Ole Miss Climbs to No. 4 in Rankings While Ducks Secure No. 2 Spot
Breaking Down Major Shifts in AP College Football Poll Rankings
Ohio State Retains Top Spot Amid Intense Competition
Ohio State continues to hold the lead in the Associated Press college football poll, maintaining its No. 1 position for the fifth consecutive week. The Buckeyes secured 46 first-place votes, though this marks a decrease of six from the previous week. Their narrow 30-point lead over Oregon now represents the tightest competition between the top two teams since the preseason poll last August.
Oregon and Ole Miss Make Significant Advances
Oregon has climbed to the No. 2 position following a thrilling two-overtime victory at Penn State, which earned them 16 first-place votes—a significant jump from just one in the prior poll. This marks Oregon’s highest ranking since being No. 1 last year.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss achieved a remarkable surge, rising to No. 4. This is the Rebels’ highest ranking since late September 2015. Their victory over LSU was a key factor contributing to this jump, mirroring a similar rise back in 2015 when they defeated Alabama.
Alabama and Virginia Re-enter Major Rankings
Alabama made a triumphant return to the top 10, recovering from an early-season defeat against Florida State by securing three consecutive wins, including a recent triumph over Georgia. This victory halted the Bulldogs’ impressive 33-game home win streak, placing Alabama at No. 10.
Virginia has entered the Top 25 for the first time in six years, standing at No. 24. Their victory over Florida State—a team ranked significantly higher—propelled them into the prominent rankings once again.
Notable Movements Among Top 10 Teams
- Oklahoma holds firm at No. 5, despite a bye week.
- Texas A&M ascended to No. 6.
- Penn State, Indiana, and Texas filled out the top 10, with Indiana being the most significant mover over the past month, climbing 15 places since Week 1.
- Alabama’s entry into the top 10 rounded off the list, marking their return to the spotlight.
Significant Developments in the Conference Landscape
| Conference | Top Ranked Teams |
|---|---|
| SEC | Nos. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19 |
| Big Ten | Nos. 1, 2, 7, 8, 20, 22 |
| Big 12 | Nos. 11, 14, 23, 25 |
| ACC | Nos. 3, 17, 18, 24 |
| Independent | No. 21 |
Upcoming Ranked Matchups to Watch
- Miami vs. Florida State: As these teams meet for the 27th time as ranked opponents, recent history favors Florida State, which has won the last five encounters.
- Vanderbilt vs. Alabama: The Crimson Tide seeks to avenge last season’s surprise defeat against Vanderbilt, which marked a significant upset.
