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The college football rankings AP poll projection for Sunday is set for a dramatic makeover after a chaotic Week 10 produced major wins, costly losses and a new debate over the nation’s best team. Georgia is projected to reclaim No. 1 following an emphatic road victory at Ole Miss, while Tennessee is expected to make one of the biggest jumps into the top 10.
The updated Associated Press Top 25 will arrive before the next College Football Playoff Selection Committee rankings are released Tuesday. Although the AP poll and CFP rankings have differed throughout the season, both evaluations will carry significant weight as the postseason picture takes shape.
Georgia Leads a Powerful College Football Rankings AP Poll Shakeup
Georgia is projected to move from No. 2 to No. 1 after controlling Ole Miss from start to finish. The Bulldogs had already built one of the country’s strongest résumés, with notable victories over Alabama, Florida and Ole Miss. Their only setback remains a stunning, turnover-filled loss to Auburn.
Utah is expected to remain close behind at No. 2. The Utes improved to 9-0 with a thrilling 28-20 victory over rival BYU, strengthening their case as the nation’s top unbeaten team. Utah had one first-place vote in the previous AP poll, and more voters could now view the Utes as a legitimate No. 1 option.
Notre Dame is projected to rise to No. 3 after defeating Miami 31-24. The Fighting Irish entered the weekend ranked No. 4 by AP voters but were placed much lower by the CFP committee. Their victory over the former No. 1 team could create a sharp contrast between the two rankings systems.
Notre Dame Wins, Miami Falls and UCLA Keeps Rolling
Miami is projected to drop from No. 1 to No. 5. The Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season on the road, and the defeat came without star wide receiver Carson Beckett, who was sidelined by a recent injury. Still, Miami’s 8-1 record and quality résumé should prevent a severe fall.
UCLA is expected to climb to No. 4 after improving to 9-0 with a road win at Minnesota. Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach delivered an explosive performance, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns on just eight completions. The Bruins produced pass plays of 75, 75, 54 and 27 yards, making their offense one of the most dangerous in the country.
Tennessee Makes an Explosive Top-10 Move
Tennessee could make the most eye-catching jump of the projected poll, rising from No. 16 to No. 9 after a 34-6 victory over Kentucky. The Volunteers are now 7-2 and have two impressive wins against teams that were ranked in the top 10 when the games were played.
Alabama is also expected to make a major move, climbing from No. 9 to No. 6 after beating LSU 31-13 in Baton Rouge. The Crimson Tide pulled away with a 21-0 run after LSU briefly took the lead. Wins over Kentucky and South Carolina add further strength to Alabama’s two-loss résumé.
- Texas is projected to move to No. 8 after winning at Missouri.
- Texas Tech could enter the top 10 after a 53-48 win over West Virginia.
- Wake Forest is projected at No. 11 after a 77-0 victory over Merrimack.
- BYU is expected to fall to No. 12 following its loss to Utah.
Oregon Returns as Ohio State Slides
Oregon is projected to reenter the AP Top 25 at No. 15 after stunning Ohio State 41-28 in Columbus. The Ducks improved their résumé with victories over Ohio State, USC and Boise State, despite holding a 6-3 overall record.
Ohio State is expected to drop from No. 11 to No. 17. The Buckeyes still own important wins over Indiana and Iowa, which should prevent a dramatic free fall. However, the loss leaves their playoff hopes more vulnerable with the season entering its decisive stretch.
Boise State, Iowa, New Mexico and South Carolina are also projected to remain ranked. New Mexico’s 8-1 record keeps the Lobos in the national conversation, although Oregon and Ohio State could create pressure near the cut line.
Teams in Danger of Falling Out
Ole Miss is projected to fall from No. 12 to No. 22 after losing to Georgia. LSU could drop from No. 15 to No. 24 after its defeat against Alabama, while Missouri and Florida are projected to leave the poll entirely.
SMU is expected to enter at No. 25 after an impressive 51-28 win over Virginia Tech. The Mustangs improved to 7-2 and now face a major test against Wake Forest in Week 11.
The projected AP Top 25 reflects how quickly the national picture can change. Georgia has the strongest momentum, Utah remains unbeaten, and Tennessee is surging at the perfect time. The official poll and Tuesday’s CFP rankings will provide the next critical snapshot of the playoff race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is projected to be No. 1 in the AP poll?
Georgia is projected to reclaim the No. 1 ranking after defeating Ole Miss in convincing fashion.
Why did Tennessee move so high?
Tennessee is expected to rise from No. 16 to No. 9 after beating Kentucky 34-6 and benefiting from other SEC results.
How far could Miami fall?
Miami is projected to drop to No. 5 after suffering its first loss of the season against Notre Dame.
Which team is projected to enter the Top 25?
Oregon and SMU are projected to enter the poll after impressive victories over Ohio State and Virginia Tech, respectively.
When will the CFP rankings be released?
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee is scheduled to release its next rankings on Tuesday.
