Texas has regained the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press college football poll after a surprising loss by Alabama. The Crimson Tide fell to No. 7 after a shocking upset by Vanderbilt. This is the first time since 2010 that the top-ranked team has dropped so far in the rankings.
Texas received 52 out of 61 first-place votes, making them the first team in two years to move in and out of the top spot within three polls. Ohio State moved up to No. 2 after a convincing win over Iowa, receiving nine first-place votes. Oregon and Penn State also climbed in the rankings, with Georgia holding steady at No. 5.
Six out of the 18 ranked teams that played this week lost to unranked opponents, marking the highest percentage since 2020. In addition to Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan, and Southern California all fell in the rankings after losses to lower-ranked teams.
Texas A&M’s victory over Missouri propelled them to No. 15, while Missouri dropped to No. 21. The Big Ten conference dominates the top five, with the SEC maintaining a strong presence in the top 10. Several teams, including Clemson and Iowa State, saw significant jumps in the rankings.
SMU’s win over Louisville earned them a spot in the rankings at No. 25, while Pittsburgh’s victory over North Carolina put them at No. 22. USC and UNLV both dropped out of the rankings after losses.
Looking ahead, key matchups include Texas vs. Oklahoma, Ohio State vs. Oregon, and Mississippi vs. LSU. These games will have significant College Football Playoff implications and are sure to be exciting to watch.
Overall, the latest AP Top 25 rankings reflect a week of upheaval and unexpected outcomes in college football. Fans can expect more excitement and surprises as the season continues.
