AP Poll Top 25 released after Week 4 of college football

With Week 4 of college football in the books, the AP Poll Top 25 was updated after a wild weekend of ranked action throughout the country.

The top dogs ultimately prevailed this weekend with a lot of close calls. Were there big shake ups in the rankings due? Maybe a little.

Let’s dive into the latest AP Poll Top 25 teams after Week 4 of college football.

1. Georgia

The Bulldogs remained undefeated with a 49-21 win over UAB, although Georgia led just 7-0 after the first quarter. It’s a new week, so we’re trying to find a kink in the armor of the two-time champions.

It’s really hard to find anything wrong with Georgia this season, other than the team having some close calls. But as we say every week, until the Bulldogs are beaten, they’ll remain at the top.

2. Michigan

The Wolverines had their first Big Ten game this season with Rutgers coming to town. The Scarlet Knights struck first before Michigan pulled away with a 31-7 win.

Jim Harbaugh returned to the sidelines and other than having “memeable” moments with his facial expressions on the broadcast, it was business as usual. The Wolverines overcame a tough Scarlet Knights defense and imposed their will. Still undefeated.

3. Texas

Texas rolled to a 38-6 victory over Baylor in what was a quiet Big 12 game by all things considered. That’s how much Texas was on cruise control to win another game and stay undefeated this season.

The defense swarmed the Bears offense while Quinn Ewers and Jonathon Brooks dominated in the air and on the ground. Chalk it up for another win for Steve Sarkisian as Texas remained unbeaten.

4. Ohio State (+2)

Likely the biggest win of the weekend came in South Bend, but it wasn’t the Fighting Irish celebrating. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes won 17-14 following a touchdown from Chip Trayanum with one second left.

Notre Dame seemingly had the game in its grasp but Ohio State toughed it out in the end. Day made sure to yell that loud and proud during his postgame interview on NBC. But this is the type of win that put Ohio State back on the shortlist of contenders.

5. Florida State (-1)

The Seminoles were arguably a missed field goal away from an upset loss at Clemson. Clemson, while still unranked, gave Florida State all it could in a 31-24 overtime win for FSU.

But with stellar play from Jordan Travis, Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, Florida State’s offense was just a little better Saturday. Overall, this fully confirmed FSU’s coming out party here in 2023. Now, to sustain it this fall.

6. Penn State (+1)

Penn State had a hyped matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes, but the Nittany Lions wanted no part of a nail biter. James Franklin and company methodically rolled to a 31-0 victory and once again, they kept pace with Michigan and Ohio State.

Drew Allar tossed four touchdowns for the Nittany Lions and had one of his better games. Now, Penn State should be able to keep it rolling but we have to wait until the big matchups against Ohio State and Michigan. Those will truly tell if this is a playoff team.

7. Washington (+1)

The Huskies could still be the best team we’re not talking about as much. Michael Penix Jr. led the way in a 59-32 win, including 24 first quarter points.

Penix Jr. is what he is at this point: a stud. Can he carry Washington to a Pac-12 title over the likes of USC and Oregon? Even Utah? Only time will tell, but this might be the Huskies’ best shot.

8. USC (-3)

USC rolled to a 42-28 win over Arizona State, but giving up four scores has to be a little concerning. Yes, the Trojans were on cruise control, but how will the defense fare against the best of the Pac-12?

On offense, Caleb Williams did what he usually does: 322 yards and three touchdowns, plus two more on the ground. As he goes, USC goes. But the schedule is only going to get tougher.

9. Oregon (+1)

Statement made, to say the least, in Eugene Saturday afternoon. Oregon stomped Colorado 42-6 and certainly made it personal, in the words of Deion Sanders.

Dan Lanning certainly made it personal, although he said postgame he had to humble himself. Colorado may be a fringe top-25 team when it’s all said and done this year, but Oregon’s domination proved this team might be able to play with anyone this season.

10. Utah (+1)

Utah is able to do this without Cam Rising which is a testament to the coaching of Kyle Whittingham and company. Nate Johnson threw for just 117 yards and a touchdown in the 14-7 win, so defense was the name of the game.

Utah’s defense generated a pick-six as well and the Utes remained undefeated. While everyone talks about USC, Oregon and Washington, we can’t forget about the two-time defending Pac-12 champions. Yes, Utah is going to the Big 12 next year, but the Utes want to go out on top.

Rest of AP Top 25

11. Notre Dame (-2)
12. Alabama (+1)
13. LSU (-1)
14. Oklahoma (+2)
15. North Carolina (+2)
16. Washington State (+5)
17. Duke (+1)
18. Miami (+2)
19. Oregon State (-5)
20. Ole Miss (-5)
21. Tennessee (+2)
22. Florida (+3)
23. Missouri (NR)
24. Kansas (NR)
25. Fresno State (NR)

So there you have it, a third of the season is done already. Time flies when you’re having fun. But with conference play fully upon us, things will only get more fun, crazier and probably weirder.

Others receiving votes: Kansas St. 57, Kentucky 41, Colorado 32, Louisville 32, UCLA 28, Maryland 20, TCU 17, Tulane 11, Syracuse 8, Wisconsin 6, Air Force 6, Clemson 5, Texas A&M 5.