The third week of AP Top 25 college football poll rankings drop Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.
Following a tumultuous week with four losses by top-10 teams, resulting in only three maintaining their rankings, Saturday was notable for its blowouts and a few significant upsets. Anticipate a drop for No. 13 Florida, who lost to USF, and No. 12 Arizona State, defeated by Mississippi State, but the extent of their drop remains uncertain.
Stay updated with The Associated Press for comprehensive game recaps, poll forecasts, ranking analyses, and answers to fan inquiries in one consolidated source.
Here’s the latest:
MS State, South Florida, Baylor deliver key upsets
South Florida is now 2-0 against Top 25 teams.
After a decisive 34-7 victory over Boise State, which pushed the Broncos out of the Top 25, South Florida managed to edge out the Florida Gators 18-16 on their territory. South Florida’s quarterback, Byrum Brown, excelled with both passing and rushing, completing 23 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown, while gaining an additional 66 yards on 17 rushes.
Previously ranked at No. 13 following their 55-0 triumph over LIU in Week 1, Florida faced an unexpected setback. However, they weren’t alone in facing a surprise defeat. Mississippi State emerged victorious over No. 12 Arizona State with a 24-20 scoreline, led by quarterback Blake Sharpen. Senior receiver Brenen Thompson clinched the win with a 58-yard touchdown catch, leaving just 30 seconds on the clock.
Over in Dallas, an unranked Baylor team overthrew No. 17 SMU with a 48-45 win in second overtime.
Who votes in the poll, and how does it work?
No organization has been ranking teams and naming a major college football national champion longer than The Associated Press, since 1936.
Though AP employees don’t cast votes, they select those who do. The AP Top 25 poll is determined by approximately 60 writers and broadcasters from AP member organizations and other selected outlets, with an aim to ensure representation from each state with a Football Bowl Subdivision school.
The ranking system uses a 1-25 point allocation, where the top-voted team receives 25 points, down to 1 point for the 25th position. Following the tally, the poll ranks the teams with the highest points from 1 to 25, also mentioning teams that receive votes but don’t make the top 25.
Voting is done online, and the tabulation is automated.
▶ Read more about the history of the AP Top 25 poll and how it works.
Ohio State enters Week 2 as No. 1
Ohio State tops the poll for the first time in the regular season since 2015.
The Buckeyes jumped from No. 3 to No. 1 following a 14-7 Week 1 victory against the then-top-seeded Texas Longhorns.
Ohio State is poised to keep the top spot in this week’s poll after a thumping 70-0 win over Grambling State on Saturday, answering any potential questions about the reigning national champs’ offense.
