As the college football season heats up, Week 8 has proven to be eventful, featuring a slew of unexpected outcomes that reshaped the standings. Notably, five teams within the top 16 faced defeats at the hands of unranked opponents, with No. 2 BYU among the prominent casualties.
Overview of Week 8
Following an unpredictable weekend, it’s time to delve into the updated AP Top 25 rankings. Several teams have experienced significant changes in their standings as a result of these upsets.
Top Teams Retain Power
The Miami Hurricanes have managed to maintain their dominance, securing the top rank with an impressive total of 59 first-place votes. Following them closely are Ohio State at No. 2, with the Georgia Bulldogs, Indiana Hoosiers, and Notre Dame also making appearances in the top five.
AP Top 25 Rankings for Week 9
Here’s a comprehensive look at the AP Top 25 Poll entering Week 9 of the 2026 season:
- 1. Miami (7-0) - 59 first-place votes
- 2. Ohio State (6-1) - 10 first-place votes
- 3. Georgia (6-1)
- 4. Indiana (7-1)
- 5. Notre Dame (6-1)
- 6. Utah (7-0) - 1 first-place vote
- 7. UCLA (7-0)
- 8. BYU (6-1)
- 9. Kentucky (7-1)
- 10. Alabama (6-2)
- 11. Texas (5-2)
- 12. Ole Miss (5-2)
- 13. Texas Tech (6-1)
- 14. Wake Forest (6-1)
- 15. LSU (6-2)
- 16. Tennessee (6-2)
- 17. Florida (5-2)
- 18. Houston (6-2)
- 19. SMU (6-1)
- 20. Boise State (6-1)
- 21. Northwestern (6-1)
- 22. Arizona (6-1)
- 23. Missouri (5-2)
- 24. Oklahoma State (5-2)
- 25. Wisconsin (5-2)
Vote Count: Other teams receiving votes include Iowa (5-2) with 76 votes, New Mexico (6-1) with 41, Cincinnati (5-2) with 11, and several others closely trailing.
Significance of the AP Rankings
The AP rankings hold immense significance, as they are one of the key factors determining participation in the College Football Playoff. In contrast, the Coaches Poll, while influential, does not impact the selection committee’s choices for the playoff contenders.
Established on October 19, 1936, the AP Poll stands as the oldest poll awarding national titles in college football, having evolved to include a preseason poll since 1950.