College football power rankings by odds: Georgia, Ohio State claim on top ahead of Week 4

The 2024 college football season enters Week 4 with numerous teams vying to keep their name in the 12-team College Football Playoff conversation.

Even though we are only a few weeks into the season, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ohio State Buckeyes have already established themselves as early favorites for the national championship. The conference realignment has brought several significant programs into the conversation, such as the Texas Longhorns , who have joined the SEC, and the Oregon Ducks , who are newcomers to the Big Ten.

There are many more teams in contention with the expanded playoff field this year. Here's what the top contenders look like heading into Week 4.

More: College Football Playoff bracketology: SEC, Big Ten living up to expectations

College football power rankings: CFP championship odds after Week 3

All numbers from BetMGM college football odds as of Wednesday morning.

10. USC (2-0) (+3000)

• Last week: T-10 (+5000)
• Week 1 result: 27-20 win over LSU
• Week 2 result: 48-0 win over Utah State
• Week 3: Off
• Week 4: at Michigan

The Trojans made a statement with their shutout win against Utah State in the home opener. This was followed by an early bye week for USC, giving them a chance to recharge before their Week 4 matchup against Michigan. This game will be head coach Lincoln Riley's biggest test of the season, as they will be showcasing their abilities with new quarterback Miller Moss after the Caleb Williams era.

9. Penn State (2-0) (+2000)

• Last week: 8 (+2500)
• Week 1 result: 34-12 win at West Virginia
• Week 2 result: 34-27 win over Bowling Green
• Week 3: Off
• Week 4: vs. Kent State

The Nittany Lions' defense appeared shakier than usual in last Saturday's uncomfortably close home opener. Penn State had an early bye week in Week 3 to get healthy and find the answers to their problems. They face Kent State in a Week 4 matchup.

8. Miami (3-0) (+2500)

• Last week: T-8 (+2500)
• Week 1 result: 41-17 win over Florida
• Week 2 result: 56-9 win over Florida A&M
• Week 3 result: 62-0 win over Ball State
• Week 4: at South Florida

Cam Ward was dominant and threw for 346 yards and a career-high five touchdowns as the Hurricanes cruised to a blowout 62-0 win over Ball State in Week 3. In all three games so far this season, Miami has outscored its opponents 159-26, and the Canes have shown no signs of slowing down.

7. Tennessee (3-0) (+2000)

• Last week: 7 (+2000)
• Week 1 result: 69-3 win over Chattanooga
• Week 2 result: 51-10 win over North Carolina State
• Week 3 result: 71-0 win over Kent State
• Week 4: at Oklahoma

The Volunteers have been dominating every game this season, and their 71-0 win over Kent State in Week 3 was no different. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 10 of 16 attempts for 173 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 31 yards. Tennessee will face their first true road game against Oklahoma, which will be their biggest test of the season so far.

6. Ole Miss (3-0) (+1400)

• Last week: 6 (+1400)
• Week 1 result: 76-0- win over Furman
• Week 2 result: 52-3 win over Middle Tennessee
• Week 3 result: 40-6 win over Wake Forest
• Week 3: vs. Georgia Southern

During Week 3, the Ole Miss Rebels secured a 40-6 win against Wake Forest. Quarterback Jaxson Dart set a school record for passes without an interception but later threw his first interception of the season. Nevertheless, Dart continues to showcase his skills and ended the game with 377 yards and two touchdowns.

5. Oregon (3-0) (+1200)

• Last week: 5 (+1200)
• Week 1 result: 24-12 win over Idaho
• Week 2 result: 37-34 win over Boise State
• Week 3 result: 49-14 win over Oregon State
• Week 4: at UCLA

Oregon secured a 46-14 victory over in-state rivals Oregon State, giving the Ducks the confidence boost they needed heading into conference play. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel displayed his versatility by throwing for 291 yards and two touchdowns, and running for 64 yards with another touchdown.

4. Alabama (3-0) (+900)

• Last week: 4 (+900)
• Week 1 result: 63-0 win over Western Kentucky
• Week 2 result: 42-16 win over South Florida
• Week 3 result: 42-10 win over Wisconsin
• Week 4: vs. Georgia

The Crimson Tide had a close game against USF earlier this season, but they used it as a learning experience. They bounced back and dominated with a 42-10 win over Wisconsin in Week 3. Alabama's quarterback, Jalen Milroe, had an impressive performance, completing 12 of 17 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 75 yards and scored two touchdowns.

3. Texas (3-0) (+500)

• Last week: 3 (+500)
• Week 1 result: 52-0 win over Colorado State
• Week 2 result: 31-12 win over Michigan
• Week 3 result: 56-7 win over UTSA
• Week 4: vs. UL Monroe

Quarterback Quinn Ewers of the Texas Longhorns suffered an oblique strain during a non-contact play. This led to Arch Manning, one of the biggest names in college football, entering as quarterback for the Longhorns. Manning led the Longhorns to a 56-7 victory over UTSA, finishing the night with 223 yards and four touchdown passes. All eyes will be on Texas as Ewers recovers from his injury and to see if Manning can maintain the Longhorns' winning streak.

2. Ohio State (2-0) (+350)

• Last week: 2 (+355)
• Week 1 result: 52-6 win over Akron
• Week 2 result: 56-0 win over Western Michigan
• Week 3: Off
• Week 4: vs. Marshall

The Buckeyes easily won again, beating Western Michigan 56-0. In Week 2, Ohio State's running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins scored four touchdowns combined, and quarterback Will Howard threw for 296 yards in the team's shutout. The Buckeyes had a bye week early in the season and will have rested players for their Week 4 game against Marshall.

1. Georgia (3-0) (+275)

• Last week: 1 (+275)
• Week 1 result: 34-3 win over Clemson
• Week 2 result: 48-3 win over Tennessee Tech
• Week 3 result: 13-12 win over Kentucky
• Week 4: bye week

Georgia faced their toughest test of the season, barely surviving and edging past Kentucky in a nail-biting 13-12 Week 3 win. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 15 of 24 passes for 160 yards and suffered a tough hit to his shoulder, but he has emphasized that he is fine. Georgia doesn't have much time to figure out their problems as they visit Alabama on Sept. 28 for a rematch of last year's SEC championship.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football power rankings by odds: Georgia, Ohio State claim on top ahead of Week 4