Big Wins in the Big Ten Impact NCAA Football AP Poll

Quinshon Judkins #1 and Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate with teammates and fans after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions 20–13 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania on Nov. 2, 2024. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Big Ten ruled weekend TV viewing for college football fans, with Ohio State visiting Penn State in a battle of top-five teams and the Buckeyes emerging victorious.

Oregon and Indiana also remained undefeated, keeping the Big Ten with three of the top six college teams in this week’s AP Poll and a fourth in the top ten overall.

This coming weekend, the Southeastern Conference will be back on center stage with two important games with College Football Playoff implications. Georgia, remaining No. 2 in the poll this week, hosts a hot Mississippi team, while Alabama travels to a heated road contest at LSU.

Here’s how the AP Poll ranks the top 25 teams in the country. We'll get our first look at the College Football Playoff rankings this week as well.

1. Oregon (9–0, Big Ten)

A 38-17 win at the Big House over Michigan keeps the Ducks at No. 1 in the poll this week. They host Maryland on Saturday evening.

2. Georgia (7–1, SEC)

It wasn’t pretty, but the Bulldogs handled their business in their game against rival Florida and remain No. 2 this week. One of the more impactful games this weekend could be Georgia hosting Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon.

3. Ohio State (7–1, Big Ten)

The Buckeyes went to Happy Valley and beat Penn State, moving them up into the top three in this week’s poll. They host Purdue this weekend, which should be an easy win.

4. Miami (9–0, ACC)

A game that was close well into the second half ended with a 53-31 final score and Miami moves up one spot this week. Beware the trap game, and the Hurricanes heading to Georgia Tech this weekend could be a headache if they don’t take care of business.

5. Texas (7–1, SEC)

The Longhorns move up one spot despite being idle over the weekend. The Longhorns host Florida this weekend and look to continue rolling.

6. Penn State (7–1, Big Ten)

The Nittany Lions’ seven-point home loss to Ohio State moves them down three spots in the poll this week. They host Washington on Saturday night.

7. Tennessee (7–1, SEC)

The Volunteers stay put at No. 7 with a 10-point win over Kentucky. They host Mississippi State on Saturday evening.

8. Indiana (9–0, Big Ten)

Welcome to the top ten, Hoosiers! After blowing out Michigan State, they’ll need to keep their heads for a couple of weeks until a trip to Columbus to face the Buckeyes. They host a struggling Michigan team on Saturday afternoon.

9. BYU (8–0, Big 12)

BYU stays put coming off a bye week. They’re on upset watch at Utah this weekend.

10. Notre Dame (7–1, Independent)

Notre Dame remains in the top ten but slides back two spots on a bye week. Florida State is in South Bend on Saturday evening.

11. Alabama (6–2, SEC)

The Crimson Tide move up three spots coming off a bye. They’ll get a test on Saturday night in Baton Rouge against LSU.

12. Boise State (7–1, Mountain West)

The Broncos put 56 on San Diego State and move up three spots this week.

TreVeyon Henderson, #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes, runs the ball during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in State College, Penn., on Nov. 2, 2024. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

13. SMU (8–1, ACC)

The Mustangs beating Pitt gives them the biggest jump in the poll this week, up seven spots and now teasing the top ten. They have a bye this weekend.

14. LSU (6–2, SEC)

A bye moves LSU up two spots this week before hosting Alabama in a huge SEC matchup on Saturday night.

15. Texas A&M (7–2, SEC)

A loss at South Carolina costs the Aggies five spots in the poll this week. They have a bye this weekend.

16. Mississippi (7–2, SEC)

The Rebels put 63 on the Razorbacks at Arkansas this past weekend. That moves them up three spots in this week’s poll. They get Georgia this weekend in a huge game in the SEC – and the playoff.

17. Iowa State (7–1, Big 12)

A one-point loss at home against Texas Tech costs the Cyclones six spots in the poll. They’ll look to rebound at Kansas on Saturday.

18. Army (8–0, AAC)

A win over Air Force keeps Army undefeated and moves them up three spots and into the top 20. They visit North Texas on Saturday.

19. Clemson (6–2, ACC)

Their loss at home against Louisville moves them down eight spots in the poll this week. The road doesn’t get easier with a road game at Virginia Tech on Saturday.

20. Washington State (7–1, Pac-12)

A well-timed bye week moves them up two spots. They host Utah State in the last game of Saturday’s schedule.

21. Colorado (6–2, Big 12)

The Buffalos also had a bye week and move up two spots. They’re on upset alert, however, with a trip to Texas Tech this weekend. They’ll need a win to stay in the playoff hunt in the Big 12.

22. Kansas State (7–2, Big 12)

A loss at Houston moves KSU down five spots in the poll this week.

23. Pittsburgh (7–1, ACC)

The Panthers’ loss at SMU costs them five spots this week. They host Virginia this weekend.

24. Vanderbilt (6–2, SEC)

The Commodores went to Auburn and won by ten. They host a South Carolina team that is coming off a big upset this past weekend.

25. Louisville (6–3, ACC)

Their big win at Clemson this past weekend brings the Cardinals into the polls.