The college football season is heating up, and the latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll shows some exciting changes. Miami has jumped to the No. 2 spot behind Ohio State, while Oklahoma has returned to the top 10 for the first time in two years. Other teams, like Indiana and Texas Tech, also made big moves after impressive wins. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in college football and why these rankings matter.
1. Miami’s Big Leap to No. 2
Miami’s football team, the Hurricanes, has had an incredible start to the 2025 season. They moved up to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll after a strong 19-point victory over Florida at home. This win was especially important because it showed Miami’s ability to beat tough, ranked opponents. The Hurricanes have now defeated two ranked teams this season, earning them their highest ranking since 2017.
Miami received seven first-place votes from the media panel, showing that many believe they are one of the best teams in the country. Their rise pushed Penn State, which was idle this week, down to No. 3. LSU also dropped one spot to No. 4 after an easy win against a lower-division team, Southeastern Louisiana.
2. Ohio State Stays on Top
Ohio State remains the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 poll, even though they didn’t play this week. The Buckeyes received 52 out of 66 first-place votes, proving that most voters still see them as the team to beat. Ohio State’s strong performance earlier in the season has kept them at the top, but Miami’s rise shows that the competition is getting closer.
3. Oklahoma’s Return to the Top 10
Oklahoma is back in the top 10, landing at No. 7 after a big win over Auburn, a previously ranked team. This is the first time the Sooners have been in the top 10 since starting the 2023 season with a 7-0 record. Oklahoma even received one first-place vote, a rare honor for a team ranked as low as No. 7. Their climb shows that they are regaining their status as a powerhouse in college football.
4. Indiana and Texas Tech Make Big Moves
Two teams that surprised everyone this week were Indiana and Texas Tech. Indiana had played an easy schedule early in the season, but they proved their strength with a massive 63-7 win over then-No. 9 Illinois. This victory pushed the Hoosiers up eight spots to No. 11, making them one of the biggest risers in the poll.
Texas Tech also made waves with a 24-point win over Utah, earning them a jump to No. 12. The Red Raiders pulled off this win despite losing their starting quarterback, Behren Morton, to an injury during the game. Backup quarterback Will Hammond stepped up, showing the team’s depth and determination.
5. New Teams in the Rankings
The AP Top 25 also welcomed some new teams this week. TCU, now ranked No. 24, earned their spot with a 3-0 record after beating SMU. This is their first regular-season ranking since 2022, when they were a regular in the top 10. Meanwhile, BYU claimed the No. 25 spot after a road win against East Carolina. This marks BYU’s first ranking this season, following their No. 13 finish last year.
On the other hand, Utah (previously No. 16) and Auburn (previously No. 22) fell out of the rankings after their losses.
6. Key Matchups to Watch
The AP Top 25 poll also highlighted some exciting upcoming games between ranked teams. These matchups could shake up the rankings even more:
- No. 4 LSU vs. No. 13 Mississippi: These teams have split their last four meetings, and last year’s game ended with LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier throwing a game-tying touchdown in the final seconds.
- No. 6 Oregon vs. No. 3 Penn State: This is a rematch of last year’s Big Ten championship, where Oregon won 45-37. Both teams have been dominant this season, but Penn State’s schedule has been slightly easier.
- No. 17 Alabama vs. No. 5 Georgia: Alabama has won nine of their last 10 games against Georgia since 2008, but Georgia has a 33-game home winning streak, the longest in the nation.
- No. 21 Southern California vs. No. 23 Illinois: USC is unbeaten and averaging 52.5 points per game, while Illinois is coming off a tough 63-point loss to Indiana.
7. Why the Rankings Matter
The AP Top 25 poll is a big deal in college football because it shows which teams are performing best each week. These rankings influence everything from fan excitement to playoff considerations. For teams like Miami, Oklahoma, and Indiana, moving up in the poll is a sign of their hard work and talent. However, it also puts pressure on them to keep performing against strong opponents.
For fans, the poll creates excitement and debate about who deserves to be ranked where. It also sets the stage for big games that could change the rankings and shape the path to the College Football Playoff.
8. What’s Next for College Football?
As the season continues, teams like Miami, Ohio State, and Oklahoma will need to stay focused to hold their high rankings. Upcoming games between ranked teams will test their skills and could lead to more shifts in the AP Top 25. Fans can expect more thrilling moments as the race for the national championship heats up.
The college football season is full of surprises, and this week’s poll is proof of that. With Miami’s rise, Oklahoma’s return, and big wins from Indiana and Texas Tech, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one to remember.
