Ohio State opened the 2025 season by sending a message. The Buckeyes defeated No. 1-ranked Texas 14-7, a win that vaulted Ryan Day’s program to the top spot in the latest college football rankings. This is just the second time in two seasons that Ohio State has held the No. 1 ranking, despite having wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas twice in its last five games.
The victory was built on defense. Ohio State delivered two goal-line stands, forced a key interception, and held the Longhorns to one conversion on five fourth-down tries. In his first start, QB Julian Sayin became the first since 1984 to debut vs. an AP No. 1 and win. Ohio State totaled 215 yards, but its defense smothered Arch Manning and Texas.
Day’s message to his team was direct: “Just win.” Ohio State did precisely that [Fox Sports].
Oregon Surges to No. 2
Oregon moved into the No. 2 spot post the 59-13 win over Montana State. The Ducks showed proper balance with 507 total yards, split evenly between passing and rushing (253 each). QB Dante Moore went 18-of-23 for 213 yards and three TDs in his debut, as the Ducks pushed their home win streak to 16.
Georgia and LSU Secure Top-Five Spots
At No. 3, Georgia cruised past Marshall 45-7. In his first start, Gunner Stockton accounted for 263 total yards and four TDs. USC transfer Zachariah Branch added three catches for 95 yards, with a 47-yard score. The Bulldogs led 45-0 before allowing a late touchdown.
LSU climbed to No. 4, posting an edge over Clemson 17-10 on the road. Garrett Nussmeier threw for 230 yards and a TD. In recent years, the Tigers joined Penn State as one of the few programs to notch an AP top-five road victory.
Texas, which entered Week 1 ranked No. 1, fell to No. 5 after the home loss to Ohio State. Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards with a TD and an INT. The Longhorns rushed for 166 yards but failed repeatedly in short-yardage situations. Texas became just the sixth preseason No. 1 team in 35 years to drop its opener.
Miami Makes a Statement
Miami jumped to No. 6 after a 27-24 win over Notre Dame. Carson Beck led a balanced attack, while the defense controlled the line. It marked Mario Cristobal’s first top-10 win at Miami and keeps CFP hopes alive with the title game set for Hard Rock Stadium.
Penn State, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame
Penn State sits at No. 7 after rolling Nevada 46-11. The Nittany Lions forced three turnovers and got immediate contributions from transfer wideouts Kyron Hudson and Trebor Pena. Oklahoma jumped to No. 9 with a 35-3 win over Illinois State. In his debut, John Mateer set a school record for passing yards, throwing for 392 yards and four TDs. Notre Dame dropped to No. 10 after falling to Miami. Freshman QB CJ Carr showed flashes but faced constant pressure.
Alabama Tumbles to No. 22
One of the week’s biggest headlines was Alabama’s 31-17 loss to Florida State. The Crimson Tide, favored by two touchdowns, is now 4-4 in such games under Kalen DeBoer. By comparison, Nick Saban was 131-2 in similar scenarios. Powered by an overhauled roster, Florida State’s win has the Seminoles ranked No. 18 and back in the ACC title picture.
Rounding Out the Top 25
Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, Iowa State, Texas A&M, Florida, Texas Tech, Arizona State, and SMU complete the Top 25. Notable highlights include Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood throwing for 251 yards in his debut, Ole Miss putting up 695 total yards in a 63-7 rout, and Iowa State starting 2-0 behind quarterback Rocco Becht’s near-perfect efficiency.
Week 1 delivered upsets, debuts, and defensive dominance. Ohio State set the tone with a win over No. 1 Texas, a statement that the Buckeyes’ road to another title defense has already begun.
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