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AP rankings college football entered a critical stretch after Week 5, with unbeaten teams strengthening their playoff cases and several established programs tumbling. Texas remained No. 1 despite a bye, while Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami and Indiana continued their perfect starts.
Ohio State and Alabama also made powerful statements in conference play. Meanwhile, Missouri delivered one of the weekend’s biggest surprises by overwhelming Florida, sending the Gators sharply down the poll. The latest rankings, reported by ESPN, show just how quickly the national picture is changing as conference schedules become more demanding.
Explosive Movement Defines the AP Rankings College Football Poll
The top four remained unchanged. Texas is 4-0 and will return to action against Oklahoma on Oct. 10. Georgia stayed No. 2 after defeating Vanderbilt 38-14, improving to 5-0. The Bulldogs have now won 53 consecutive games against AP-unranked opponents, the longest active streak in the FBS.
Notre Dame held No. 3 after beating North Carolina 37-26. The Fighting Irish have won 15 consecutive games, all by double digits. Miami remained fourth after an emphatic 41-13 victory over Clemson, marking the Hurricanes’ third consecutive 5-0 start.
Ohio State and Alabama Build Serious Playoff Momentum
Ohio State stayed at No. 5 after defeating Iowa 31-14. The Buckeyes scored four touchdowns against Iowa, more than all of Iowa’s other opponents combined this season. Ohio State is now 4-1 and will face Maryland next.
Alabama climbed from No. 7 to No. 6 after crushing Mississippi State 56-23. The Crimson Tide are 5-0 for the first time since 2022 and now face their biggest test of the season against Georgia. The matchup could have major consequences for the SEC championship race and the College Football Playoff conversation.
Indiana slipped one spot to No. 7 despite a 47-15 win over Rutgers. The Hoosiers have won 21 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the FBS. BYU moved up to No. 8 after defeating TCU 17-10, while Ole Miss stayed ninth after a week off.
Missouri Makes the Biggest Leap in the Top 25
Missouri produced the poll’s most dramatic rise, jumping from No. 25 to No. 14 after a stunning 45-17 victory over Florida. The Tigers recorded their largest win over an AP top-10 opponent in program history.
Florida, meanwhile, fell from No. 8 to No. 16. The Gators entered the game averaging 53.5 points per contest but managed only 17 against Missouri. The result ended Florida’s unbeaten start and raised fresh questions about how the team will respond during the heart of its SEC schedule.
LSU moved from No. 11 to No. 10 after beating McNeese 63-14. Texas Tech rose to No. 11 following a 29-7 victory over Colorado and is 5-0 in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. Utah, Oregon and Tennessee also moved upward, while Mississippi State, Iowa and SMU each fell.
Historic Streaks and New Challengers
Pittsburgh entered the AP poll at No. 25 after rallying to defeat Virginia Tech 35-33. The Panthers improved to 5-0 and secured their first conference road win after trailing by 14 points since 2002. Pitt’s arrival gives the poll another unbeaten team with an opportunity to climb quickly.
UCLA also remained unbeaten at 4-0 and moved to No. 21. Houston, Boise State and SMU occupied the next spots, while USC stayed at No. 19 after overcoming an 11-point second-half deficit to beat Washington 25-21.
- Texas remains No. 1 with a 4-0 record.
- Georgia, Notre Dame and Miami all stayed unbeaten.
- Alabama climbed into the top six before its showdown with Georgia.
- Missouri made the largest jump, rising 11 places.
- Pittsburgh returned to the poll at No. 25.
What Comes Next for the College Football Top 25?
The coming schedule could reshape the rankings again. Georgia visits Alabama in the week’s marquee matchup, while Texas faces Oklahoma in a rivalry game with major playoff implications. Notre Dame hosts Stanford, Indiana travels to Nebraska and Ohio State welcomes Maryland.
Other notable games include Oregon against UCLA, USC at Penn State, Missouri versus Texas A&M and Houston at Kansas State. With several ranked teams meeting conference opponents, the next AP rankings college football release could feature another round of major changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is No. 1 in the AP rankings college football poll?
Texas is No. 1 after opening the 2026 season with a 4-0 record. The Longhorns were idle in Week 5 and will face Oklahoma next.
Which team made the biggest jump?
Missouri made the biggest rise, moving from No. 25 to No. 14 after defeating Florida 45-17.
Did Pittsburgh enter the Top 25?
Yes. Pittsburgh entered the poll at No. 25 after beating Virginia Tech 35-33 and improving to 5-0.
What is the biggest game next week?
Georgia at Alabama is the headline matchup. Both teams are unbeaten, and the result could influence the SEC title race and playoff picture.
