The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll saw significant shakeups following a weekend of dramatic games. Texas A&M's impressive 41-40 victory over Notre Dame propelled them six spots to No. 10, marking their highest ranking since last season. This win, achieved despite numerous challenges including injuries and penalties, showcases the Aggies' resilience and growing strength. Their 3-0 start is their best since 2021.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame, despite their loss, makes history. The Irish became the first 0-2 team to remain ranked in the Top 25 since the 1988 Michigan Wolverines, holding onto the No. 24 spot. Their narrow defeats against ranked opponents highlight their competitiveness despite their winless start.
At the top of the rankings, Ohio State maintains its position at No. 1, followed by Penn State and LSU. Miami climbed to No. 4, and Georgia, despite a close contest against Tennessee, secured the No. 5 spot. Other notable movements include Oregon's slight drop to No. 6 and Alabama's five-spot jump to No. 14 after a convincing win against Wisconsin. Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, and USC all made their season debuts in the Top 25.
Several teams experienced significant changes in their rankings. Clemson's fall from preseason No. 4 to outside the Top 25 reflects their current 1-2 record. South Carolina and South Florida also exited the rankings. The SEC remains the most dominant conference with 11 teams in the Top 25, followed by the Big Ten with 7.
Several compelling matchups are on the horizon. Texas Tech's high-powered offense will face its toughest test yet against Utah's stingy defense. The showdown between Auburn and Oklahoma features a quarterback reunion, with Jackson Arnold, who previously played for Oklahoma, now leading the Tigers. And finally, a clash of offensive and defensive powerhouses awaits as Illinois takes on Indiana.
The AP Top 25 continues to be a dynamic landscape, promising more thrilling games and ranking shifts in the weeks to come.
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Originally published at: https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-football-poll-fd1a383be49e7e666a67962ef945cbc1
