The most anticipated clash took place at the Horseshoe, where the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, hosted the top-ranked Texas Longhorns. With the weight of preseason expectations on his shoulders, Texas quarterback Arch Manning struggled to find his rhythm against a relentless Buckeyes defense. Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for just 170 yards, managing a late touchdown to Parker Livingstone, but Ohio State’s suffocating presence proved too much as they secured a gritty 14-7 victory. This win not only toppled Texas from the No. 1 spot, but it also propelled Ohio State to the top of the rankings, as projected by both CBS Sports and AP voters.
Meanwhile, Penn State did everything expected of a championship hopeful, dismantling Nevada 46-11. While the Nittany Lions’ performance was flawless, it wasn’t enough to keep them atop the AP poll, as Ohio State’s victory against Texas resonated more powerfully with voters. As a result, Penn State settled at No. 2, still firmly in the national title conversation and boasting a formidable squad.
The chaos didn’t stop there. In a fierce road contest, LSU finally shed its opening-week woes and delivered a statement win over Clemson. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier outdueled Heisman hopeful Cade Klubnik, leading LSU to a 17-10 triumph and a leap up the rankings. Elsewhere, the Miami Hurricanes hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a modern revival of an iconic rivalry. With new quarterbacks on both sides, the game came down to the wire, but Miami’s Carson Beck led a late drive capped by Carter Davis’ 47-yard game-winning field goal, clinching a 27-24 victory and solidifying Miami’s spot among the nation’s elite.
The reverberations of these results sent shockwaves through the AP Top 25. Alabama, a perennial powerhouse, fell to Florida State in a stunning 31-17 upset, raising questions about the new era under coach Kalen DeBoer. Georgia, Oregon, and Arizona State all handled their business against lesser opponents, maintaining or slightly improving their positions, while teams like South Carolina and Oklahoma quietly climbed the ranks with decisive wins.
The new AP Top 25, as projected after the dust settled, reflects a sport in flux. Ohio State claims the throne, Penn State lurks at No. 2, and LSU, Miami, and Georgia round out a volatile top five. Texas, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Alabama all face soul-searching after early setbacks, but with the season young, redemption remains within reach. If Week 1 taught us anything, it’s that college football’s heart beats strongest in moments of chaos, and this year’s race for the crown promises to be as dramatic and unpredictable as ever. For live updates and expert ballots, follow Josh Furlong and keep an eye on the official NCAA.com Top 25 scoreboard.