Week 10 of the college football season brought significant shifts in momentum, highlighted by the rise of Ohio State’s quarterback Julian Sayin and the abrupt end of Hugh Freeze‘s tenure at Auburn University. Sayin’s stellar performance not only reinforced his status as a top Heisman contender but also set the stage for future playoff implications.
Sayin delivered an impressive display during Ohio State’s 38-14 victory over Penn State on November 1, 2025. He completed 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns, marking his second consecutive game with that many touchdown passes. This performance has elevated him to lead the nation in completion percentage, total quarterback rating (QBR), and adjusted yards per attempt, establishing him as the most efficient passer in college football.
In this noteworthy game, Sayin showcased his deep-ball accuracy with two completions of 57 yards to standout receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. His ability to maintain composure, make rapid decisions, and deliver precise throws has propelled Ohio State to the top of the College Football Playoff rankings, while his Heisman odds improved to +175, surpassing contenders such as Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Ty Simpson from Alabama.
Through eight games this season, Sayin has thrown a remarkable 23 touchdowns against only three interceptions, consistently demonstrating an impressive performance with no more than two incompletions in succession. His latest game earned him a QBR of 99.1, the highest of his career. As Ohio State remains undefeated, Sayin’s potential matchup against Mendoza in the upcoming Big Ten Championship Game looms large, with both players vying for the coveted Heisman Trophy.
The week also marked a critical turning point for Auburn, as the university parted ways with Hugh Freeze following a disheartening 10-3 loss to Kentucky. This defeat served as the final straw, prompting the administration to terminate Freeze’s contract after a tumultuous three-year tenure characterized by struggles both on and off the field. Freeze leaves Auburn with a 15-19 overall record, including a dismal 6-16 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, alongside a buyout of $15.8 million, contributing to a growing expenditure on coaching severance packages.
The loss to Kentucky exemplified the offensive ineptitude that plagued Freeze’s time at Auburn. The Tigers managed only 241 total yards and failed to score a touchdown despite multiple quarterback changes, leading to fan dissatisfaction evident in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Interim head coach DJ Durkin now faces the challenge of steering the team towards a more competitive future, particularly as the Tigers rank last in the SEC in passing yards and second-to-last in scoring.
This season has seen a historic surge in coaching buyouts, with over $185 million already committed as of Week 10. The trend highlights the financial pressures within college football, as several coaches, including Brian Kelly of LSU, also faced dismissals. Kelly’s buyout reportedly fell from a staggering $53 million to approximately $27 million, thanks to negotiations involving private donors. The current season has already set a record for the number of coaches fired mid-season, with 11 FBS head coaches terminated to date.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech’s hopes for an undefeated season were dashed in a shocking 48-36 defeat against NC State, marking a significant blow to the team’s aspirations and the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) playoff hopes. Despite a record-setting performance from quarterback Haynes King, who accounted for 511 total yards and four touchdowns, the Yellow Jackets could not keep pace with the Wolfpack, who scored on eight of ten possessions.
Defensive shortcomings proved costly for Georgia Tech, exposing weaknesses that need immediate attention as they prepare for the coming games. With the ACC’s playoff picture now muddled, Virginia stands as the last unbeaten team in the conference, but questions about their strength of schedule remain.
As the college football season progresses, the landscape continues to shift, creating a competitive environment that keeps fans and analysts on edge. The chaotic nature of the sport has intensified with November’s arrival, bringing the excitement of midweek games, known as MACtion, and the pressure of playoff implications into sharper focus.
With coaches facing uncertain futures and teams vying for playoff positions, the stakes are higher than ever in this unpredictable season. The selection committee now confronts the daunting task of evaluating performance and merit as they approach the final weeks of the regular season.