Texas football fans have reason to celebrate as the Longhorns’ dramatic 24‑23 victory over No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night thrusts the team into serious contention for the Associated Press (AP) No. 1 ranking when the poll is released Sunday. The comeback, which erased a 20‑point fourth‑quarter hole, marks the largest rally ever recorded against a team holding the top spot, according to Sportradar.
Longhorns’ comeback fuels AP poll speculation
The win not only avenged a loss to the Buckeyes a year ago that knocked Texas out of the No. 1 position, it also gives the Longhorns a strong case to claim the top slot in the upcoming poll. With 69 journalists on the AP voting panel, the narrative of a resilient Texas squad that can overcome adversity is likely to resonate.
Oregon’s slide out of the top ten
Meanwhile, No. 6 Oregon is set to fall out of the top ten for the first time in three years after a 39‑31 road defeat at the hands of Oklahoma State. The loss was especially painful because the Cowboys had endured a 21‑game losing streak against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents before snapping it earlier this season. Oregon’s drop underscores the volatility of the rankings as the season progresses.
Michigan eyes a return to the poll
Michigan, which fell out of the Top 25 after a narrow win over Western Michigan required a last‑second Hail Mary, could re‑enter the poll with its 17‑10 victory over No. 11 Oklahoma. The Sooners’ performance will determine how far they fall in the rankings, though analysts admit the outcome remains uncertain.
Big Ten teams on the bubble
Two additional Big Ten programs, No. 19 Washington and No. 21 Iowa, also await the poll’s verdict. Washington, a 26½‑point favorite at home, edged Utah State 16‑14, while Iowa, a 14‑point favorite, defeated rival Iowa State 16‑13. Their wins keep them in the conversation, but space for new entrants will be limited.
Potential newcomers
Should Washington and Iowa retain their spots, the next team most likely to break into the Top 25 is Boise State, which recently played a close road game against Oregon and posted a convincing 38‑20 win over Memphis in a key Group of Six matchup.
What the poll means for fans
For Texas supporters, the prospect of a No. 1 ranking validates the program’s resilience and could boost recruiting and fan engagement across the state. Oregon fans will need to regroup quickly, while Michigan hopes to capitalize on its recent win to climb back into national relevance. As the AP poll approaches, the conversation will focus on which teams have earned the top honors and how the rankings will shape the remainder of the college football season.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
