Week 1 of the college football season delivered the drama fans live for, and the AP Poll Top 25 for Week 2 wasted no time reflecting the chaos. The biggest shocks came as Deion Sanders saw a roadblock loss with his most-awaited comeback, Texas fell in a high-profile showdown despite the Arch Manning hype, and for the first time, Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick’s team was seen gasping for air against the TCU Horned Frogs.
More news came in as Alabama was stunned by Florida State in a 31-17 game, Carson Beck managed to fit nicely into Cam Ward’s shoes, and the reshuffled AP Poll Top 25 for week 2 looks a lot different than most preseason predictions.
Defending national champion Ohio State is the new No. 1 in the AP Top 25 college football poll while Alabama plummets to No. 21.
See where other teams rank. https://t.co/7dTTUiSC1j
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) September 2, 2025
Ohio State’s big win over Texas immediately pushed them to the front of the conversation, while Michigan and Georgia benefited from steady play. At the same time, some preseason darlings saw their spots tumble, sparking heated debates across fan circles.
Alabama’s drop following their unexpected blowout became one of the loudest talking points. Some fans argued the Tide should be punished harshly, as one wrote:
“Do it. Unrank Alabama you cowards.”
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Another one roped Texas in as after the defeat to Ohio State with comments like:
“Texas should be lower…Edit: And Bama should be unranked.”
Florida State was applauded by fans as they wrote:
“FSU going from unranked to 14 has to be one of the highest jumps after Week 1 right?”
Many wondered whether the Longhorns still deserved a top spot at all after such a flat performance in their opener, as a comment read:
“That’s a stupid belief. Why would Texas, Clemson, and ND be unranked for losing to now top 5 teams?”
On the other hand, some fans also wanted to go easy on the teams, as it is just one game and more is to come with comments like:
“For Alabama who lost to an unranked team,yes. For Texas, Clemson, and Notre Dame who lost by one possession to top 10 teams, seems harsh.”
Also read: Insider Claims Deadline for Decision on Kalen DeBoer’s Future, Says Alabama HC Already on ‘Hot Seat’
Another fan tried to rope in context in his comment:
“Notre Dame lost on the road to #10 by one score and it came down to the final play. Indiana struggled at home against Old Dominion, let up a 75-yard QB TD run on the first play of the game, and was stuffed on the goal line multiple times. Context matters.”
If anything, the new poll proved just how unpredictable this season will be. The AP rankings carry weight in shaping the eventual playoff picture, and fans already feel the stakes rising with every shakeup. With Week 2 matchups looming, the conversation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The Week 1 Picture That Steered AP Poll Top 25 in College Football
The college football season is back in full swing, and after a jam-packed Week 1 slate, projections for the updated AP Poll Top 25 have taken shape. While the real rankings are here after the weekend’s dust settled, each program deserved its projected placement.
Ohio State once again proved why it belongs at the very top. A gritty 14-7 victory over Texas after the absolute Arch Manning hype wasn’t flashy, but it showed exactly what championship teams are built on, featuring defense and composure under pressure. Julian Sayin did enough under center, but nothing beat the Buckeyes’ defensive unit that locked down Arch and swung the game.
Read more: Josh Pate Claims Why Arch Manning Hype Was Doomed From the Start
Penn State slotted in right behind after a clean and controlled dismantling of Nevada. Drew Allar’s efficient 22-of-26 passing line and a spread-the-wealth rushing attack gave a full-blown view into the Nittany Lions’ depth with no drama, no panic, just steady execution. LSU earned its ranking with a statement road win at Clemson and Cade Klubnik was under siege all night while LSU’s defense came up big when it mattered.
Meanwhile, Georgia cruised past Marshall in classic Bulldog fashion as Gunner Stockton marveled with dual-threat ability, with two rushing and two passing scores. Miami proved its mettle, sweeping into the Top 10 after an emotional 27-24 win over Notre Dame as the Hurricanes nearly let the lead slip, but timely field goals and defensive stops sealed it.
Meanwhile, Oregon didn’t hold back its punches on Montana State. Dante Moore’s sharp passing and the Ducks’ 250+ yards rushing emphasized balance, efficiency, and explosiveness.
On the flip side, Clemson and Notre Dame deserved to slide after tough Week 1 losses. The former simply couldn’t get its offense rolling against LSU, while the latter’s questionable game plan left them falling just short at Miami. Both still have paths back into contention, but early setbacks always sting in the polls.
Arizona State was one of the surprise risers, and Sam Leavitt’s dual-threat outing provided exactly the kind of spark that can keep the Sun Devils relevant early in the year.
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