Image Source: CBS Sports
The AP Top 25 is set for a major Week 4 shake-up, with Florida projected to make one of the biggest jumps in the poll after a statement victory over Ole Miss. The Gators’ 52-28 win over the No. 4 Rebels in Gainesville could lift Florida from No. 21 into the top five.
As reported by CBS Sports, voters will submit their ballots Sunday after a weekend filled with ranked matchups, road victories and unexpected upsets. The projected changes also include significant drops for Michigan and Penn State, while several new teams are expected to enter the rankings.
Florida’s Explosive Rise Leads the AP Top 25
Florida delivered the weekend’s clearest rankings statement by overwhelming Ole Miss from the opening kickoff. Running back Jadan Baugh powered the Gators with 142 rushing yards and three touchdowns, helping first-year coach Jon Sumrall secure the defining victory of his early tenure.
The win improved Florida to 4-0 and gave the program a top-five victory that will be difficult for AP voters to overlook. The projected No. 5 ranking would be Florida’s first top-10 appearance since September 2021.
Florida’s sudden surge is also a reflection of how effectively Sumrall has changed the program’s trajectory. After several seasons of disappointment, the Gators now look like a legitimate contender in the SEC and a potential factor in the College Football Playoff race.
Projected AP Top 25: Texas Remains on Top
Texas is projected to retain the No. 1 ranking after surviving a difficult SEC road game against Tennessee. The Longhorns were not perfect, but their victory should be enough to preserve their position ahead of Georgia and Notre Dame.
Georgia remains No. 2 after a dominant win over Oklahoma, while Notre Dame stays third following a 49-10 victory against Purdue. The Fighting Irish have now won 14 consecutive games by at least 10 points.
- 1. Texas
- 2. Georgia
- 3. Notre Dame
- 4. Miami
- 5. Florida
- 6. Indiana
- 7. Ohio State
- 8. Alabama
- 9. BYU
- 10. Ole Miss
Miami is projected to move up from No. 6 after defeating Central Michigan, while Indiana could slide one spot after narrowly avoiding an upset against Northwestern. Ohio State remains seventh after another spectacular performance from wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who recorded four touchdown receptions.
Michigan and Penn State Projected to Fall Out
The biggest casualties of the new rankings are expected to be Penn State and Michigan. Penn State suffered a home loss to an unranked opponent, while Michigan fell to Iowa in a result that could remove the Wolverines from the poll entirely.
Wisconsin is positioned to benefit from the chaos. The Badgers improved to 3-1 and own a major road victory at Penn State, with their only loss coming against top-five Notre Dame. That combination of a quality win and quality loss could be enough to earn Wisconsin a spot.
Louisville, Missouri and Texas A&M are also projected to drop out. Louisville lost at home to Wake Forest, Missouri fell to Mississippi State in a competitive SEC game, and Texas A&M was beaten by LSU.
Oregon, Iowa and Newcomers Gain Momentum
Oregon is projected to rise from No. 20 to No. 15 after defeating USC on the road. The Ducks overcame adversity, including a concerning injury to quarterback Dante Moore, to secure an important conference victory.
Iowa could climb from No. 17 to No. 14 after winning at Michigan for the first time in 16 years. Meanwhile, Mississippi State, Houston and SMU are expected to strengthen their positions following impressive victories.
Boise State, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin, UCLA and Nebraska are projected newcomers. UCLA made the loudest statement among them by routing Maryland 52-3 and forcing five turnovers. Nebraska also remained undefeated at 4-0 after beating Michigan State.
What the AP Top 25 Means Moving Forward
The projected poll highlights how quickly the national picture can change once conference play begins. Florida now has momentum, a signature win and a rising star in Baugh. At the same time, teams such as Michigan and Penn State must respond quickly to avoid falling further behind in the playoff conversation.
The official AP Top 25 will be released Sunday, but the Week 4 results have already created one of the season’s most dramatic ranking debates.
Is Florida expected to enter the AP Top 25 top five?
Yes. CBS Sports projects Florida to rise from No. 21 to No. 5 after defeating No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28.
Which teams are projected to fall out?
Penn State, Louisville, Michigan, Missouri and Texas A&M are projected to leave the rankings.
Will Texas remain No. 1?
Texas is projected to hold the top spot after beating Tennessee in a close SEC matchup.
Which new teams could enter the poll?
Boise State, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin, UCLA and Nebraska are projected to enter the AP Top 25.
