College football is heating up, and as Week 4 wraps up, the true contenders are beginning to emerge. Michigan, under head coach Sherrone Moore, delivered a thrilling 27-24 victory over USC, proving they can still hang with the big boys. More importantly, this win not only boosted their morale but also shot them up the rankings, jumping from 18th to 11th. Michigan’s offense and defense are starting to click at the right time, but they know all eyes are on Texas, who remains firmly planted at No. 1 and looks nearly unstoppable.

Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns are putting on a clinic. Their 51-3 dismantling of UL Monroe was a near-humiliation for the opposition and a clear signal of Texas’ dominance. Quarterback Arch Manning looked in complete control, passing for 258 yards while running back Jaydon Blue shredded the ULM defense with 124 rushing yards. Texas’ offense looks like a well-oiled machine, but it’s their defense that’s equally terrifying. Over their last three games, the Longhorns have allowed just 10 points—a staggering stat that underscores their dominance on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s shutting down the run or forcing turnovers, this Texas squad is firing on all cylinders. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has assembled a powerhouse team, one that looks fully capable of steamrolling through the season’s toughest matchups, including Mississippi State and Oklahoma.

“We’re just locked in right now,” Manning said after the game. “Everyone’s playing their role, and it’s all about the team. We’re not here to lose.” With each win, Texas looks more and more like a championship contender, and as they prepare to face Mississippi State, the question looms—can anyone stop them? The road to the title is long, but for now, Texas is blazing the trail.

Michigan’s return to the spotlight

Michigan’s victory over USC was more than just a win—it was a statement. Kalel Mullings stole the show with 159 rushing yards and two critical touchdowns, including a clutch fourth-and-goal TD in the final seconds that sealed the Wolverines’ dramatic 27-24 win. It’s the kind of victory that can transform an entire season. On that last drive, Mullings carried Michigan on his back, orchestrating a gritty 10-play, 89-yard march that felt like classic Big Ten football at its finest.

Michigan had started strong, jumping out to a 14-0 lead, but costly fumbles turned the tide in USC’s favor, giving the Trojans a 21-14 advantage. USC’s quarterback, Miller Moss, tried to claw them back into the game, but Michigan’s defense answered when it mattered most. Standout cornerback Will Johnson delivered the dagger with a pick-six, pushing Michigan over the edge and adding the exclamation point. This win didn’t just boost their record—it catapulted Michigan from 18th to 11th in the rankings, solidifying their playoff aspirations.

The Wolverines’ resilience was on full display, especially after Donovan Edwards’ costly fumble. “Our players never flinched,” head coach Jim Harbaugh’s successor, Sherrone Moore, said postgame. That unwavering mentality will be key as Michigan eyes another Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth. With this win, they’ve proven they can go the distance, but the challenge now is to keep the momentum rolling as they prepare for a showdown with Minnesota. Hard work and consistency will be critical if Michigan is to continue climbing the rankings.

Elsewhere in Week 4, Texas remains untouchable at the top, followed by Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama. Michigan’s impressive leap of seven spots after their win was the biggest movement in the top 10, signaling that the Wolverines are very much back in the playoff conversation.

The rankings now feature:

1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. Alabama
5. Ole Miss
6. Tennessee
7. Oregon
8. Utah
9. Penn State
10. Miami

Thus, Texas will be eager to stay atop in the following games, and Michigan will have a relatively easy game against Minnesota. Whatever be the outcome, college football is getting way more interesting this season, and that is something that can be taken to the bank.

If you want some insights on college football, do watch this ES Think Tank podcast episode with Doug Sanders.