 3-0 | 2 | Bye |
| 3 | Ohio State | 3-0 | 3 | Beat Marshall 49-14 |
| 4 | Alabama | 3-0 | 4 | Bye |
| 5 | Ole Miss | 4-0 | 6 | Beat Georgia Southern 52-13 |
| 6 | Miami, Fla. | 4-0 | 8 | Beat South Florida 50-15 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 4-0 | 9 | Beat Oklahoma 25-15 |
| 8 | Oregon | 3-0 | 5 | Bye |
| 9 | Penn State | 3-0 | 11 | Beat Kent State 56-0 |
| 10 | Utah | 4-0 | 14 | Beat Oklahoma State 22-19 |
| 11 | Missouri | 4-0 | 10 | Beat Vanderbilt 30-27 |
| 12 | Louisville | 4-0 | 18 | Beat Georgia Tech 31-19 |
| 13 | Clemson | 2-1 | 17 | Beat NC State 59-35 |
| 14 | Michigan | 3-1 | 22 | Beat USC 27-24 |
| 15 | USC | 2-1 | 7 | Lost to Michigan 27-24 |
| 16 | LSU | 3-1 | 16 | Beat UCLA 34-17 |
| 17 | Notre Dame | 3-1 | 20 | Beat Miami 28-3 |
| 18 | Illinois | 4-0 | 26 | Beat Nebraska 31-24 |
| 19 | Oklahoma State | 3-1 | 13 | Lost to Utah 22-19 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | 3-1 | 15 | Lost to Tennessee 25-15 |
| 21 | BYU | 4-0 | 37 | Beat Kansas State 38-9 |
| 22 | Iowa State | 3-0 | 23 | Beat Arkansas State 52-7 |
| 23 | UCF | 3-0 | 25 | Bye |
| 24 | Kansas State | 3-1 | 12 | Lost to BYU 38-9 |
| 25 | UNLV | 3-0 | 27 | Bye |
Rest of FBS (26-134)
Here is a look at the rest of the FBS heading into Week 5:
| 26 | Texas A&M | 3-1 | 28 | Beat Bowling Green 26-20 |
| 27 | Pitt | 4-0 | 31 | Beat Youngstown State 73-17 |
| 28 | Indiana | 4-0 | 42 | Beat Charlotte 52-14 |
| 29 | Rutgers | 3-0 | 30 | Beat Virginia Tech 26-23 |
| 30 | Boston College | 3-1 | 33 | Beat Michigan State 23-19 |
| 31 | Arizona | 2-1 | 32 | Bye |
| 32 | Boise State | 2-1 | 34 | Beat Portland State 56-14 |
| 33 | Washington State | 4-0 | 35 | Beat San Jose State 54-52 |
| 34 | James Madison | 3-0 | 61 | Beat North Carolina 70-50 |
| 35 | Duke | 4-0 | 46 | Beat Middle Tennessee 45-17 |
| 36 | Nebraska | 3-1 | 19 | Lost to Illinois 31-24 |
| 37 | Liberty | 4-0 | 47 | Beat East Carolina 35-24 |
| 38 | Iowa | 3-1 | 44 | Beat Minnesota 31-14 |
| 39 | Arkansas | 3-1 | 45 | Beat Auburn 24-14 |
| 40 | South Carolina | 3-1 | 43 | Beat Akron 50-7 |
| 41 | Cal | 3-1 | 39 | Beat Florida State 14-9 |
| 42 | SMU | 3-1 | 64 | Beat TCU 66-42 |
| 43 | Washington | 3-1 | 52 | Beat Northwestern 24-5 |
| 44 | Stanford | 2-1 | 82 | Beat Syracuse 26-24 |
| 45 | Colorado | 3-1 | 59 | Beat Baylor 38-31 |
| 46 | Wisconsin | 2-1 | 53 | Bye |
| 47 | Michigan State | 3-1 | 40 | Lost to Boston College 23-19 |
| 48 | Syracuse | 2-1 | 36 | Lost to Stanford 26-24 |
| 49 | Western Kentucky | 3-1 | 85 | Beat Toledo 26-21 |
| 50 | Maryland | 3-1 | 57 | Beat Villanova 38-20 |
| 51 | Oregon State | 3-1 | 63 | Beat Purdue 38-21 |
| 52 | Northern Illinois | 2-1 | 24 | Lost to Buffalo 23-20 |
| 53 | Georgia Tech | 3-2 | 48 | Lost to Louisville 31-19 |
| 54 | Navy | 3-0 | 92 | Beat Memphis 56-44 |
| 55 | Texas Tech | 3-1 | 71 | Beat Arizona State 30-22 |
| 56 | Memphis | 3-1 | 21 | Lost to Navy 56-44 |
| 57 | Cincinnati | 3-1 | 72 | Beat Houston 34-0 |
| 58 | Arizona State | 3-1 | 38 | Lost to Texas Tech 30-22 |
| 59 | West Virginia | 2-2 | 58 | Beat Kansas 32-28 |
| 60 | NC State | 2-2 | 49 | Lost to Clemson 59-35 |
| 61 | Toledo | 3-1 | 41 | Lost to Western Kentucky 26-21 |
| 62 | Kentucky | 2-2 | 67 | Beat Ohio 41-6 |
| 63 | Army | 3-0 | 76 | Beat Rice 37-14 |
| 64 | Virginia | 3-1 | 75 | Beat Coastal Carolina 43-24 |
| 65 | North Carolina | 3-1 | 29 | Lost to James Madison 70-50 |
| 65 | Fresno State | 3-1 | 74 | Beat New Mexico 38-21 |
| 66 | Baylor | 2-2 | 55 | Lost to Colorado 38-31 |
| 68 | Minnesota | 2-2 | 51 | Lost to Iowa 31-14 |
| 69 | TCU | 2-2 | 50 | Lost to SMU 66-42 |
| 70 | Auburn | 2-2 | 54 | Lost to Arkansas 24-14 |
| 71 | Tulane | 2-2 | 69 | Beat Louisiana 41-33 |
| 72 | Northwestern | 2-2 | 65 | Lost to Washington 24-5 |
| 73 | Vanderbilt | 2-2 | 77 | Lost to Missouri 30-27 |
| 74 | Coastal Carolina | 3-1 | 56 | Lost to Virginia 43-24 |
| 75 | Texas State | 2-1 | 78 | Bye |
| 76 | Florida | 2-2 | 79 | Beat Mississippi State 45-28 |
| 77 | Buffalo | 3-1 | 99 | Beat Northern Illinois 23-20 |
| 78 | South Florida | 2-2 | 68 | Lost to Miami, Fla. 50-15 |
| 79 | Georgia State | 2-2 | 81 | Lost to Ole Miss 52-13 |
| 80 | Sam Houston | 3-1 | 98 | Beat New Mexico State 31-11 |
| 81 | Louisiana | 2-1 | 84 | Lost to Tulane 41-33 |
| 82 | Virginia Tech | 2-2 | 73 | Lost to Rutgers 26-23 |
| 83 | North Texas | 3-1 | 97 | Beat Wyoming 44-17 |
| 84 | UCLA | 1-2 | 70 | Lost to LSU 34-17 |
| 85 | Wake Forest | 1-2 | 86 | Bye |
| 86 | Florida State | 1-3 | 91 | Beat Cal 14-9 |
| 87 | Kansas | 1-3 | 62 | Lost to West Virginia 32-28 |
| 88 | Purdue | 1-2 | 83 | Lost to Oregon State 38-21 |
| 89 | San Jose State | 3-1 | 60 | Lost to Washington State 54-52 |
| 90 | South Alabama | 2-2 | 118 | Beat Appalachian State 48-14 |
| 91 | Mississippi State | 1-3 | 80 | Lost to Florida 45-28 |
| 92 | UL-Monroe | 2-1 | 93 | Lost to Texas 51-3 |
| 93 | Eastern Michigan | 3-1 | 95 | Beat St. Francis, Pa. 36-0 |
| 94 | Georgia Southern | 2-2 | 96 | Lost to Ole Miss 52-13 |
| 95 | Bowling Green | 1-2 | 88 | Lost to Texas A&M 26-20 |
| 96 | East Carolina | 2-2 | 89 | Lost to Liberty 35-24 |
| 97 | Colorado State | 2-2 | 109 | Beat UTEP 27-17 |
| 98 | Appalachian State | 2-2 | 66 | Lost to South Alabama 48-14 |
| 99 | Ohio | 2-2 | 90 | Lost to Kentucky 41-6 |
| 100 | Houston | 1-3 | 87 | Lost to Cincinnati 34-0 |
| 101 | UTSA | 2-2 | 100 | Beat Houston Christian 45-7 |
| 102 | San Diego State | 1-2 | 101 | Bye |
| 103 | Marshall | 1-2 | 102 | Lost to Ohio State 49-14 |
| 104 | Arkansas State | 2-2 | 94 | Lost to Iowa State 52-7 |
| 105 | Air Force | 1-2 | 104 | Bye |
| 106 | Central Michigan | 2-2 | 116 | Beat Ball State 37-34 |
| 107 | UConn | 2-2 | 124 | Beat FAU 48-14 |
| 108 | Nevada | 2-3 | 106 | Beat Eastern Washington 49-16 |
| 109 | Hawaii | 2-2 | 115 | Beat Northern Iowa 36-7 |
| 110 | Tulsa | 2-2 | 122 | Beat Louisiana Tech 23-20 |
| 111 | Louisiana Tech | 1-2 | 113 | Lost to Tulsa 23-20 |
| 112 | Miami, Ohio | 0-3 | 110 | Lost to Notre Dame 31-3 |
| 113 | Jacksonville State | 1-3 | 127 | Beat Southern Miss 44-7 |
| 114 | Rice | 1-3 | 114 | Lost to Army 37-14 |
| 115 | Old Dominion | 1-2 | 117 | Bye |
| 116 | UAB | 1-2 | 119 | Bye |
| 117 | New Mexico State | 1-3 | 111 | Lost to Sam Houston 31-11 |
| 118 | Ball State | 1-2 | 103 | Lost to Central Michigan 37-34 |
| 119 | Western Michigan | 1-2 | 120 | Bye |
| 120 | FAU | 1-3 | 105 | Lost 48-14 to UConn |
| 121 | Troy | 1-3 | 126 | Beat Florida A&M 34-12 |
| 122 | Southern Miss | 1-3 | 121 | Lost to Jacksonville State 44-7 |
| 123 | Middle Tennessee | 1-3 | 107 | Lost to Duke 45-17 |
| 124 | Temple | 1-3 | 131 | Beat Utah State 45-29 |
| 125 | FIU | 1-3 | 108 | Lost to Monmouth 45-42 |
| 126 | Akron | 1-3 | 123 | Lost to South Carolina 50-7 |
| 127 | Utah State | 1-3 | 112 | Lost to Temple 45-29 |
| 128 | Charlotte | 1-3 | 125 | Lost to Indiana 52-14 |
| 129 | UMass | 1-3 | 132 | Beat Central Connecticut 35-31 |
| 130 | Kennesaw State | 0-3 | 129 | Bye |
| 131 | Wyoming | 0-4 | 128 | Lost to North Texas 44-17 |
| 132 | UTEP | 0-4 | 133 | Lost to Colorado State 27-17 |
| 133 | New Mexico | 0-4 | 130 | Lost to Fresno State 38-21 |
| 134 | Kent State | 0-4 | 134 | Lost to Penn State 56-0 |