Top of the 2025 College Football AP Poll Leads with Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU Shining in Week 3

Ohio State Holds Firm at No. 1 in week 3 College Football AP Poll

Columbus, OH – Ohio State University continues too lead the nation in the Week 3 Associated Press (AP) top 25 College Football Poll, released Sunday, September 8th, 2025. The Buckeyes have demonstrated consistent strength, securing the top ranking for another week. This poll reflects games played through September 8th, with a packed schedule of college football action set to unfold this week, beginning on Thursday, September 11th.

Top 5 Remains Consistent

The Top 3 teams – Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU – have maintained their positions from the previous week. Oregon has climbed to number 4, while Miami remains at Number 5. These teams have all shown exceptional performance early in the season, setting the stage for an exciting competition for the national championship. Notre Dame, despite a single loss, has seen a notable rise in the rankings, moving from ninth to eighth place following an inactive week.

Key Movement in the Rankings

Several teams experienced notable shifts in this week’s poll. Oklahoma rose dramatically from 18th to 13th, while Iowa State improved to 14th. South Florida entered the rankings at number 18, marking a significant achievement for the program. Meanwhile, Clemson and Michigan experienced dips, falling to 12th and 23rd respectively, following recent setbacks.

Week 3 AP Top 25 Poll

Here’s a detailed look at the complete rankings:

RANK	SCHOOL	POINTS	RECORD	PREV
1	Ohio State	1614	2-0	1
2	Penn State	1524	2-0	2
3	LSU	1487	2-0	3
4	Oregon	1375	2-0	6
5	Miami	1360	2-0	5
6	Georgia	1350	2-0	4
7	Texas	1248	1-1	7
8	Notre Dame	1086	0-1	9
9	Illinois	1001	2-0	11
10	Florida State	954	2-0	14
11	South Carolina	927	2-0	10
12	Clemson	894	1-1	8
13	Oklahoma	893	2-0	18
14	Iowa State	794	3-0	16
15	Tennessee	537	2-0	22
16	Texas A&M	532	2-0	19
17	Ole Miss	518	2-0	20
18	South Florida	444	2-0	NR
19	Alabama	396	1-1	21
20	Utah	361	2-0	25
21	Texas Tech	347	2-0	24
22	Indiana	331	2-0	23
23	Michigan	250	1-1	15
24	Auburn	172	2-0	NR
25	Missouri	109	2-0	NR

Others receiving votes: Arizona St. 94, BYU 92, Georgia Tech 78, Florida 70, Southern Cal 64, TCU 58, Mississippi st. 52, Louisville 49, SMU 26, Nebraska 10, Tulane 9, Baylor 7, UNLV 5, Pittsburgh 3, Navy 2, Memphis 1, Vanderbilt 1.

Understanding the AP Poll

The AP Poll, conducted weekly during the college football season, is a crucial indicator of team performance and national championship contention. It is indeed compiled by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, who vote based on their assessment of each team’s strength. The poll is not solely based on win-loss records; it takes into account factors like strength of schedule, margin of victory, and overall team performance.

Did You Know? The AP Poll has been a mainstay of college football since 1936,initially conducted by the Associated press and now continuing as a significant part of the sport’s landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about the AP Poll:

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Top of teh 2025 College Football AP Poll leads with Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU Shining in Week 3

Week 3 AP Poll: The Elite Rise

The dust has settled from Week 3 of the 2025 college football season, and the AP Poll reflects a landscape increasingly defined by dominance. Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU have emerged as the clear frontrunners, showcasing performances that solidify their positions among the nation’s best. This article dives deep into the top contenders, analyzing their Week 3 victories and projecting their potential for a championship run. we’ll cover key matchups, standout players, and what these results mean for the College Football playoff picture.

AP Top 5 Breakdown – September 10, 2025

Here’s a look at the current AP Top 5, as of September 10, 2025:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0): maintaining their stronghold at #1 after a convincing win against Notre Dame.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0): Continuing their notable form with a dominant victory over Auburn.
3. LSU Tigers (3-0): A statement win against florida State catapults LSU into the top three.
4. georgia Bulldogs (2-1): A narrow escape against South Carolina keeps Georgia in contention, but questions remain.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0): Roll Tide continues to roll, dispatching of USF with ease.

Ohio State’s Commanding Performance

The Ohio State Buckeyes demonstrated their championship caliber with a 35-17 victory over a tough Notre Dame squad. Quarterback Dylan Raiola continued his stellar play, throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns.

Key Stats: Raiola’s completion percentage exceeded 70%, showcasing his accuracy and command of the offense.

Defensive Prowess: The Buckeyes’ defense held Notre Dame’s potent rushing attack to under 100 yards.

Impact on Playoff Picture: This win substantially strengthens Ohio State’s claim as the top team in the nation and a clear College Football Playoff favorite. Analysts are already discussing their potential path to the championship game.

Penn State’s Dominant Display

penn State’s 42-14 rout of Auburn was a statement game. The Nittany Lions’ defense was relentless, forcing multiple turnovers and consistently pressuring Auburn’s quarterback. Running back Nicholas Singleton had a breakout performance, rushing for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive Line Dominance: Penn State’s defensive line recorded six sacks, disrupting Auburn’s offensive rhythm.

Special Teams Contribution: A blocked punt returned for a touchdown added to Penn State’s impressive showing.

conference Implications: This victory positions Penn State as a frontrunner in the Big Ten Championship race.

LSU’s Statement Win Against Florida state

LSU’s 24-17 victory over Florida State was arguably the most significant result of Week 3. The Tigers’ defense stifled Florida State’s high-powered offense, and quarterback Walker Howard delivered a clutch performance in the fourth quarter.

Turnover Battle: LSU won the turnover battle, forcing two crucial interceptions from Florida state’s quarterback.

Howard’s Composure: Walker Howard showcased poise under pressure,leading a game-winning drive in the final minutes.

SEC Championship Contenders: This win establishes LSU as a serious contender for the SEC Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. The SEC remains the most competitive conference in college football.

Georgia’s Close Call and Alabama’s Continued Success

While Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU shone brightly, other top teams faced challenges. Georgia narrowly defeated South Carolina 27-24, raising concerns about their consistency. Alabama, however, continued its winning ways with a agreeable victory over USF.

georgia’s Vulnerabilities: The close game against South carolina exposed vulnerabilities in Georgia’s defense and special teams.

Alabama’s Offensive Efficiency: Alabama’s offense continues to be a well-oiled machine, averaging over 40 points per game.

Impact on Rankings: Georgia’s struggles could lead to a drop in the rankings, while Alabama