Miami, Florida – Another slate of chaotic college football has concluded, bringing more changes to the Lemon City Live Heisman Watchlist Power Rankings. A week after knocking off Notre Dame, No. 2 BYU lost to the University of Central Florida in a double-overtime thriller, 39-31. Sixth-ranked Indiana escaped Michigan 13-6 in overtime, while No. 7 Ole Miss and No. 8 Texas Tech both fell. No. 19 Texas handed the Rebels their second loss of the season, 34-27. Unranked Cincinnati humbled the Red Raiders 37-24. South Carolina pulled off an upset, downing No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on a 48-yard field goal. Elsewhere, No. 16 USC lost at Wisconsin 24-7.
UNDEFEATED BYU LOSES A DOUBLE OVERTIME THRILLER!
The UCF Knights hang on in one of the craziest games of the season to take down the #2 Cougars in a 39-31 2OT win. pic.twitter.com/Dm03PuaPkO
— Underdog CFB (@UnderdogCFB) October 24, 2026
Trinidad Chambliss dropped out of the power rankings’ top five after a poor performance against the Longhorns (3 INT). His departure opened the door for an additional new face, this time from the Big 12 Conference. Four conferences are now represented in the latest edition of the watchlist. Surprisingly, the SEC is not one of them. For now, anyways.
Malachi Toney
Malachi Toney cannot be stopped 🤯
📺 ESPN x @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/SGJvW2ztuY
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 24, 2026
Previous Ranking: 1
Miami’s sophomore sensation retains the top spot after an impressive win over Pittsburgh, breaking his school record for the most receptions in a single game. He also surpassed 2,000 career receiving yards. Toney had 16 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns. With 952 yards and 11 touchdowns for 2026, the star wide receiver prepares to play North Carolina in a Halloween showdown on the road.
Jeremiah Smith
JEREMIAH SMITH IS INEVITABLE ‼️@OhioStateFB converts on 4th down to extend their lead pic.twitter.com/XVjQFppOxg
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) October 17, 2026
Previous Ranking: 2
Ohio State was on a bye week, allowing Jeremiah Smith to hold steady. Recording four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in the 19-15 win over Indiana, the next few weeks will be interesting to see now that Julian Sayin is out for the season. Ohio State faces several quality opponents with the postseason on the line. The Buckeyes also head on the road to duel USC.
Darien Mensah
Darian Mensah finds Malachi Toney for a 19-yard passing touchdown.
Miami leads 10-0. pic.twitter.com/1F63Tq7PDQ
— Sidelines – CFB (@SSN_CollegeFB) October 24, 2026
Previous Ranking: 4
The power rankings’ second Miami Hurricanes player, Darien Mensah, improved his stock against the Panthers. Sitting at third, Mensah completed 31 of 37 passes for 387 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. The signal caller has 2,151 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and an interception. He’ll look to keep up the great work against the Tar Heels in the final game before the marquee battle with Notre Dame. He has competition, however.
Drew Mestemaker
Drew Mestemaker oh my goodness
He did the Zach Wilson Pro Day throw in a live game pic.twitter.com/JGzIe48e3r
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 18, 2026
Previous Ranking: NA
Representing the Oklahoma State Cowboys, we welcome quarterback Drew Mestemaker. The redshirt sophomore has made plenty of noise, totaling 2,326 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six picks. Mestemaker picked apart Colorado, airing it out for 386 yards and four TDs. The 57-24 victory landed the Cowboys at No. 24 in the AP Top 25 Rankings. At 5-2, they will face Iowa State with a chance to improve their resume further.
Jesse Legree
JESSE LEGREE IS A WALKING HIGHLIGHT REEL 📹🔥
71-yard TD, a Heisman pose, and HISTORY!
The first Beavers receiver EVER with six straight 100-yard receiving games, all in his first six collegiate contests 🦫
SDSU 7 | 45 OSU pic.twitter.com/Cg8ZzEzHxI
— USA Sports (@usasports) October 11, 2026
Previous Ranking: 5
Oregon State was also on their break. Jesse Legree is becoming an exciting player to watch, as is his teammate Braden Atkinson. We might have two pairings on the list soon enough. The Beavers will square off at Fresno State.
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