2025 College Football AP Poll: Ohio State Clamors Early Preseason Ranking at #1

Ohio State Ascends to No. 1 in College football AP Poll

September 3, 2025

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State University has claimed the top spot in the latest Associated Press (AP) College Football Poll, released today. The Buckeyes’ remarkable victory over Texas in the season opener propelled them to Number One, marking a notable change at the summit of collegiate football rankings. penn State holds the second position, demonstrating early season strength.

Shifting Landscapes in the top 5

LSU secures the third ranking, followed closely by Georgia at number four. Miami completes the top five, showcasing their potential as national contenders. Several teams experienced considerable movement in the rankings following a week of exciting contests.

Texas, previously ranked number one, fell to seventh after its loss to Ohio State. clemson and Notre Dame also experienced setbacks, dropping to eighth and ninth, respectively, after suffering defeats in their initial games. Florida State entered the poll at number fourteen, while Utah secured the twenty-fifth spot.

AP Top 25 Rankings – Week 1

Here’s a detailed look at the complete AP Top 25 rankings as of September 1st, 2025:

rank	School	Points	Record	Previous Rank
1	Ohio State	1636	1-0	3
2	Penn State	1558	1-0	2
3	LSU	1514	1-0	9
4	Georgia	1410	1-0	5
5	Miami	1360	1-0	10
6	Oregon	1302	1-0	7
7	Texas	1293	0-1	1
8	Clemson	1135	0-1	4
9	Notre Dame	1068	0-1	6
10	South Carolina	882	1-0	13
11	Illinois	855	1-0	12
12	Arizona State	850	1-0	11
13	Florida	737	1-0	15
14	Florida State	705	1-0	NR
15	michigan	686	1-0	14
16	Iowa State	566	2-0	22
17	SMU	561	1-0	16
18	Oklahoma	519	1-0	18
19	Texas A&M	424	1-0	19
20	Ole Miss	393	1-0	21
21	Alabama	360	0-1	8
22	Tennessee	339	1-0	24
23	Indiana	257	1-0	20
24	Texas Tech	247	1-0	23
25	Utah	227	1-0	NR

Did You Know? The AP Poll has been a cornerstone of college football since 1936, influencing bowl game selections and the college Football Playoff.

The upcoming college football TV schedule for the week of September 5th,2025 promises a thrilling continuation of the season. Fans can find detailed schedules and details on NCAA.com and other sports outlets.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on teams receiving votes – they often represent potential risers in future polls, and can shake up the rankings quickly.

What impact will these early rankings have on the College Football Playoff picture? And which unranked team has the potential to make the biggest jump in the coming weeks?

Understanding the AP Poll

The Associated Press Poll is compiled weekly during the college football season, utilizing votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Each voter ranks their top 25 teams, and points are awarded based on the ranking. The team with the most points ultimately secures the number one position. The poll is a significant indicator of team performance and often influences public perception of each team’s championship aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions about the AP Poll

• What is the AP Poll? The AP Poll is a weekly ranking of college football teams, based on votes from sports journalists.
• How are points awarded in the AP Poll? voters assign points to teams based on their ranking,with the number one team receiving the most points.
• Does the AP Poll determine the College Football Playoff? While not the sole determining factor,the AP Poll is a significant component considered by the College Football Playoff committee.
• When is the AP Poll released each week? The AP Poll is typically released on Sundays during the college football season.
• What does “NR” mean in the AP Poll rankings? “NR” signifies “Not Ranked,” meaning the team did not receive enough votes to be included in the Top 25.

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What impact will the 12-team playoff format have on the importance of regular season conference championship games?

The Buckeyes Take the Top Spot: A Deep Dive

The 2025 College Football AP Poll has dropped, and the Ohio State Buckeyes have seized the #1 ranking in the early preseason poll. This marks a significant moment for the program, signaling high expectations heading into the new season. But what propelled Ohio State to the top, and what dose this mean for the landscape of college football? Let’s break down the key factors and contenders.

Why Ohio State? Key Factors in the Ranking

Several elements contributed to the Buckeyes’ commanding position:

Returning Talent: Quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, is expected to make an immediate impact. His experience and skill set provide a significant upgrade at the position.

Strong Recruiting Class: Ohio State consistently lands top-tier recruiting classes,and 2025 is no exception. The influx of fresh talent bolsters depth across the board.

Dominant 2024 Finish: While not a championship season, Ohio State’s strong finish in 2024, including a decisive bowl game victory, left a lasting impression on voters.

Favorable schedule: Compared to some other contenders, Ohio State’s 2025 schedule appears manageable, offering opportunities for key wins.

Defensive Prowess: The Buckeyes’ defense, historically a strength, is poised to be even more formidable with returning starters and improved depth.

The Top 5 Breakdown: Contenders for the Championship

The AP Poll isn’t just about #1; it’s about the entire top tier. Here’s a look at the rest of the top 5:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes: (As discussed above)
2. Georgia Bulldogs: Despite losing key players to the NFL Draft,georgia remains a perennial powerhouse. Thier recruiting pipeline and coaching staff ensure they’ll be in contention.
3. Texas Longhorns: Entering the SEC, Texas faces a tougher schedule but possesses the talent to compete for a national title. Quinn ewers’ continued progress at quarterback is crucial.
4. Oregon Ducks: the Ducks are looking to build on their recent success, and their high-powered offence makes them a threat to any opponent.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: Even with a coaching change,Alabama remains a force in college football. Their ability to consistently develop talent keeps them in the championship conversation.

Key Games to Watch in 2025: Championship Implications

Several matchups will undoubtedly shape the College Football Playoff picture:

Ohio State vs. Michigan (November 29th): The rivalry game always carries immense weight, and this year’s contest could determine the Big Ten champion.

Georgia vs. Texas (September 20th): An early-season clash between two of the top teams in the nation.

Oregon vs. Washington (November 1st): A Pac-12 showdown with potential playoff implications.

Alabama vs. LSU (November 8th): A classic SEC battle that often decides the Western Division.

ohio State vs. USC (October 11th): A non-conference game that could serve as a statement win for the Buckeyes.

Impact of the 12-Team Playoff Format

The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format significantly alters the landscape. More teams have a realistic shot at contention,increasing the excitement and unpredictability of the season.This benefits programs in traditionally strong conferences like the SEC and Big Ten,but also opens doors for teams from the Big 12,ACC,and even the Pac-12. the increased number of playoff spots means that a single loss won’t necessarily eliminate a team from championship contention.

Conference Realignment and its Effect on Rankings

The ongoing conference realignment is also playing a role. Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC, USC and UCLA joining the Big Ten, and the future of the Pac-12 all contribute to a shifting power dynamic. These changes impact strength of schedule,rivalry games,and overall conference prestige,all of which influence AP poll rankings. The Longhorns’ transition to the