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Miami Rises to No. 1, BYU to No. 2 in Chaotic AP Poll

Confirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: BYU's win over Notre Dame was a significant factor in their rise to second place, with Miami just 22 points ahead in the poll.

Downtown Miami high rises November 2025
Photo: Phillip Pessar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Texas fell out of the top 10 after losing to Florida, ending its 4-0 start that included a victory over Ohio State.

Georgia, previously undefeated in 41 of its last 45 games when ranked, dropped after a surprising home loss to Auburn.

Ohio State's Big Ten title hopes were dimmed by a loss to Notre Dame, with quarterback Julian Sayin sidelined for several weeks due to a shoulder injury.

Miami's ascent to the top spot came after a controversial victory over Florida State, where they intercepted a Hail Mary pass as time expired.

Alabama's loss to Tennessee marked the fifth top-10 team to fall in a single week, a first in the AP poll's 90-year history.

Tennessee's defense, led by Jim Knowles, held Alabama to just 201 total yards in a 26-10 victory.

Notre Dame and Indiana maintained their positions in the top 10 despite losses, as their undefeated starts and tough competition provided them with 'built-up capital.'

Miami received 40 of the 70 first-place votes, while BYU, which won a thriller against Notre Dame, received 20.

BYU's win over Notre Dame was a significant factor in their rise to second place, with Miami just 22 points ahead in the poll.

The poll saw its first complete reshuffle, with no team remaining in the same spot as the week before.

Florida's rise to No. 11 was the biggest jump, following their upset victory over Texas.

The debate now centers on which team truly deserves the top spot, with Miami and BYU leading the discussion.

What this adds

The poll's reshuffle reflects the unpredictability of the college football season, with several top teams facing unexpected challenges.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

Sources