Ohio State remains top in college football power ratings despite loss to Texas

College football power ratings released after Week 2 keep Ohio State at the top of the list despite a 20-point fourth-quarter lead slipping away in a 24-20 loss to Texas in Austin. The rankings, which aim to forecast future performance rather than react to single game outcomes, note that the Buckeyes outgained the Longhorns in total yards, posted a higher yards-per-play average and had more explosive plays, though a missed 45-yard field goal in the final minutes proved decisive.

"Power ratings are meant to predict future results, not to react to past results," the columnist wrote, adding that the statistical factors influencing the rating already account for the kicker's miss.

The update also shows Oregon dropping sharply in the rankings, while several teams from the Big Ten and SEC entered the top-12 after the second week of competition. Michigan re-entered the top 25, and Texas rose to the No. 1 spot in a separate CBS Sports poll.

Analysts highlighted that Ohio State's recent performance, despite three losses in its last four games, still reflects strong underlying metrics, suggesting the team may remain competitive moving forward.