Major Shakeups in AP Top 25 College Football Rankings

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The latest AP Top 25 college football rankings just dropped, and wow—there’s plenty to talk about. As of September 28, 2025, Oregon has jumped to No. 2, while Miami slipped to No. 3 even though they didn’t play. Mississippi and Oklahoma crashed the top five, shaking things up for some of the usual heavyweights like Georgia and Florida State, who took a tumble this week.

Let’s take a closer look at the wild ranking shifts, key games, and what all this might mean as the season rolls on. There’s a lot to unpack, so buckle up.

Oregon’s Rise to No. 2

Oregon’s leap to No. 2 is turning heads. Their 30-24 double-overtime win over Penn State was gritty and intense.

The Ducks outgained the Nittany Lions in every major offensive category. That kind of performance earned them a big vote of confidence.

Key Stats from Oregon’s Victory

  • First Downs: 20
  • Yards Per Play: 5.4
  • Rushing Yards: 176
  • Passing Yards: 248
  • Time of Possession: 33:52

Now, Oregon gets a week off before hosting Indiana on October 11. Their momentum is real—and you can feel the playoff buzz building in Eugene.

Miami’s Slip to No. 3

Miami dropped from No. 2 to No. 3, despite not playing last week. That’s rough, but it happens when the teams behind you make statements.

The Hurricanes, sitting at 4-0, are gearing up for a showdown with No. 18 Florida State in Week 6. That’s a rivalry with serious playoff stakes.

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Upcoming Matchup: Miami vs. Florida State

This Miami–Florida State clash? It’s one to circle on your calendar. Miami’s coming off a bye, and Florida State is licking their wounds after losing to Virginia.

Mississippi and Oklahoma Break into the Top Five

Mississippi and Oklahoma have both muscled their way into the top five. Ole Miss soared to No. 4 after beating LSU, their highest spot since 2015.

Oklahoma jumped to No. 5, even though they had the week off. Sometimes, it’s about timing as much as results.

Ole Miss’ Impressive Climb

Mississippi’s win over LSU was a statement. They showed they belong in the playoff conversation.

Oklahoma’s Steady Ascent

Oklahoma’s rise is all about consistency. Their last win over Auburn still echoes, and voters haven’t forgotten.

Alabama’s Return to the Top 10

Alabama’s back in the top 10 after a nail-biter 24-21 win at Georgia. That’s a big leap—up seven spots to No. 10.

They looked sharp when it mattered most, which is classic Alabama.

Key Performance: Ty Simpson

Quarterback Ty Simpson was huge for the Tide, going 24-of-38 for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He really stepped up under pressure.

Florida State’s Dramatic Fall

Florida State took the biggest hit, dropping from No. 8 to No. 18 after Virginia upset them. That’s a brutal slide.

They’ll need to regroup fast with Miami coming up. The pressure’s squarely on the Seminoles now.

Impact of the Loss

The loss exposed some cracks in Florida State’s armor. Their next game is a must-win if they want to stay relevant.

Conference Breakdown

The new rankings also give us a peek at conference strength. The SEC leads with 10 teams in the Top 25.

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Big Ten follows with six, ACC and Big 12 have four each, and Notre Dame stands alone for the independents.

SEC Dominance

  • Ole Miss: 4
  • Oklahoma: 5
  • Texas A&M: 6
  • Texas: 9
  • Alabama: 10
  • Georgia: 12
  • LSU: 13
  • Tennessee: 15
  • Vanderbilt: 16
  • Missouri: 19

SEC’s depth is wild. It’s hard to imagine the playoff picture without a heavy SEC presence.

New Entrants and Exits

There were some new faces and a couple of exits this week. Virginia and Arizona State climbed into the Top 25, while TCU and USC dropped out.

New Entrants: Virginia and Arizona State

Virginia’s win over Florida State got them ranked for the first time since 2019. Arizona State’s been steady, and now they’re rewarded with another Top 25 spot.

Exits: TCU and USC

TCU and USC both took losses that knocked them out of the rankings. It’s a tough break, but that’s the nature of college football—every week’s a battle.

The latest AP Top 25 college football rankings have shaken things up quite a bit. Oregon jumps up to No. 2, which feels like a big deal.

Meanwhile, Miami drops to No. 3. Mississippi and Oklahoma managed to break into the top five, and honestly, that’s got some fans buzzing.

If you want more details or just like following the chaos in real time, check out the AP Top 25 college football rankings.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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