The latest updates in the AP Top 25 college football rankings reveal significant changes, with Miami rising to second place. Meanwhile, both Penn State and Texas have fallen out of the rankings for the first time since last season. The latest poll highlights the impact of unexpected losses among top-ranked teams.
Miami Makes a Strong Comeback
Miami has reclaimed the No. 2 ranking following its victory against Florida State, now holding 21 first-place votes. This marks a notable increase from the four votes received the previous week. The Hurricanes previously held this position but dropped last week due to Oregon’s impressive overtime win against Penn State.
Ohio State Maintains Top Spot
Ohio State remains at the No. 1 position, winning decisively over Minnesota. Despite this, the Buckeyes received only 40 first-place votes, the lowest since ascending to the top five weeks ago. Oregon follows at No. 3, having received the remaining five first-place votes.
Significant Falls: Penn State and Texas
Both Penn State and Texas have exited the rankings after significant defeats. Penn State, once ranked No. 2, faced a shocking loss to UCLA, dropping to unranked for the first time since September 2022. The Nittany Lions were 24.5-point favorites in that matchup and lost 42-37.
Texas, the preseason No. 1, also tumbles after a 29-21 loss to Florida, marking the Longhorns’ exit from the rankings since November 2022. These unexpected falls highlight the volatility of college football rankings this season.
Historic Impacts and Notable Trends
- Penn State’s drop matches Oklahoma’s significant fall in 1959, being the second-largest in the poll’s 99-year history.
- Before Sunday, the last occurrence of two top-10 teams falling from the poll in the same week was in 1986.
New Entries in the Rankings
In this week’s rankings, Memphis and South Florida make their return. Memphis, previously ranked No. 24, stands out with a strong start to the season, achieving a 6-0 record, qualifying for bowl eligibility for the twelfth consecutive year. South Florida, returning to the rankings after a one-month absence, currently sits at 4-1.
Week Ahead: Key Matchups
| Matchup | Date |
|---|---|
| No. 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois | This Week |
| No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon | This Week |
| No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri | This Week |
Overall, the AP Top 25 rankings reflect a dynamic and unpredictable season. Teams are continuing to battle for dominance, setting the stage for thrilling matchups ahead.
