UPDATE: The latest AP Top 25 college football poll reveals that Texas has surged back into the top 10, while the ACC celebrates a historic milestone with five teams ranked for the first time this season. This significant shift comes just weeks before the College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket is finalized, making it crucial for teams to secure their standings.
In this week’s poll, Texas, previously the preseason No. 1, is now ranked No. 10 ahead of a critical matchup against No. 5 Georgia this Saturday. After a challenging start that saw them drop out of the rankings following a loss to Florida, the Longhorns rebounded with four consecutive victories, jumping from No. 13 to their current position.
The top five teams remained unchanged, with Ohio State holding the top spot for the 11th consecutive week, earning 55 first-place votes. Indiana maintained its No. 2 ranking despite a narrow win against Penn State, while Texas A&M climbed to No. 3, gaining momentum with four first-place votes. Alabama and Georgia round out the top five.
The ACC’s impressive showing in the rankings includes No. 14 Georgia Tech, No. 16 Miami, No. 19 Louisville, No. 20 Virginia, and No. 23 Pittsburgh. This marks the first time since November 3, 2024 that the conference boasts five ranked teams. With a competitive landscape, the ACC currently has five teams with just one loss in conference play.
As the race for the Group of Five’s automatic bid in the CFP intensifies, Memphis suffered a setback against Tulane on Friday, complicating their chances. The CFP committee did not include a Group of Five team in its latest top 25 but indicated that Memphis was first in line. Expect changes when the committee releases its next rankings on Tuesday.
In a notable development for Group of Five teams, No. 24 James Madison from the Sun Belt Conference has made its first appearance in the AP poll since 2023, boasting an 8-1 record with its sole loss to Louisville. No. 25 South Florida from the American Conference closely follows, while Tulane received the most votes among unranked teams.
With the college football season heating up and playoff implications at stake, fans are urged to stay tuned for further developments. As rankings shift and teams battle for a spot in the postseason, every game counts more than ever.
For more urgent updates and insights, follow the AP Top 25 closely as the season unfolds.
