What Are Tomorrow's Top 25 College Football Rankings for Week 5?

This week in college football saw a mix of expected outcomes and surprising results that will undoubtedly influence the latest AP Top 25 rankings. Although many top teams were off this week, the performance of several key competitors, including a stunning win by Indiana over Illinois, has sparked debate among voters. As teams prepare for upcoming matchups, changes in the rankings will reflect both dominance and resilience on the field.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Week 4 of College Football

• Indiana's surprising victory over Illinois raises questions about the Fighting Illini's ranking.
• Oklahoma's win against Auburn solidifies their place in the upper tier of the rankings.
• Several top-ranked teams were off, leading to limited movement in the rankings.
• Miami's close win against Florida proves their strength in the top five.
• Texas Tech's statement victory against Utah positions them for a potential top-10 ranking.

Week 4 Overview

College football's Week 4 provided fans with a mix of expected performances and shocking results. The top teams remained largely unchanged due to many being on bye weeks, but notable games like Indiana's blowout of Illinois and Oklahoma's tough win over Auburn have set the stage for potential shifts in the AP Top 25 rankings. Voters will need to assess how much weight to give these results while considering the absence of several top-ranked teams.

Ranking Implications from Key Matchups

As the AP voters prepare their ballots, certain games will carry more weight due to their implications on the rankings. For instance, Indiana's impressive 63-10 win against Illinois not only boosts the Hoosiers but also jeopardises the Fighting Illini's standing in the rankings. This kind of result often leads to significant shifts as teams are re-evaluated based on their latest performances.

Projected AP Top 25 Rankings

1. Ohio State (Last week — 1)

The Buckeyes were on a bye this week, allowing them to maintain their top position as they prepare for a challenging game against Washington next week.

2. Penn State (2)

Like Ohio State, the Nittany Lions also had a week off. They will face Oregon in a crucial top-10 matchup next week, which could sway their ranking significantly.

3. LSU (3)

The Tigers solidified their ranking with a strong performance against FCS Southeast Louisiana. A decisive victory allowed their backups to gain valuable experience as they look to improve offensively.

4. Miami (4)

Despite a less than convincing lead against Florida, Miami's victory showcases their resilience and depth, securing their spot in the top five.

5. Georgia (5)

The Bulldogs were also off this week, maintaining their position ahead of an impending clash with Alabama next week, a game that is expected to be a pivotal moment in the season.

6. Oregon (6)

The Ducks managed to overcome early adversity against Oregon State, winning 41-7. They will now shift focus to their upcoming game against Penn State.

7. Florida State (7)

Florida State continues to dominate lesser opponents, with a resounding 66-10 win over Kent State demonstrating their offensive capabilities.

8. Oklahoma (11)

After defeating Auburn, Oklahoma's record improves to 4-0, making a strong case for a higher ranking. Their wins against ranked opponents position them favourably as they look to climb further in the rankings.

9. Texas (8)

The Longhorns' victory over Sam Houston keeps them in the conversation, but their true evaluation will come with upcoming SEC matchups.

10. Indiana (19)

Indiana's commanding win against Illinois puts them firmly back in the top 10 conversation, showcasing the development of their roster under coach Curt Cignetti.

11. Texas Tech (17)

With a significant victory over Utah, Texas Tech is poised to enter the top 10. Their performance on the road against a ranked opponent will resonate with voters.

12. Texas A&M (10)

The Aggies were on a bye this week, which may lead to minor adjustments in their ranking as they prepare for a game against Auburn.

13. Iowa State (12)

The Cyclones also enjoyed a bye week, maintaining their current position until they face Arizona next week.

14. Ole Miss (13)

Ole Miss showcased their strength against Tulane, highlighting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss's impressive performance, which adds to their status in the rankings.

15. Alabama (14)

With a bye week behind them, Alabama gears up for a crucial game against Georgia, which will have significant implications for their ranking.

16. Tennessee (15)

After a tough loss, Tennessee bounced back with a strong offensive showing against UAB, scoring 42 points in the first half.

17. Georgia Tech (18)

Georgia Tech's early dominance against Temple set the tone for their 45-24 victory, demonstrating their readiness for tougher matchups ahead.

18. Vanderbilt (20)

The Commodores maintained their top 25 status with an early lead against Georgia State, improving to 4-0.

19. Michigan (21)

Michigan's ground game proved effective in their victory at Nebraska, highlighting areas of improvement for their freshman quarterback.

20. Missouri (23)

Missouri's dynamic rushing attack continues to impress, contributing significantly to their 4-0 record after a solid performance against South Carolina.

21. Illinois (9)

Illinois's dramatic drop in the rankings after a heavy loss to Indiana puts them on notice for future performances, as voters reassess their standing.

22. Notre Dame (24)

With a solid win against Purdue, Notre Dame retains their spot in the rankings, showcasing both offensive potential and defensive concerns.

23. USC (25)

The Trojans are currently competing against Michigan State, and their performance will likely influence their standing in the rankings.

24. BYU (NR)

BYU's strong showing against ECU has earned them a place in the rankings, and their upcoming Big 12 games will be crucial for their title aspirations.

25. TCU (NR)

TCU's rivalry victory over SMU, backed by strong performances, positions them to enter the top 25 for the first time this season.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for College Football

As the college football season progresses, the AP Top 25 rankings are set to undergo further changes. With several crucial matchups approaching, teams will have opportunities to solidify their standings or make a case for higher positions. The debates among voters will continue, especially as teams like Indiana and Oklahoma make strong statements in their quest for playoff contention. The landscape of college football remains dynamic and unpredictable, ensuring an exciting season ahead.

With the next round of games on the horizon, which teams do you think will rise or fall in the rankings? Stay tuned for what promises to be another thrilling week in college football! #CollegeFootball #APTop25 #CFP