ESPN FPI after Week 4 puts Texas at No. 1. The Longhorns jumped multiple spots to take the top FPI spot after a Week 4 win. The model overhauled the Top 25 following multiple Top 25 losses.
ESPN FPI is a predictive rating. It feeds playoff projections and strength of schedule. Week 4 volatility was high.
ESPN FPI Top 25 After Week 4: Complete Rankings
Texas replaced Ohio State at No. 1. The SEC team jump is the biggest story of the update. The Top 10 shifted after upset results.
| Rank | Team | FPI Rating | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 32.1 | +4 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 29.8 | -1 |
| 3 | Penn State | 27.9 | +1 |
| 4 | Georgia | 27.4 | +2 |
| 5 | Alabama | 26.5 | 0 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 25.3 | -2 |
| 7 | LSU | 24.7 | +3 |
| 8 | Miami FL | 23.9 | +5 |
| 9 | Clemson | 23.1 | -1 |
| 10 | Oregon | 22.8 | -2 |
| 11 | Tennessee | 21.6 | +1 |
| 12 | Illinois | 20.4 | +6 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 19.8 | +12 |
| 14 | Michigan | 19.2 | +2 |
| 15 | Oklahoma | 18.7 | 0 |
| 16 | BYU | 18.1 | -3 |
| 17 | South Carolina | 17.5 | +4 |
| 18 | Boise State | 17.0 | -1 |
| 19 | Kansas State | 16.8 | -2 |
| 20 | Texas A&M | 16.3 | +2 |
| 21 | Iowa State | 15.9 | +3 |
| 22 | Ole Miss | 15.4 | -4 |
| 23 | USC | 15.0 | -1 |
| 24 | North Carolina | 14.6 | -5 |
| 25 | Florida | 14.2 | +7 |
Biggest Risers in ESPN FPI After Week 4
Wisconsin made a big leap. The Badgers moved up 12 spots with a quality win under Luke Fickell. FPI rewards margin of victory and opponent strength.
Illinois rose six spots after a road win. Miami FL gained five spots. Florida entered the Top 25 with a seven-spot jump.
Efficiency metrics drove the moves. Early season sample size remains small, so gains are amplified.
Biggest Fallers in ESPN FPI After Week 4
Maryland took a dive. The Terrapins fell out of the Top 25 after an upset loss. The drop was the largest in the update.
North Carolina fell five spots. Ole Miss dropped four spots. Multiple Top 25 losses forced an FPI overhaul.
Losses to unranked opponents carry heavy penalties in the model.
SEC Team Jumps Multiple Spots to No.1
Texas took over the top FPI spot. The Longhorns jumped from fourth to first after Week 4.
The win improved Texas’ power rating and strength of schedule metrics. The jump puts Texas atop playoff projections.
Ohio State slipped to second. The previous FPI leader lost ground on efficiency.
How ESPN FPI Works and Why Week 4 Changes Are Significant
FPI blends returning production, recruiting, and game results. It uses opponent adjustments and garbage time filters.
Early season volatility is normal. Week 4 results start to stabilize power ratings.
The model impacts CFP conversation. A top three FPI spot signals a strong playoff path.
Teams Rising & Falling in New ESPN FPI Ratings After Week 4
Risers and fallers show clear separation after Week 4.
| Team | Movement | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | +12 | Quality win, efficiency surge |
| Texas | +4 | SEC win, top spot |
| Miami FL | +5 | Margin of victory |
| Maryland | -13 | Upset loss, out of Top 25 |
| North Carolina | -5 | Defensive efficiency drop |
| Ole Miss | -4 | Close loss to ranked foe |
Bubble teams shifted. Strength of schedule adjustments are now visible.
What’s Next for FPI Rankings
Week 5 features several ranked matchups. A loss could trigger another overhaul.
Teams to watch include Wisconsin, Texas, and Maryland. FPI will react to margin and opponent quality.
Live updates track the model after each game. The Top 25 remains fluid through October.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is No.1 in ESPN FPI after Week 4?
- A: Texas is No.1 with an FPI rating of 32.1, jumping 4 spots after a Week 4 win.
- Q: Which team had the biggest rise in ESPN FPI after Week 4?
- A: Wisconsin rose 12 spots to No.13, followed by Illinois up 6 and Miami FL up 5.
- Q: What is ESPN FPI and how is it used?
- A: ESPN FPI is a predictive rating system that feeds playoff projections and strength of schedule assessments.
- Q: Why did the rankings change so much after Week 4?
- A: Early season sample size is small, so margin of victory and opponent strength cause amplified volatility in the model.
Extended Reading
Analysis of the ESPN FPI after Week 4 shakeup is covered by Saturday Down South, On3, and Sports Illustrated CFB HQ. Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary, and global perspectives. The publication was founded in 2026 and is committed to clarity, context, and thoughtful journalism.