AP Top 25 Poll: Georgia, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma Climb the Ranks
The latest AP Top 25 poll features fresh faces in the top spots. Georgia inched up to No. 4, Ole Miss cracked the top five, and Oklahoma slid into the top 10 at No. 8. This marks Georgia’s highest ranking since early September, thanks to a commanding 35-10 win over Texas. The Longhorns, meanwhile, dropped seven spots to No. 17.
Notably, No. 22 North Texas is ranked for the first time since 1959, positioning the team firmly in the Group of Five’s automatic College Football Playoff (CFP) bid race. With this, the number of Group of Five teams in the Top 25 rises to three—a first this season.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues its dominance with five teams in the top 10. Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M have maintained the top three spots for a fifth consecutive week. Oregon and Texas Tech moved up, tying at No. 6, while Alabama dropped six places to No. 10.
Insights from Voters
Is the Big 12 the Third Best Conference?
By Bob Asmussen
I agree that the Big 12 is the third-best league this season. Saturday’s game showed that with Arizona’s win over Cincinnati. Texas Tech is one of the country’s best and most entertaining teams, while BYU, Utah, Arizona schools, and Houston all possess great talent.
The surprising part is the Big 12’s rise without strong performances from Iowa State and Kansas State, traditionally competitive teams. Bringing those two back to form would make the Big 12 even more formidable.
Bob Asmussen is a college football writer and AP Top 25 voter for 15 years. Follow him on X @BobAsmussen.
Texas Slides to No. 17
By Maura Carey
Texas’ visit to Athens didn’t go as hoped. The Longhorns narrowed the gap to 14-10 late in the third quarter, but Georgia dominated the fourth, scoring 21 unanswered points to seal a 35-10 victory. This loss pushed Texas down seven spots to No. 17.
Just under a week after holding the No. 10 spot in CFP rankings, Texas’ playoff hopes have dimmed significantly.
Conference Strength and Voting
By Bob Asmussen
I don’t consider conference size or try to balance representation within my rankings. Our job is to rank the best teams irrespective of conference affiliation. It is possible to compare conferences by assessing teams’ performances against opponents outside their league.
For example, South Florida’s early successes against Boise State and Florida caught my eye. I watch games across all conferences, not just the Power Four. I appreciate that many of the teams I rank actually get to play in bowl season.
Texas Tech and Oregon Tie at No. 6
By Maura Carey
The AP Top 25 has recorded its second tie of the season, with Oregon and Texas Tech both ranked No. 6 after recent wins. Texas Tech improved to 10-1 following a dominant 48-9 victory over UCF, while Oregon beat Minnesota 42-13.
Texas Tech now stands as the highest-ranked Big 12 team. Oregon remains on track to be the third Big Ten team in the playoff, though an upcoming Week 13 matchup against USC could affect their standing.
Rising Competition in the Group of Five
The playoff race intensifies among Group of Five teams. South Florida, previously favored for a CFP spot at No. 12, fell 41-38 to Navy. This loss opens the door for teams like No. 21 James Madison and newcomers No. 22 North Texas and No. 24 Tulane to vie for a playoff bid.
Has Public Scrutiny Affected Voting?
By Bob Asmussen
Not at all—for me, stubbornness prevails. While I listen to criticism, I don’t shift my votes based on public pressure. Each voter interprets the game differently and values various aspects, so ballots vary. I research extensively before submitting my vote, making it a top priority after my job and family.
Who’s Up and Who’s Down?
Texas A&M held onto No. 3 after staging the biggest comeback in program history against South Carolina, winning 31-30. Georgia’s big 35-10 win over Texas lifted the Bulldogs to No. 4, while Texas fell to No. 17. Ole Miss climbed to No. 5 after a narrow victory over Florida.
Alabama dropped six spots to No. 10, and Oklahoma rose three places to No. 8 following their win over Alabama.
AP Top 25 Temperature Check
- Heating up: Georgia (4), Ole Miss (5), Texas Tech (T-6), Oregon (T-6), Oklahoma (8), BYU (11), Vanderbilt (12), Utah (13), Miami (14), USC (16), Virginia (19), Tennessee (20), James Madison (21), North Texas (22), Missouri (23), Tulane (24), Houston (25)
- Cooling off: Alabama (10), Georgia Tech (15), Texas (17)
- Steady: Ohio State (1), Indiana (2), Texas A&M (3), Notre Dame (9), Michigan (18)
AP Top 25 Poll Rankings
- Ohio State
- Indiana
- Texas A&M
- Georgia
- Ole Miss
- Tie: Texas Tech
- Tie: Oregon
- Oklahoma
- Notre Dame
- Alabama
- BYU
- Vanderbilt
- Utah
- Miami (Fla.)
- Georgia Tech
- USC
- Texas
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- James Madison
- North Texas
- Missouri
- Tulane
- Houston
Texas A&M’s Historic Comeback
By Maura Carey
Texas A&M appeared headed for defeat after trailing South Carolina 30-3 at halftime. However, quarterback Marcel Reed sparked a stunning turnaround by throwing three touchdown passes in the third quarter. The Aggies sealed the greatest comeback in program history with a rushing touchdown and extra point in the fourth quarter.
Voter’s Take on A&M’s Movement
By Bob Asmussen
Watching the Illinois-Maryland game, I was anticipating who would claim No. 3 on my ballot. Texas A&M’s comeback made that decision easy. I like the Aggies and believe they have a national title shot, though I rate the two Big Ten teams slightly higher. I admire teams that persevere when it seems hopeless—like Indiana at Penn State.
Should the CFP Reserve an Automatic Bid for Group of Five Conferences?
By Bob Asmussen
Yes, the Group of Five deserves an automatic bid, much like non-Power Four conferences get automatic entries in the NCAA tournament. The current system, with five conference champions receiving automatic bids and the rest at-large, works well and ideally should remain. The Power Four shouldn’t monopolize all playoff bids; merit-based selection is paramount.
Alabama’s Setback and Its Implications
Alabama’s first loss since Week 1 came at the hands of Oklahoma, 23-21. The Crimson Tide dropped to 8-2 overall and 6-1 in SEC play. Conversely, Georgia’s dominant 35-10 victory over Texas has likely vaulted them into Alabama’s former No. 4 CFP ranking spot, securing a first-round playoff bye.
The Bulldogs are poised to face Texas A&M in the SEC Championship game come early December.
Oklahoma’s Impressive Win Over Alabama
Oklahoma’s defense shone with four sacks, two forced fumbles, and an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown. This win marked the Sooners’ first against an SEC opponent this season and revitalized their postseason hopes, contingent on avoiding losses to Missouri or LSU in the coming weeks.
Who Might Rise and Fall in Next Week’s Poll?
- Likely to Rise: Georgia, Oklahoma, BYU, USC, Notre Dame
- Expected to Fall: Alabama, Texas, Louisville, Iowa, Cincinnati, South Florida, Pittsburgh
Understanding the AP Top 25 Poll
Since 1936, The Associated Press has been ranking major college football teams and naming national champions. AP employees do not vote themselves but select a panel of about 60 writers and broadcasters covering college football nationwide.
Voters aim to represent every state with an FBS school. The system assigns 25 points for a No. 1 vote down to 1 point for a 25th-place vote. Teams are ranked based on total points received. Voting is conducted online with automated tabulation.
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