After a chaotic opening weekend, the new AP top 25 poll has released the shakeup that many were expecting. Texas, the preseason #1, fell down to #7 while Ohio State has reclaimed the top spot.
Florida State and Utah surged into the rankings, while Alabama and Notre Dame fell after their respective losses.
The defending national champion Buckeyes received 55 of 66 first-place votes to move up two spots after their win over preseason No. 1 Texas. Ohio State is at the top of a regular-season Top 25 for the first time since November 2015. https://t.co/5TVH8TnMkb
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) September 2, 2025
Here are 5 takeaways from the Week 2 AP Top 25.
1. Ohio State Ascends to No. 1
Ohio State, the defending national champion, leapt to No. 1 in the Week 2 AP Poll after a win on the road against preseason No. 1 Texas. Voters had a strong enough response to the Buckeyes’ play to bump them all the way to the top of the poll.
2. Florida State Makes a Statement
Florida State pulled off the upset of the weekend, knocking off No. 21 Alabama. The poll results show that the Seminoles are the only clear riser in the rankings, seemingly indicating they should be a playoff contender as the season continues.
3. Illinois Climbs to No. 11
Illinois climbs to No. 11, the highest it has been since 2001, following a blowout 52–3 win. QB Luke Altmyer had three passing touchdowns, while WR Hank Beatty made a name for himself in his first game as a starter.
The Fighting Illini are quietly inside the top 12 and seemingly dangerous as they attempt to make their first College Football Playoff.
4. Top-Ten Turmoil Continues
Texas, Alabama, Clemson, and Notre Dame all suffered losses in Week 1, making this one of the first weeks with the most top-ten movement in a while.
The movement in the poll seems reflective of the new era of college football, where early losses can easily reshape the playoff picture.
5. LSU and Miami Add Momentum
LSU showed up in a road win at Clemson, while Miami squeaked by Notre Dame in a back-and-forth game. Both teams gained momentum and seem to be early playoff contenders with strong, resume-boosting wins.
Bottom Line
The Week 2 AP Poll confirms the shift that many were anticipating. Ohio State and Florida State were the big winners in their respective wins, and blue bloods continue to skid early in the season. As early-season chaos continues, the hunt for this year’s top 12 seems to be one of the most intriguing storylines in years.
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