Week 5 of the 2025 AP College Football Poll brought some real surprises. Teams jumped all over the rankings, and a few big names tumbled further than anyone expected.
Between wild upsets and some genuinely dominant wins, college football’s landscape looks totally different now. Let’s get into the latest rankings—who’s rising, who’s falling, and what all this chaos might mean going forward.
Top Risers in the AP College Football Poll
This week shook things up for a handful of teams that just keep getting better. They’re not just winning—they’re making statements, and honestly, it’s hard not to pay attention.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies shot up to No. 4 after a rock-solid 4-0 start. Beating a top-ranked team really turned heads.
Their defense has just clamped down on some explosive offenses lately. That’s made all the difference for them.
Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks jumped to No. 6, and it’s mostly thanks to their electric offense. Their quarterback has looked sharp, making plays all over the field.
They’re undefeated so far, and you can feel the playoff buzz building around them.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame broke into the top 10, now sitting at No. 8. Their defense has been tough, and the offense keeps finding new ways to win.
They’ve handled adversity well, which says a lot about their depth this season.
Surprising Fallers in the Rankings
Not everyone’s having a great time, though. Some teams have slipped down the rankings after rough losses or just not living up to the hype.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama, usually near the top, dropped to No. 10. Losing to an underdog really stung, and their season’s been oddly inconsistent.
It’s strange seeing them struggle, but that’s the reality right now.
USC Trojans
USC slid down to No. 15 after a couple of close losses. Their defense just hasn’t held up, and it’s costing them.
They’ll need to regroup fast if they want to climb back up.
Florida Gators
Florida fell out of the top 20, now at No. 22. Their offense feels stuck in neutral, and the recent losses have exposed some real weaknesses.
They’ve got to figure things out quickly or risk falling even further.
Key Matchups to Watch
Looking ahead, a few games could totally reshape the rankings again. These matchups will put the top teams to the test—and probably shake things up even more.
Texas A&M vs. Alabama
This one’s huge. Texas A&M wants to prove they belong at the top, while Alabama is desperate to bounce back.
Whoever wins could change the whole playoff conversation.
Oregon vs. USC
Oregon faces USC in a game both sides need. The Ducks want to keep rolling, and the Trojans can’t afford another loss.
This feels like a make-or-break moment for USC.
Notre Dame vs. Clemson
Notre Dame’s matchup with Clemson is another must-watch. Both teams are in the top 10, and a win here could launch either one into serious playoff talk.
Expect a lot of eyes on the star players in this one—it’s going to be intense.
For a detailed breakdown of the latest rankings and movements, check out the AP College Football Poll Week 5 Rankings.
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