5.11.2025

"College Football Week 8: Major Upsets Shake Rankings"

The latest AP Top 25 college football rankings are almost here

The latest AP Top 25 college football rankings are set to make waves following a tumultuous Week 8. This week's games exemplified the unpredictability of college football, with nine ranked teams suffering defeats. Notably, four of these losses came from teams within the top 10, alongside three unranked squads that pulled off significant upsets against ranked opponents.

No. 2 Miami was notably the first top-ranked team to falter, falling at home to unranked Louisville, which marked the Hurricanes' first loss of the season. Miami's shocking 24-21 defeat included an impressive defensive performance from Louisville, which intercepted quarterback Carson Beck four times. Additionally, No. 5 Ole Miss, No. 7 Texas Tech, and No. 10 LSU also faced defeats, with Ole Miss losing 43-35 to No. 9 Georgia, Texas Tech falling 26-22 to Arizona State, and LSU suffering a 31-24 defeat at the hands of No. 17 Vanderbilt.

Despite the challenges faced by teams in the top 10, there were bright spots for others in the rankings. No. 3 Indiana dominated Michigan State with a commanding 38-13 victory, while No. 6 Alabama triumphed over No. 11 Tennessee. These results set the stage for considerable movement in this week's AP Top 25 poll, prompting speculations on which teams will rise and which will fall.

Amidst the chaos of Week 8, five Top 25 teams successfully maintained their undefeated status. No. 1 Ohio State, No. 3 Indiana, No. 4 Texas A&M, No. 12 Georgia Tech, and No. 15 BYU all secured victories to remain unbeaten. Ohio State showcased a dominant performance with a 34-0 shutout against Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Texas A&M narrowly clinched a 45-42 win over Arkansas, Georgia Tech triumphed over ACC rival Duke 27-18, and BYU edged out Utah with a close 24-21 victory.

This week’s upsets were particularly impactful, as four top 10 teams succumbed to losses. Miami, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and LSU are now facing a shake-up in their rankings after being dealt their first defeats of the season. The loss for Miami at home was especially surprising against Louisville, a team that had not been ranked. The defeat of LSU, another team in the top 10, was also a significant outcome as they fell to Vanderbilt, who managed to outscore them amidst a fierce competition.

The AP Top 25 poll, which has been a staple in college football since its inception in 1936, is still regarded as a trusted measure of team performance. Approximately 60 seasoned writers and broadcasters vote to compile the rankings, ensuring representation from every state with a Football Bowl Subdivision school. Points are assigned based on the team's ranking, with a first-place vote earning 25 points down to 1 point for a 25th-place vote. The results are then tabulated to reflect the consensus opinions of these voters.

As the college football season progresses, the dynamics of the AP Top 25 rankings continue to evolve. This week's results have set the stage for a potential reshuffle at the top, with teams positioned to make significant gains or losses depending on their performances. With a competitive spirit and playoff aspirations on the line, the upcoming games will undoubtedly have further implications for teams vying for a spot in the top echelon of college football.