The latest college football rankings see Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU firmly holding the top three spots, with Oregon making a return to the top five and South Florida earning a spot in the rankings for the first time in seven years.
Top Teams Hold Steady
Ohio State remains the top-ranked team, earning 57 out of 65 first-place votes from the media, thanks to a dominant 70-0 victory over Grambling. Penn State, secured five first-place votes, while LSU claimed two. Oregon, after a commanding win over Oklahoma State, ascends to No. 4 and picks up a first-place vote, pushing Georgia down to No. 6 following a sluggish performance against Austin Peay. Miami rounds out the top five.
Notable Rankings and Rises
Texas, Notre Dame, Illinois, and Florida State all remain in the top 10, with Florida State and Illinois breaking into the top 10 for the first time this season. In a surprising shift, Oklahoma saw the most significant jump, moving to No. 13 after an important win over Michigan, while the Wolverines dropped to No. 23. Tennessee also saw significant progress, rising seven spots to No. 15, while Texas A&M and others round out the top 20.
South Florida’s Impressive Rise
South Florida made headlines with its impressive climb to No. 18, marking their first ranking since 2018. The Bulls earned the spot with big wins over then-No. 13 Florida and Boise State. This is a significant accomplishment for the program as it looks to build momentum.
Newcomers and Dropouts
Newcomers to the rankings include No. 24 Auburn and No. 25 Missouri. Auburn earned a spot after a strong two-touchdown victory over Baylor, while Missouri made its return after defeating rival Kansas. On the other hand, Arizona State, Florida, and SMU dropped out of the rankings due to strong losses. Concerns about Florida’s coach’s future were raised, while Arizona State and SMU struggled to hold onto leads in key moments.
Conference Strengths
The SEC leads the pack with an impressive 11 teams in the rankings, showcasing its dominance this season. The Big Ten follows with six ranked teams, while the ACC has three.
Upcoming Matchups
Exciting matchups are ahead, including South Florida’s showdown with Miami. The Bulls aim to secure their third consecutive win against ranked opponents. Meanwhile, Georgia will try to extend its winning streak against Tennessee, creating a highly anticipated contest for fans.
Looking Ahead
As the college football season progresses, fans are eager to see how these teams adapt and strive for higher rankings. With intense competition for the top spots and new teams making their mark, the season promises to deliver exciting moments and surprising twists.
