SEC's Historic Dominance in AP Top 25
In an unprecedented event in college football history, the SEC has captured six of the top seven spots in the latest AP Top 25 rankings. This remarkable achievement marks the first time in the 88-year history of the rankings that a single conference has exerted such dominance at the top.
Leading the charge is Georgia, which secured 54 out of a possible 63 first-place votes to remain firmly at No. 1. The Bulldogs' stronghold on the top spot underscores their formidable presence on the field this season.
Texas made a significant statement, climbing the ranks after a stunning road victory against defending national champion Michigan. This triumph earned them four first-place votes and propelled them to their highest ranking since finishing second in 2009. Michigan, meanwhile, saw a dramatic slip to No. 17 following the defeat.
The rest of the SEC's representation in the top seven includes Alabama at No. 4, Ole Miss at No. 5, Missouri at No. 6, and Tennessee at No. 7. Tennessee's rise from No. 14 came on the heels of a victory over North Carolina State in Charlotte.
Much of the SEC’s dominance in the rankings can be attributed to the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, further fortifying the conference’s football prowess. This is the first time any league has held as many as five of the top seven positions, a testament to the strength and depth of the SEC.
The rankings saw notable shifts as other teams struggled. Notre Dame fell to No. 18 after a home loss to Northern Illinois. The 16-14 defeat was the first time since 2022 that a top-five team lost to an unranked opponent and marked Northern Illinois' first top-five victory. This win also earned Northern Illinois a No. 25 ranking, their first appearance since 2013 and the first for a team from a non-Power 4 conference this season.
Ohio State experienced a minor dip to No. 3, while Penn State climbed to No. 8, Oregon fell two places to No. 9 despite defeating Boise State, and Miami (Fla.) settled at No. 10. Nebraska's victory over Colorado earned them a No. 23 ranking, their first since 2019, and Boston College appeared at No. 24, their first ranking since 2018.
Teams that fell out of the rankings after defeats included Kansas, Iowa, Georgia Tech, and NC State.
Breakdown by conferences shows the SEC leading with eight teams in the AP Top 25 (Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16), followed by the Big Ten with six teams (Nos. 3, 8, 9, 11, 17, 23), the Big 12 with five teams (Nos. 12, 13, 14, 20, 21), and the ACC with four teams (Nos. 10, 19, 22, 24). Northern Illinois is the sole representative from the MAC at No. 25, while Notre Dame stands alone as the only Independent team at No. 18.
The upcoming fixtures promise more excitement, with No. 20 Arizona set to face No. 14 Kansas State on Thursday, and No. 24 Boston College challenging No. 6 Missouri on Saturday.