College football kicked off the season with some jaw-dropping results, and no team made a bolder statement than Ohio State.
The defending national champions shocked preseason No. 1 Texas, led by star quarterback Arch Manning, and suddenly find themselves back at the top of the Associated Press’ Top 25 poll.
It’s been a whirlwind start to the season, with several powerhouse programs climbing the rankings and some long-time favorites stumbling out of the gate.
The shakeup has left fans buzzing and analysts recalculating who might contend for the College Football Playoff.
Buckeyes Claim the Top Spot for First Time Since 2015
Ohio State earned 55 of 66 first-place votes after their Week 1 triumph, vaulting two spots to claim the No. 1 ranking.
This marks the first time the Buckeyes have led a regular-season AP Top 25 poll since November 2015.
Texas, on the other hand, slid to No. 7 after a disappointing loss that defied preseason expectations.
The opening weekend was historic in other ways, too.
It was only the second time since 1972 that two top-five teams fell in Week 1, and for the first time, four top-10 programs lost in the same week.
Only three teams remain in the same position as their preseason ranking, highlighting just how unpredictable the start of the season has been.
Penn State, LSU, Miami, and Georgia Round Out the Top Five
Penn State stayed steady at No. 2, claiming seven first-place votes.
LSU, which impressed with a road win over Clemson, climbed six spots to No. 3 and secured three first-place votes.
Georgia held onto its place at No. 4, while Miami jumped five spots to No. 5 after defeating Notre Dame.
Oregon snagged one first-place vote and rounded out the top 10 alongside Texas, Clemson, Notre Dame, and South Carolina.
The rankings reflect both standout victories and early-season disappointments, showing just how quickly momentum can shift in college football.
Florida State’s Stunning Comeback
Perhaps the most dramatic story of Week 1 is Florida State’s resurgence.
The Seminoles, who were 15 spots outside the Top 25 in the preseason, demolished Alabama 31-17 to land at No. 14.
This marks a remarkable turnaround for a team that finished 2-10 in 2024 after a rocky start.
Alabama, conversely, experienced a major drop from No. 8 to No. 21, their lowest ranking in 17 seasons.
It’s a stark reminder that even perennial contenders can stumble in a season-opening matchup.
Newcomers and Notable Drops
Two new teams entered the Top 25 this week: Florida State and Utah.
The Utes, ranked No. 25, earned recognition after a dominant 43-10 road win over UCLA, their first AP poll appearance since last October.
Meanwhile, Boise State, which had held the No. 25 spot for 14 consecutive weeks, fell out entirely after a 34-7 loss to South Florida.
Kansas State also dropped from the rankings after following a season-opening defeat with a narrow win over FCS opponent North Dakota.
A Season Full of Surprises Awaits
With Week 1 in the books, it’s clear that this college football season will be anything but predictable.
From Ohio State’s return to the top to Florida State’s dramatic climb and Alabama’s fall, fans are in for a rollercoaster of upsets, surprises, and thrilling matchups in the weeks ahead.