The Associated Press released its Week 1 Top 25 college‑football poll on Thursday, and the results underscore the early‑season shake‑up across the nation. Ohio State remains the unanimous leader, earning 46 first‑place votes after a 56‑3 opening win over Ball State. Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas and defending champion Indiana round out the top five.
Michigan’s Unexpected Exit
Michigan, which entered the poll at No. 16, fell completely out of the rankings after a nail‑biting 24‑23 victory over Western Michigan. The Wolverines appeared to have lost when a clock‑stopping incompletion left just one second remaining. Quarterback Bryce Underwood then launched a 47‑yard Hail Mary pass that was caught by JJ Buchanan for the winning touchdown, sending the crowd into a frenzy and preserving the win.
LSU Jumps Into the Top Ten
LSU vaulted into the No. 8 spot after a commanding 51‑10 triumph over Clemson. The Tigers’ performance vaulted them ahead of Miami (Fla.), which sits at No. 7. Ole Miss and Texas A&M complete the top ten, reflecting a strong start for several programs.
Other Notable Movements
Oregon slipped from the top five to No. 6 despite a 34‑27 home victory over Boise State. The Ducks’ drop illustrates how a single win does not guarantee a top‑five ranking when other teams post larger margins.
Beyond the top ten, the poll lists Oklahoma at No. 11, Alabama at No. 12, Texas Tech at No. 13, USC (2‑0) at No. 14, and BYU at No. 15. The remainder of the rankings feature Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Washington, Utah, Iowa, Houston, Missouri, Louisville and Virginia, each holding a 1‑0 record.
What the Rankings Mean for Fans
For Michigan supporters, the drop serves as a reminder that early‑season rankings can be volatile, especially after a close win that could have easily turned into a loss. LSU fans, meanwhile, have cause for optimism as the Tigers demonstrate offensive firepower that could position them as a serious contender in the SEC.
Ohio State’s continued dominance reaffirms the Buckeyes’ status as the team to beat this season, while Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas and Indiana all look to solidify their positions with upcoming non‑conference matchups.
As the season progresses, weekly polls will continue to reflect the ebb and flow of performance, injuries and strength of schedule. Fans across the country will be watching closely to see which programs rise, which fall, and how the early rankings set the stage for the race to the College Football Playoff.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
