Miami has surged to the No. 2 position in The Associated Press college football poll, overtaking both LSU and Penn State. This ranking places the Hurricanes directly behind Ohio State, who maintained the top spot despite having an open date. The latest poll reflects Miami’s strong performance, highlighted by a decisive home victory against Florida, where they won by 19 points. This marks the Hurricanes’ highest ranking since November 2017.
The rankings have shifted significantly, with Penn State, previously holding the No. 2 spot since the preseason, dropping to No. 3 after being idle. LSU fell to No. 4 following a comfortable win against Southeastern Louisiana from the Football Championship Subdivision. Georgia and Oregon maintained their positions at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, while Oklahoma made a notable entrance into the top 10, landing at No. 7 after defeating previously ranked Auburn.
Oklahoma’s climb into the top 10 is particularly significant as it marks their first appearance in this tier in two years. The Sooners returned to prominence after a strong start to the season, achieving a perfect record of 7-0. Rounding out the top 10 are Florida State, Texas A&M, and Texas.
Ohio State received 52 out of 66 first-place votes from the media panel, while Miami garnered seven, an increase from three in the previous week. Penn State received five first-place votes, while both Oregon and Oklahoma secured one each.
Indiana made headlines with a remarkable 63-7 victory over then-No. 9 Illinois, leading to the Hoosiers’ climb from No. 19 to No. 11, the most significant jump in this week’s rankings. Texas Tech also saw a rise, moving up five spots to No. 12 after a convincing 24-point win against Utah, even while playing with a backup quarterback.
The rankings continued to showcase the competitive landscape of college football, with TCU entering the rankings at No. 24 after defeating SMU, marking their first regular-season ranking since late 2022. BYU also made its debut in the rankings at No. 25 after a road win against East Carolina.
The poll adjustments reflect both the volatility and excitement of the season, with several teams experiencing rapid changes in their standings. Key matchups loom on the horizon, including No. 4 LSU facing No. 13 Mississippi, and a rematch between No. 6 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State, which will be pivotal for both teams.
As the season progresses, the AP Top 25 will continue to evolve, reflecting the outcomes of crucial games and the performances of top contenders. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the coming weeks, which promise to deliver more thrilling college football action.