While the college football slate this weekend didn’t feature a plethora of marquee matchups that could shake up the AP Top 25 rankings, it certainly provided enough excitement to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Several teams fought hard, and the results have implications for the rankings as we head into the final stretch of the season.
Projected Moves in the AP Top 25
On3 takes a closer look at the projected shifts in the AP Top 25 poll following the weekend’s action. The back half of the rankings saw absolute chaos, leading to the introduction of several new teams in the Top 25. With so much movement, it’s an exciting time for college football fans!
Teams on the Rise
Let’s dive into the performances that caught our attention.
RESULT: W 49-10 @ Purdue
Penn State showcased its dominance with a resounding 49-10 victory over Purdue. Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Tyler Warren contributed significantly with 63 rushing yards and 127 receiving yards. After a less-than-stellar outing against Ohio State a couple of weeks ago, this performance has Penn State looking dangerous again.
NEXT UP: @ Minnesota
RESULT: W 31-7 @ Northwestern
Ohio State rebounded from a sluggish start to overpower Northwestern. Quarterback Will Howard threw two touchdown passes, and running back Quinshon Judkins added two rushing touchdowns. Now, the Buckeyes are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against unbeaten Indiana.
NEXT UP: Indiana
RESULT: W 38-28 vs Boston College
SMU faced a tough challenge from Boston College but managed to secure a 38-28 victory. The Mustangs led for most of the game and held on down the stretch, remaining unbeaten in ACC play. Their impressive performance keeps them high in the projected AP Top 25 rankings.
NEXT UP: @ Virginia
RESULT: W 35-14 vs Virginia
Notre Dame opened strong against Virginia, racing to a 35-0 lead before easing up a bit. Quarterback Riley Leonard threw for three scores, while running back Jeremiyah Love rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns. This win sets the stage for a critical showdown against unbeaten Army.
NEXT UP: Army
Close Calls and Key Victories
Some teams had to fight tooth and nail to secure their wins this weekend.
RESULT: W 20-10 @ Arkansas
Texas had a tough time against Arkansas, struggling to pull away until the fourth quarter. Quarterback Quinn Ewers made crucial plays when needed, and the defense held strong, keeping Texas on track for a significant matchup against Texas A&M.
NEXT UP: Kentucky
RESULT: W 42-21 @ San Jose State
Boise State initially found themselves down 14-0 but rallied to tie the game just before halftime. The second half saw a resurgence led by Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty, who finished with 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns, maintaining Boise State’s playoff hopes.
NEXT UP: @ Wyoming
RESULT: W 31-17 vs Tennessee
Georgia faced a tough battle against Tennessee, with both teams trading blows throughout the game. Quarterback Carson Beck stepped up when it mattered, leading Georgia to a crucial victory that keeps them in the playoff conversation.
NEXT UP: UMass
Teams Facing Challenges
Not every team had a successful outing, and some are now facing uphill battles.
RESULT: L 31-17 @ Georgia
Tennessee started strong but couldn’t maintain their momentum against Georgia. The Volunteers are left wondering how to bounce back from this setback, especially with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
NEXT UP: UTEP
RESULT: L 17-13 vs Kansas
BYU had a chance to win late against Kansas but fell short, completing a pass just short of the sticks on fourth down. This loss severely impacts BYU’s playoff aspirations, leaving them with little room for error moving forward.
NEXT UP: @ Arizona State
Bye Weeks and Upcoming Matchups
Several teams took a break this weekend, setting themselves up for crucial matchups ahead.
RESULT: Bye
Indiana enjoyed a well-timed bye week after starting the season 10-0. They are now preparing for a significant test against Ohio State that could shape the Big Ten title race and the College Football Playoff landscape.
NEXT UP: @ Ohio State
RESULT: Bye
Miami, after a tough loss to Georgia Tech, is looking to regroup during their bye week. With a favorable schedule ahead, they still have a path to the ACC title game and a potential playoff berth.
NEXT UP: Wake Forest
Dropped from Rankings
As the AP Top 25 reshuffles, some teams have fallen out of favor:
Kansas State Wildcats (20)
LSU Tigers (21)
Louisville Cardinals (22)
Missouri Tigers (24)
With the college football season heating up, every game counts, and the stakes are higher than ever. As teams jockey for position in the rankings, fans can expect thrilling matchups and unexpected twists as we approach the playoffs. Who will rise, and who will fall? Only time will tell!
