Ranking college football's 10 actual national title contenders right now

There's more parity among college football's best teams this season. Which schools are in a position to make a run for the national championship?

As fans know by now, college football isn't always necessarily the most competitive sport in the world, but the 2023 season has proved that there's more competition at the top of the rankings and, maybe, in the national championship race.

College football hasn't seen an official three-peat since Minnesota back in the 1930s, and while Georgia remains the favorite to make that history, the reigning back-to-back champs have more competition that we thought they would earlier this year.

Which 10 teams are in a position right now to make a legitimate run for the national championship as we go into the second half of the season?

10. Oregon

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Oregon's record: 5-1

Remaining schedule: vs. Washington State, at Utah, vs. Cal, vs. USC, at Arizona State, vs. Oregon State

How Oregon can do it: By not making another mistake the rest of the way after dropping a 3-point decision to rival Washington. But a 1-loss, Pac-12 champion Ducks team is a shoo-in for the College Football Playoff, and from there, have the skill threats to be a legitimate threat.

9. Alabama

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Alabama's record: 6-1

Remaining schedule: vs. Tennessee, vs. LSU, at Kentucky, vs. Chattanooga, at Auburn

How Alabama can do it: Clearly by not losing another game, especially the LSU matchup, which the Tide lost a year ago and was instrumental in getting moved out of the SEC West title race. Offensive line protection is still a major question mark, but the defense and Jalen Milroe are enough to keep Bama in the picture.

8. Penn State

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Penn State's record: 6-0

Remaining schedule: at Ohio State, vs. Indiana, at Maryland, vs. Michigan, vs. Rutgers, at Michigan State

How Penn State can do it: As ever, the formula for the Nittany Lions is to beat Ohio State and Michigan and win the Big Ten. They have a strong defensive front and dangerous skill weapons to get the job done, but the first big test is this week.

7. Washington

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Washington's record: 6-0

Remaining schedule: vs. Arizona State, at Stanford, at USC, vs. Utah, at Oregon State, vs. Washington State

How Washington can do it: By making sure they protect quarterback Michael Penix and his receivers, who are the key to the Huskies' postseason fortunes. The win over Oregon was a statement to watch this team going forward, but there's a tough schedule ahead.

6. Ohio State

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Ohio State's record: 6-0

Remaining schedule: vs. Penn State, at Wisconsin, at Rutgers, vs. Michigan State, vs. Minnesota, at Michigan

How Ohio State can do it: Relying on the front seven to play its very best the rest of the way and hope injuries at running back can heal up quick to take some of the load off the passing game. There are two tough road games, including what has become a tough series against Michigan.

5. Texas

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Texas' record: 5-1

Remaining schedule: at Houston, vs. BYU, vs. Kansas State, at TCU, at Iowa State, vs. Texas Tech

How Texas can do it: There's no margin for error for the Longhorns now after the loss to Oklahoma, but there's plenty of opportunity against a winnable schedule that could set them up for a rematch against OU for the Big 12 title game. Win, and Texas is in.

4. Michigan

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Michigan's record: 7-0

Remaining schedule: 

How Michigan can do it: By doing what it's done the last two years. Win out, beat Ohio State, and win the Big Ten title. While the Wolverines haven't played a very tough schedule, they've passed all those tests with flying colors. 

3. Oklahoma

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Oklahoma's record: 6-0

Remaining schedule: vs. UCF, at Kansas, at Oklahoma State, vs. West Virginia, at BYU, vs. TCU

How Oklahoma can do it: Winning out. Any losses going forward and the Sooners could be out of the running given how much competition there appears to be for the top four. OU boasts a top-five passing attack and scoring offense and plays the nation's 7th best scoring defense, too.

2. Florida State

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Florida State's record: 6-0

Remaining schedule: vs. Duke, at Wake Forest, at Pittsburgh, vs. Miami, vs. North Alabama, at Florida

How Florida State can do it: Win out and win the ACC championship, and the Seminoles will be in striking distance, thanks in particular to their superb offensive talent that is responsible for scoring 30-plus points for 12 straight games and comprises college football's 7th ranked scoring attack.

1. Georgia

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Georgia's record: 7-0

Remaining schedule: vs. Florida, vs. Missouri, vs. Ole Miss, at Tennessee, at Georgia Tech

How Georgia can do it: By riding its strong defensive core and hoping the offense can maintain the progress it's made in avoiding slow starts recently, a task that got harder with the tough news that star receiving end Brock Bowers will miss 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury. The games against Mizzou, the Rebs, and Vols are ones to watch.

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