College Football Week 5 Winners and Losers After Upset-Filled Slate

College football is in full swing with conference play underway, so who were some of the biggest winners and losers from week 5. Alabama Crimson Tide handed the Georgia Bulldogs its first home loss since 2019, and Penn State coach James Franklin loses another top 10 game.

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer talks to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) as Simpson comes off the field after a touchdown drive against UL Monroe at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images | Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Week 5 of the college football season is officially in the books. The season is starting to heat up with conference play beginning, so who were some of the biggest winners and losers from this past weekend. 

Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide 

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer talks to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) as Simpson comes off the field after a touchdown drive against UL Monroe at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images | Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

The future of what Alabama football would look like under Kalen DeBoer seemed very shaky after the Crimson Tide’s loss to Florida State in the season opener. 

But it wasn’t just the loss but it was the struggles on the road but the lack of physicality, execution and attention to detail. 

All of that was erased on Saturday night with a 24-21 win over No. 12 Georgia on the road, who was No. 5 coming into the contest. It was the Bulldogs first home loss since 2019, ending a 33-game home win streak. 

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has quietly been one of the best signal-callers in the country, accounting for 11 touchdowns versus zero interceptions over the last three games. For a player that waited four years for his opportunity to be the man under center, he is taking full advantage. 

The Tide moved up seven spots to No. 10 in the latest AP Poll. 

Loser: USC Trojans' College Football Playoff Chances

The USC Trojans lost to Illinois over the weekend, falling to 4-1 on the season. While USC can certainly still compete for a College Football Playoff bid, the margin for error is now razor thin for the Trojans.

With upcoming matchups with Michigan and Notre Dame, as well as a late-November road trip to Oregon, the Trojans will have to add some big wins to their résumé. Games against Iowa and Nebraska in November will also be tough tests for USC.

Can Trojans coach Lincoln Riley and his team remain in CFP contention this season?

Loser: James Franklin, Penn State

Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Same story, different season for No. 7 Penn State, who fell to No. 2 Oregon 30-24 in double overtime. James Franklin falls to 4-21 versus top 10 teams and 1-15 versus top 5 teams. 

The Nittany Lions had national championship expectations and we are still only in September, but as history would suggest under Franklin, this team is no different than years past, as far as their ability to win big games. 

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Quarterback Drew Allar has been less than stellar this season. He did get the offense rolling in the second half, but it was his interception in double overtime that sealed the Nittany Lions fate. 

Winner: Ole Miss 

Sep 27, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on during a time out during the second quarter against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

There were plenty of storylines heading into this highly anticipated matchup between No. 4 Ole Miss and No. 13 LSU. 

It was another rough offensive showing for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and co. 

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been one of the best stories early in the 2025 season. Chambliss transferred from Division II Ferris State and has been phenomenal in his three weeks as the starter since Austin Simmons went down with an injury. 

He accounted for 385 yards of offense and led the Rebels to a 24-19 win to remain unbeaten and in position to make a run at the programs first berth in the College Football Playoff. 

Loser: Florida State 

Sep 26, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Ja'son Prevard (10) is hugged by Cavaliers defensive back Donavon Platt (28) as fans storm the field after making a game winning interception in the end zone against the Florida State Seminoles in the second overtime at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

It felt like a trap game going in and that’s exactly how it played out. No. 24 Florida State fell to No. 24 Virginia 46-38. The loss dropped them from No. 8 to No. 18. 

One loss certainly doesn’t end Florida State’s season and prevent them from winning the ACC and reaching the College Football Playoff. But next week the Seminoles will face No. 3 Miami, and another loss could turn the fortunes of a promising season.