The college football landscape experienced significant shifts following Week 2 action, culminating in the release of the latest AP Top 25 poll on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU solidified their positions at the top, maintaining their top-three status. However, the most dramatic ascent saw the Oregon Ducks surge to No. 4, a testament to their dominant performance. This week’s poll also marked a significant milestone for Illinois and Florida State, as both programs cracked the coveted top 10 for the first time this season.
Oregon’s Explosive Statement Propels Them to Fourth
The Oregon Ducks made a resounding statement with a 69-3 thrashing of Oklahoma State. This dominant victory, highlighted by an explosive offense and a suffocating defense, propelled Oregon two spots up the rankings to No. 4. The Ducks received the final first-place vote, signaling their arrival as a major national championship contender. Quarterback Dante Moore showcased his talent, while freshman receiver Dakorien Moore contributed multiple touchdowns in the lopsided affair. This performance erased any doubts from last season’s more inconsistent start and has the Ducks firmly in the national conversation.
Illinois and Florida State Achieve Top 10 Milestones
Two teams celebrated historic climbs into the top 10. The Illinois Fighting Illini secured the No. 9 spot after a commanding 45-19 road victory over Duke. This ranking marks Illinois’s first appearance in the top 10 of the AP Poll in 24 years, with their last top-10 placement occurring in December 2001. The win, fueled by a strong second-half performance and key defensive turnovers, has the program buzzing. Simultaneously, the Florida State Seminoles climbed to No. 10, marking their highest ranking of the season. Building on an early-season upset win against Alabama and a strong start to their schedule, the Seminoles have impressed voters. Their ascent into the top 10 underscores a significant turnaround in Tallahassee.
Top Tier Remains Intact Amidst Movement
Ohio State continues its reign at No. 1, commanding 57 first-place votes after a 70-0 shutout of Grambling State. Penn State holds steady at No. 2 following a 34-0 win over FIU, and LSU remains at No. 3 after defeating Louisiana Tech. These three teams have consistently dominated their opponents, setting a high bar for the rest of the country.
Georgia Slips, Other Contenders Shuffle Positions
While Oregon surged, the Georgia Bulldogs experienced a slight drop to No. 6. Their win against Austin Peay, described as uninspired, contributed to their slide behind Miami (Fla.), which holds at No. 5. Texas remains at No. 7, with Notre Dame rounding out the top eight.
Notable Rises and Falls Throughout the Poll
Beyond the top 10, several teams saw significant movement. Oklahoma climbed to No. 13 after a notable victory over Michigan, who subsequently fell to No. 23. Tennessee made the biggest jump, moving seven spots to No. 15. Texas A&M and Ole Miss also saw upward movement, landing at No. 16 and No. 17, respectively. The South Florida Bulls made a splash, entering the rankings at No. 18 – their first appearance in seven years – following impressive wins against ranked opponents Florida and Boise State.
Meanwhile, Florida tumbled out of the top 25 after an unexpected home loss to USF, placing significant pressure on coach Billy Napier. Arizona State and SMU also dropped out of the rankings following their recent defeats. The current poll reflects a competitive trending season, with established powers holding strong and new contenders emerging. This news highlights the dynamic nature of college sports and the ongoing quest for national supremacy. This is a key moment in trending sports news.
