Ohio State Leads, Vanderbilt Enters AP Top 10 for First Time Since 1947
In a historic update to the Associated Press college football rankings, Vanderbilt University finds itself in the top 10 for the first time since 1947. This change comes after a weekend in which nine teams in the Top 25 lost, prompting significant movement in the rankings.
Ohio State Maintains Top Position
Ohio State continues to dominate as the number one ranked team. They achieved this status after a convincing 34-0 victory against Wisconsin, marking their eighth consecutive week at the top. The Buckeyes secured 60 first-place votes, an increase of ten from the previous week.
Other Notable Rankings and Changes
- Indiana: Climbed to No. 2, gaining six first-place votes after defeating Michigan State.
- Texas A&M: Jumped to No. 3, their highest ranking since 1995.
- Alabama: Now ranked No. 4, achieving their best ranking of the season.
- Georgia: Returned to the top five at No. 5 after a brief absence.
The rest of the top ten features Oregon, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, Miami, and the newly inducted Vanderbilt at No. 10. The Ducks rebounded from a loss with an impressive win over Rutgers, while Georgia Tech’s victory over Duke marks their first presence in the top 10 since 2014.
Vanderbilt’s Historic Milestone
Vanderbilt’s rise to the top 10 follows a significant 31-24 win against then-No. 10 LSU, marking their first victory over the Tigers since 1990. With a record of 6-1, this is Vanderbilt’s best start since 1950, including two wins against ranked teams.
Other Teams and Rankings Movement
- Texas Tech: Dropped to No. 14 after losing to Arizona State.
- LSU: Suffered the most significant drop, falling 10 spots to No. 20.
- Louisville: Entered the Top 25 for the first time this season at No. 19.
- Illinois: Returned to the rankings at No. 23 after being idle.
- Michigan: Re-entered the rankings at No. 25 after a strong performance against Washington.
The weekend saw four ranked teams fall to unranked opponents, the highest number of such losses since Week 5 in 2022. In addition, the Ohio State Buckeyes remain the only team to maintain their rank, showcasing their consistency in the season.
Upcoming Ranked Matches
| Matchup | Rank | Records |
|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M vs. LSU | No. 3 vs. No. 20 | 7-0 vs. 5-2 |
| Mississippi vs. Oklahoma | No. 8 vs. No. 13 | 6-1 vs. 6-1 |
| Missouri vs. Vanderbilt | No. 15 vs. No. 10 | 6-1 vs. 6-1 |
The upcoming weeks in college football promise exciting matchups and potential shake-ups in the rankings, especially as these teams strive for playoff positions.
