SALT LAKE CITY — If you wanted some drama this weekend, it didn’t necessarily come from the top teams ranked inside the Associated Press Top 25 … at least as it relates to upsets.
The weekend was filled with entertaining, down-to-the-wire games, but no team inside the top 12 lost, which is the first time this season that has happened. Maybe we’re seeing a consolidation of powers, or it was just a fluke in the schedule.
With that said, six teams ranked this week loss, but all came in the bottom half of the rankings, including Arizona State, Illinois and LSU all suffering their third loss of the season.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday afternoon.
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes won the bye week! They remain the team to beat, but nothing indicates they should lose their standing just yet.
2. Indiana
The fun story of UCLA moving through its schedule after firing its head coach came to an end Saturday. Indiana doubled-up the already large 26.5-point spread and showed the Hoosiers still have a pulse. But should they be looking over their shoulder?
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies have made a case they could be higher in the rankings, and is the team Indiana should be most worried about — is that really a concern here? Regardless, Texas A&M seems to get better as the season continues. Is LSU a fraud? Probably, but Texas A&M is a big reason for exposing it.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) carries for a touchdown against LSU defensive back A.J. Haulcy (13) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La. (Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press)4. Alabama
It took some late-game theatrics, but Alabama maintained its winning streak. A win over South Carolina is no easy task, but the Crimson Tide remained composed and never late a late deficit rattle the team. Ty Simpson remains one of the best in the country, and he’s helping Alabama find different ways to win.
5. Georgia
Georgia was on a bye week, but there was nothing around them that really resulted in a change in their standing. Carry on …
6. Oregon
It wasn’t a performance to remember for the Ducks against a lackluster Wisconsin team in the rain. The biggest concern is the health of quarterback Dante Moore, who suffered a face injury during the third quarter. It sounds like he’ll be OK moving forward, but still something to monitor. Nothing changes here for the Ducks, though.
7. Miami
There was no Stanford upset this week. Miami took care of business the way they should. No drama, just winning results. Let’s not overthink this.
8. Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets mean business and are probably still not getting the respect they deserve. Georgia Tech beat Syracuse by 25, but it was the standout performance of Haynes King who won the day. The veteran QB contributed 395 total yards — 304 passing, 91 rushing — and five touchdowns.
9. Ole Miss
There were some questionable calls at times — like going for it on fourth down in their own territory with a 12-point lead — but Ole Miss is taking care of business, and did so against a tough Oklahoma defense. It’s a balanced team who looks like Lane Kiffin’s best. Ole Miss could be ranked higher, but it’s getting to be compacted at the top.
10. BYU
Even a double-digit deficit doesn’t scare the Cougars. The undefeated streak continues for BYU, who continues to find new ways to win each week. The early part of the schedule convinced everyone wins came because of weak competition, but that rhetoric is fading after back-to-back wins over Utah and Iowa State.
In consideration (alphabetical): Boise State, James Madison, Nebraska, North Texas, San Diego State, South Florida, TCU, Tulane, USC, UNLV, Washington
If you can’t see my full ballot below, click here.