AP Top 25 College Football: Week 2 Rankings Shake Up — Ohio State Overthrows Texas, Alabama Falls, FSU Returns

Ohio State secures the No. 1 spot in the Week 2 AP Top 25; LSU, Miami and Florida State surge, while Alabama hits its lowest rank in 17 years.

Highlights from the Week 2 AP Top 25 College Football

• Ohio State jumps to No. 1 for the first in-season top ranking since 2015 after defeating preseason No. 1 Texas. They earned 55 of 66 first-place votes.
• LSU surges to No. 3, a six-spot gain following a statement win over Clemson .
• Miami climbs into the Top 5, benefitting from a dominant win over Notre Dame .
• Florida State returns at No. 14 after shocking Alabama; the Tide plummeted to No. 21, their lowest ranking in 17 seasons.
• Illinois debuts at No. 11, their highest since 2001, thanks to an impressive blowout of Western Illinois.
• Texas A&M checks in at No. 19 in both the AP and Coaches Polls after beating UTSA .
• BYU remains just outside the Top 25, sitting at No. 26 with declining votes; Utah enters at No. 25.

Coaches Poll Movements: Major Swings and SEC Depth

• Ohio State also claims No. 1 in the Coaches Poll, with Penn State right behind and LSU climbing as well .
• Alabama tumbles again, sinking out of the Top 10 for the first time since 2008.
• The SEC dominates both polls with 10 ranked teams each, reinforcing its conference strength .

Why Week 2 Rankings Matter — Context & Insights

Ranking Release Timing

The AP and Coaches Polls are released every Tuesday during the season. The Week 2 edition followed pivotal early-season matchups that reshaped expectations.

Central Storylines

• Ohio State’s rise marks a statement of intent from the defending champions.
• Alabama’s steep fall puts early pressure on the program and raises questions about depth and preparedness.
• FSU’s ranking return signals their offseason rebuild, highlighted by the addition of QB Tommy Castellanos.
• LSU and Miami’s climbs underscore early-season strength from the SEC and ACC.

Voter Behavior

There’s notable volatility—only three teams remain in their preseason positions—highlighting the impact of Week 1 results and reshaping playoff narratives.

[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]

College Football Landscape in the Wake of Week 2 Polls

• Ohio State steps into the national spotlight as the early-season benchmark.
• Florida State, now ranked, gains both recruiting and fan momentum from its signature win.
• Alabama enters a tough week as SEC underdogs.
• Illinois looks ahead confidently, buoyed by a program-best early ranking.
• BYU awaits a chance to break into the Top 25 with upcoming matchups.

These rankings start to define the playoff picture, media narratives, and pressure points for coaches and players alike.
CFP projections are also reacting fast—teams like LSU are seen as potential top-tier playoff seeds already.

Expanded Breakdown: AP Top 25 Week 2 List

Based on AP and CBS coverage, here’s the updated ranking list:

1. Ohio State (55)
2. Penn State (7)
3. LSU (3)
4. Georgia
5. Miami (FL)
6. Oregon
7. Texas
8. Clemson
9. Notre Dame
10. South Carolina
11. Illinois
12. Arizona State
13. Florida
14. Florida State (NR)
15. Michigan
16. Iowa State
17. SMU
18. Oklahoma
19. Texas A&M
20. Ole Miss
21. Alabama
22. Tennessee
23. Indiana
24. Texas Tech
25. Utah
    – BYU: 26th, receiving votes

The defending national champion Buckeyes received 55 of 66 first-place votes to move up two spots after their win over preseason No. 1 Texas. Ohio State is at the top of a regular-season Top 25 for the first time since November 2015. https://t.co/5TVH8TnMkb

— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) September 2, 2025

Final Thoughts — Polls Set the Stage for Week 2

Week 2’s AP and Coaches Polls reflect the volatility of college football. Ohio State’s ascension and Alabama’s freefall set a dramatic tone. Key storylines to follow include how teams like LSU, Miami, and FSU continue to build on upward momentum — and how Alabama responds under scrutiny.

Expect debate to ramp up as fans track when the next polls come out, how CFP rankings evolve, and which teams seize early control of the playoff picture.

FAQ: Everything You’re Searching About Rankings

Q: When does the AP Poll come out?
A: Every Tuesday during the season; Week 2 rankings were released Tuesday afternoon. (Yahoo Sports)

Q: What is the difference between the AP Poll and Coaches Poll?
A: The AP Poll is voted by media members; the Coaches Poll (US LBM Coaches Poll) is voted by coaches — both carry prestige but can differ. (Wikipedia)

Q: What teams moved significantly this week?
A: LSU (+6 to No. 3), Miami (+5 to No. 5), FSU (+new entry at No. 14), Alabama (–13 to No. 21). (SI, AP News)

Q: Which conferences are leading in the polls?
A: The SEC leads (10 teams), followed by the Big Ten (6 teams). (AP News, Houston Chronicle)