Image Source: FOX Sports
The AP poll picture is becoming more complicated after a dramatic Week 5, with Ohio State returning to the top five and Alabama and Missouri making notable upward moves. Fox Sports college football writer RJ Young released his latest top 25 rankings on Oct. 4, offering a fresh look at the teams shaping the national championship and College Football Playoff conversation.
Although Young’s rankings are not the official AP poll, they reflect the shifting national picture following several important results. Texas remained No. 1, while Georgia, Notre Dame and Miami held the next three spots. Ohio State climbed from No. 6 to No. 5 after defeating Iowa 31-14 on the road.
AP Poll Picture Changes After a Wild Week 5
Ohio State’s rise was powered by a standout performance from wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. He caught 11 passes for 206 yards against Iowa and became the Buckeyes’ all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Smith now owns 207 receptions, 3,381 receiving yards and 36 touchdown catches for Ohio State. His production helped the Buckeyes overcome concerns about their ability to close games and provided a powerful response after their earlier loss at Texas.
Alabama also made a significant jump, moving from No. 8 to No. 6 after overwhelming Mississippi State, 56-23. Quarterback Keelon Russell continued his impressive start, while the Crimson Tide defense forced Mississippi State into early mistakes, including a pick-six.
The result sets up one of the season’s most important games. Alabama will host No. 2 Georgia in Week 6, giving both programs an opportunity to strengthen their playoff credentials. Georgia has outscored opponents 63-0 in the first quarter this season, but Alabama’s recent form makes the matchup particularly compelling.
Missouri Delivers the Biggest Ranking Statement
Missouri produced perhaps the most eye-catching result of the weekend by defeating Florida 45-17. The Tigers jumped from No. 19 to No. 8 in Young’s rankings, despite losing to Mississippi State the previous week.
Running back Jamal Roberts powered the victory with 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He became the first SEC running back to reach those numbers against an AP top-10 opponent since Derrick Henry did so in 2015.
Florida, which entered the weekend ranked No. 5, fell to No. 14. The Gators were unable to establish their running game, as star back Jadan Baugh managed only 13 yards on 12 carries after averaging 150 rushing yards in his previous four games.
The result highlights the extraordinary uncertainty within the SEC. Alabama defeated Mississippi State, Mississippi State defeated Missouri, Missouri defeated Florida, and Florida previously defeated Ole Miss. That sequence has made it difficult to identify a clear second-tier contender behind Texas and Georgia.
Notre Dame, Miami and Indiana Keep Winning
The teams near the top of the rankings also delivered convincing performances. Notre Dame stayed at No. 3 after beating North Carolina 37-26. The Fighting Irish have now won 14 consecutive games by double digits and are 5-0 this season.
Quarterback CJ Carr has completed 71% of his passes for 1,197 yards, 13 touchdowns and only one interception. His 16 total touchdowns are the most by a Notre Dame starting quarterback through five games since at least 2000.
Miami remained No. 4 after a dominant 41-13 victory over Clemson. Quarterback Darian Mensah accounted for two touchdowns and has 17 total touchdowns against only 21 incompletions through five games.
Indiana stayed at No. 7 after dismantling Rutgers 47-15. The Hoosiers produced 593 yards of offense and held Rutgers to 254 yards, reinforcing their status as one of the Big Ten’s fastest-rising teams.
- No. 1 Texas: 4-0, idle in Week 5
- No. 2 Georgia: 5-0 after beating Vanderbilt 38-14
- No. 3 Notre Dame: 5-0 after beating North Carolina
- No. 4 Miami: 5-0 after beating Clemson
- No. 5 Ohio State: 4-1 after beating Iowa
- No. 6 Alabama: 5-0 after beating Mississippi State
- No. 8 Missouri: 4-1 after beating Florida
Playoff Pressure Builds in Week 6
The next round of games could create another major shake-up in the AP poll race. Texas travels to Oklahoma, Ohio State hosts Maryland, and Oregon welcomes undefeated UCLA. The most consequential contest, however, will be Georgia at Alabama.
A victory for Alabama would confirm the Crimson Tide as a serious SEC and national title contender. A Georgia win would strengthen the Bulldogs’ case as the country’s best team and potentially leave the SEC with two clear championship favorites.
With undefeated teams continuing to emerge and several ranked programs already showing vulnerabilities, the national rankings remain wide open. Week 6 may provide the clearest answers yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the official AP poll?
No. These are RJ Young’s Fox Sports top 25 rankings. They reflect the national college football landscape but are separate from the official AP poll released by the Associated Press.
Why did Ohio State move back into the top five?
Ohio State defeated Iowa 31-14 on the road, while Jeremiah Smith delivered a record-setting performance with 11 catches for 206 yards.
Why did Missouri rise so sharply?
Missouri defeated previously No. 5 Florida 45-17. Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers’ statement victory.
What is the biggest Week 6 game?
Georgia’s road matchup with Alabama is the most important game because both teams are undefeated and viewed as major SEC and national championship contenders.
