College Football Rankings: Projecting AP Poll Top 25 after Week 7

Week 7 said, ‘Bet.’ 

After all the carnage and chaos of last weekend, the much-ballyhooed Oct. 12 slate managed to live up to its lofty billing, as Ohio State and Oregon played a barnburner that went down to the wire, Penn State-USC, Florida-Tennessee and Ole Miss-LSU needed overtime, while Alabama had to hold onto its butts just to survive against South Carolina. 

Oh, and Texas trounced Oklahoma, while Army, BYU and Pitt all moved to 6-0!

So once again, the AP Poll Top 25 should look a lot differently come Sunday afternoon. After an exliherating day of football, how far should Ohio State fall? Where to rank Alabama? And is Vanderbilt a Top 25 team?

All that and more in the latest AP Poll projections. 

Here’s how I think the Week 7 AP Poll Top 25 could look come Sunday morning:

1. Texas (Last week: 1)

The Longhorns came out of their bye week and bodied former Big 12 rival Oklahoma, as the Red River Rivalry turned into a rout with a dominating second quarter (21-0) that resulted in a 34-3 win. There was nothing weird about Texas’ impressive win, as Quinn Ewers returned with 199 passing yards and two scores in his first action in a month. Quintrevion Wilsner (118 rushing yards and a score) and the Longhorns’ defense (five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles) was the bigger story though. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: While Texas’ entire defense hounded OU freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. all afternoon, former 5-star Anthony Hill Jr. had a particularly monster game. The sophomore linebacker finished with 11 tackles, two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. After the game, Hill also trolled Oklahoma with a Baker Mayfield jersey. 

2. Oregon (Last week: 3)

The Big Ten Bash of the Year delivered in spades, as Oregon outdueled Ohio State 32-31 behind a killer performance by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The Oklahoma transfer had 375 total yards and three touchdowns, carving up the nation’s No. 1 defense. Dan Lanning secured the first signature win of his career — and he did so by staying hyper-aggressive in another big-game. In a seesaw affair (eight lead changes), Lanning went for an early 2-point conversion (that failed) but he stole points later with an onside kick that netted Oregon a key field goal that proved to be the difference in the game. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Gabriel was up for the moment all right. Despite being just 2-9 vs. Top 25 teams, Oregon’s quarterback delivered strike after strike (six throws over 26 yards) and totally faked-out Ohio State’s defense with a 27-yard keeper for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

3. Penn State (Last week: 4)

Penn State’s defense: Concerning? Penn State’s offense: Resilient, and dynamic.

The Nittany Lions erased a two-touchdown deficit at halftime to rally to knock off USC 33-30 in overtime. Drew Allar shook off three picks to throw for a career-high 391 yards and two scores — with the bulk of that production going to Tyler Warren. The all-world tight end set a FBS record with 17 receptions for 224 yards and a score — the touchdown coming on a double pass where he took the snap as a ‘Wildcat QB’ and thew the ball to Allar when went back to Warren on a seam up the middle. 

Penn State started slow in the first half, and had to comeback three different times just to tie the game. They didn’t take the lead again until kicking the game-winning field goal in OT. The Nittany Lions’ usually salty defense had issues stopping USC, allowing 189 yards rushing (including a 75-yard touchdown on a fake reverse)

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: The Nittany Lions have an idle date before their biggest two remaining games on their schedule this season: at a surging Wisconsin team and vs. Ohio State. 

4. Ohio State (Last week: 3)

Like water is wet, Ryan Day’s team had a letdown showing in another marquee spot. The Buckeyes were a mess defensively in their first true test of the 2024 season, losing in painful fashion to No. 3 Oregon 32-31 in Autzen Stadium. Despite Jim Knowles unit getting gashed for nearly 500 yards, Ohio State had a chance to potentially kick a game-winning field goal only for fifth-year senior quarterback Will Howard to lose track of time and run out the clock to end the comeback bid. 

The Buckeyes had plenty of self-inflicted miscues offensively (two fumbles, poorly timed penalties including a Jeremiah Smith offensive pass interference flag on the final drive) but Chip Kelly’s unit still did enough to win the game. Ohio State’s defense, which returned almost everyone from last season and added coveted transfer Caleb Downs, got exposed against the first offense they’ve faced with a pulse all season. All-American Denzel Burke got picked on for two long touchdowns, and Ohio State allowed seven plays over 25 yards — nearly matching its season-total (eight).

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Ohio State saw starting left tackle Josh Simmons leave the game with what appeared to be a significant leg injury in the first half, and after the game, Day said the prognosis was not good for the rest of the season.

5. Georgia (Last week: 5)

In the battle of Bulldogs, UGA delivered the most ‘meh’ showing against a bad Mississippi State team, winning 41-31 after jumping out to a 24-point lead. Led by Carson Beck’s career high 459 passing yards, Georgia had over 600 yards of total offense, but its defense seemed to press ‘SIM TO END’ for most of the second half. 

After connecting with Arian Smith for a 42-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the second half, UGA was outscored by MSU 21-7. Beck had three touchdowns but two picks (including one in the red zone), while UGA’s secondary allowed 306 passing yards and the team continues to be plague by penalties (five flags for 54 yards — many of which resulted in MSU first downs).

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: The Bulldogs saw backup tailback Branson Robinson, who missed all last season with a patella injury, exit the game early in the second quarter with a knee injury. UGA is already without Roderick Robinson (toe), and is down to just three freshmen tailbacks behind Trevor Etienne.

6. Miami (Last week: 6)

Idle.

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Led by Cam Ward and the No. 1 passing offense in the country, the Hurricanes lead the nation in scoring averaging 47.7 points per game. 

7. Clemson (Last week: 7)

These Tigers continue to just pounce on opponents — although they waited one quarter later than usual Saturday at Wake Forest. Cade Klubnik (330 total yards, three touchdowns), Phil Mafah (118 rushing yards, two scores) and Clemson’s defense turned a 7-all game in a 49-14 romp with a 28-point second quarter. The Tigers again had over 500 yards of total offense, and their defense had their best showing in a month by holding the Demon Deacons scoreless after halftime and to just 230 total yards. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Klubnik should start to be in real Heisman Trophy conversations with his latest performance. He now has 17 passing touchdowns to just two picks.

8. Iowa State (Last week: 11)

Iowa State proved its toughness Saturday night, going into Morgantown and beating West Virginia 28-16 to stay atop the Big 12 standings. The Cyclones are now 6-0 and off to their best start since the Great Depression! 

With top tailback Abu Sama limited, backup Carson Hanson led the way with 96 yards and three touchdowns. The Cyclones’ defense bottled up the top rushing attack of the Big 12, holding WVU to just 148 yards on 32 carries and intercepting quarterback Garrett Greene twice. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Somewhat quietly, Jayden Higgins (six catches for 102 yards) and Jaylin Noel (five catches for 77 yards a touchdown) continue to flex as the best 1-2 receiver punch in the Big 12 this season.

9. LSU (Last week: 13)

LSU led precisely once all night Saturday night in Tiger Stadium — but it was the only time that mattered as Brian Kelly’s team scored the winning touchdown in overtime to upset a Top 10 Ole Miss 29-26. Garrett Nussmeier shrugged off a couple awful interceptions to throw a strike in the final seconds of regulation to tie the game (a 23-yard touchdown pass on fourth down) and then connect with Kyren Lacy for a 25-yard score on the first play of overtime. 

Nussmeier struggled with pressure and misfires throughout the night, but he delivered when it mattered most, covering a 4th-and-6 on the final drive of regulation but escaping pressure and finding tight end Mason Taylor for a big gain. He then capped the tying drive with a 23-yard seed on fourth down to Aaron Anderson to send the game to overtime. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Maybe Blake Baker has something cooking with this new-look LSU defense? The Tigers limited Ole Miss’ high-powered offense’s explosive plays, and they harassed the Rebels for a season-high six sacks with nine TFLs, a pick and couple forced fumbles.

10. Alabama (Last week: 7)

The Crimson Tide escaped a second-straight humiliating loss as a three-touchdown favorite, holding on for life to beat South Carolina 27-25. Jalen Milroe scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to rally the Tide, but Alabama still allowed a late-touchdown and a onside kick recovery to give the Gamecocks a chance to win the game. 

The Tide totally botched the ‘middle-eight’ Saturday, and their defense was shredded for three quarters. They were mostly outplayed and simply fortunate LaNorris Sellers couldn’t hold onto the ball (three fumbles) and sailed multiple late throws including the game-tying two-point conversion. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Alabama’s defense again struggled to get off the field, allowing South Carolina to convert 7 of 15 third downs — including 5-for-5 on the 16-play touchdown drive to start the third quarter. 

The rest of the projected AP Top 25:

11. Tennessee (Last week: 8)

Josh Heupel better get back into the lab this week after Tennessee’s offensive doldrums nearly led to another embarrassing loss as a two-touchdown. But the Vols were able to win this Saturday, rallying to beat Florida 23-17 in overtime in a game mired by self-inflicted mistakes by both teams. Nico Iamaleava struggled for the third straight game (16 of 29 for 169 yards with a pick and red zone fumble), as tailback Dylan Sampson again carried the load (27 rushes for 119 yards and three scores) for Big Orange. 

Tennessee was fortunate that Florida kept shooting itself in the foot with a fumble at the 1-yard line, penalties that wiped off points and a missed field goal. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Tennessee’s one prolific offense has been held to under 345 yards for three consecutive games — something that’s never happened before in the Josh Heupel era. They were just 4 of 15 on third down again, too.

12. Notre Dame (Last week: 11)

That’s the Riley Leonard most Irish fans envisioned they were getting this offseason! The Duke transfer quarterback had his first 200-yard game of the season, going 16 of 22 with four total touchdowns in a 49-7 splattering of Stanford. Leonard pushed the ball vertically (a nice 53-yard strike to Beaux Collins being his best throw) and matched his season total with three passing scores. 

Notre Dame actually tailed 7-0 after the Cardinal’s lone scoring drive, but then they answered immediately and put the clamps down defensively. The Irish held Stanford to just 87 yards passing and 2.8 yards per rush, recording four sacks and eight tackles for loss. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: The Irish have a tricky matchup against Georgia Tech (5-2 with a comeback win over UNC on Saturday) before a date with a likely undefeated Navy team in two weeks. 

13. BYU (Last week: 14)

The Cougars continue to just maul opponents defensively, forcing four turnovers (including a pick-six late) in an emphatic 41-19 win over Arizona to remain undefeated. On Yom Kippur, BYU’s Jewish quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 218 yards and two scores, while the Cougs also had a 33-yard touchdown pass from wideout Parker Kingston on a trick play. 

BYU turned the four takeaways into 24 points. And Saturday was the third time this season they had at least three takeaways.

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: BYU is 6-0 for just the second time in 16 years, and Kalani Sitake’s team looks like the class of the Big 12 at the midway point of the 2024 season. 

14. Texas A&M (Last Week: 15)

Idle.

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Nic Scourton has been as advertised for Texas A&M, as the former Big Ten sack-leader at Purdue is leading the SEC in tackles for loss this season (10.0). 

15. Boise State (Last week: 17)

Ashton Jeanty? Still that dude. The Broncos grinded out a 21-7 win at Hawaii behind another awesome showing from their star tailback, as Jeanty paved the way with his third-200+ yard performance on the season. 

Jeanty now has over 1,300 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the season to remain atop most Heisman Trophy boards.

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: The Broncos remain the top G5 playoff contender, but they have a pivotal game out of their bye week again UNLV in Las Vegas at the end of the month.

16. Kansas State (Last week: 18)

The Wildcats rallied for a 31-28 win at Colorado to remain in the Big 12 title race, as Avery Johnson found Jayce Brown for a wide-open 50-yard score inside the final two minutes that moved K-State to 2-1 in Big 12 play. Johnson totaled three touchdowns, while DJ Giddens again led the way with 182 yards rushing at 7.3 yards per attempt. 

ONE NUGGET TO Kraft NOW: The Wildcats held Colorado to -29 yards (sack adjusted) rushing Saturday. Dallan Hayden and Isiah Augustave combined for 10 carries for 21 yards.

17. Indiana (Last week: 18)

Idle.

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Indiana remains a legitimate Big Ten spoiler and lurking playoff contender. The Hoosiers will be favored in their next three games (Nebraska and Washington at home, at Michigan State) and should be 9-0 with Michigan coming to town to start November.

18. Ole Miss (Last week: 9)

Lane Kiffin is going to be shaking his head at how Ole Miss let *this one* slip away in Baton Rouge. Despite leading for nearly the entire game, Ole Miss’ failed to put the game away, allowing LSU to rally for a 29-26 walk-off win in overtime. The Rebels squandered multiple chances to move to remain in the College Football Playoff hunt, yet a second loss in three weeks likely dooms their wannabe Cinderella season. 

Ole Miss will rue a game of missed opportunities: The Rebels couldn’t stop LSU on fourth down on the Tigers’ game-tying scoring drive. Tre Harris dropped a touchdown pass, and clutch kicker Caden Davis missed a 32-yard field goal. The Rebels were also stopped on 4th-and-1 inside the 5-yard line. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Jaxson Dart ended any Heisman Trophy conversations with a very up-an-down game. He threw for 284 yards but had an awful red zone pick into quadruple coverage and lost track of the playclock several times that resulted in penalties.

19. Missouri (Last week: 21)

In one of the strangest scheduling games of the 2024 season, Mizzou when to UMass and mauled the Minutemen 45-3. Luther Burden III got the scoring started quickly, as the All-American wideout took a jet sweep 61 yards to the house 60 seconds into the game. Burden also added five catches for 59 yards, but unfortunately for the Tigers, he missed most of the second half after suffering a should injury. Missouri got its ground game going against the undermanned UMass, as Marcus Carroll went for 91 yards and three scores on 15 carries. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: The Tigers’ rebounded from a rough showing at Texas A&M, holding UMass to just 237 total yards, with two takeaways and 2-14 on third down.

20. Pitt (Last week: 22)

That was a trademark ugly, gross Pitt win under Pat Narduzzi.  And he’ll gladly take it. 

With an offense completely sputtering (Eli Holstein followed up his career-day with a total dud – 14 of 28 for 133 yards and two picks), the Panthers’ defense stymied Cal in a 17-15 win to move to 6-0. Pitt had just 277 yards of offense (250 below its season average) and was just 1-12 on third down, but it held the Bears to just 1.6 yards per rush and had six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. They got a stop on Cal’s game-tying 2-point attempt early in the fourth quarter that proved to be the difference. 

Desmond Reid had 120 yards and two scores — 72 yards on a touchdown sprint on the first play of the second quarter. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Pitt will enjoy a bye week before hosting Syracuse on Friday night at the end of the month. 

21. Illinois (Last week: 23)

The Fighting Illini avoided disaster by outlasting Purdue in a wild 50-49 shootout win in OT. Luke Altmyer threw a 25-yard pass on the first play and then Illinois recorded a sack on the Boilermakers’ attempt at a game-winning 2-point conversion. 

Illinois blew a 24-point leads in the second half, as backup quarterback Ryan Browne torched the Illini defense with his arm (297 yards and three scores) and legs (118 yards). Purdue scored two touchdowns in eight seconds in the third quarter (53-yard pass, and sack-fumble for six) and yet still trailed by two-touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The furious comeback didn’t end though, as Browne led a pair of touchdown drives in the final 90 seconds to give the Boilermakers a 3-point lead with 45 seconds remaining. But Altmyer (who had 379 yards and three touchdowns ) quickly drove Illinois into field goal range for the tying 38-yard kick to send the game into overtime. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: No matter the qualify of Purdue, there’s something about the Boilermakers that spoke the Fighting Illini. Illinois snapped a four-game losing streak against its Big Ten rivals, and beat Purdue in Memorial Stadium for the first time in 14 years.  

22: Army (Last week: unranked)

Get to know the name Bryson Daily! The Army quarterback accounted for five more touchdowns in the 44-10 blowout over UAB, giving him 20 total scores with zero picks on the season. Daily (136 yards) paced an Army rushing attack that rolled up 413 rushing yards. 

The Black Knights, now off to their best start in 28 years, led 34-3 at halftime before milking the clock the rest of the game.

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Not only are Black Knights 6-0 with the nation’s longest active winning streak (10 games), but they have not trailed for a single minute all season. 

23. Michigan (Last week: 24)

Idle. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Third choice is the charm? The Wolverines are set to roll with seventh-year senior Jack Tuttle at quarterback coming out of the bye week — the third different starting QB Sherron Moore has tabbed through six games.

24. SMU (Last weekend: 25)

Idle. 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: SMU has been feasting on turnovers this season, ranking No. 2 nationally (and tops among all Power Conference teams) with 15 takeaways. 

25. Vanderbilt (Last weekend: Unranked)

There’s no way anyone had this on their bingo card for the 2024 season: Clark Lea going from probably fired after losing to Georgia State to probably getting a contract extension after upsetting No. 1 Alabama and Kentucky in Lexington. Vanderbilt — a 13.5 underdog again Saturday — beat Kentucky 20-13 behind a stifling defensive performance. 

For the second-straight week, the ‘Dores led wire-to-wire, taking advantage of a slew of UK miscues to win back-to-back SEC games for the first time in three years. Kentucky couldn’t get out of its own way with two turnovers and 12 penalties for 105 yards, while Diego Pavia and Vandy’s offense was again nails on third down (8 of 13). 

ONE NUGGET TO KNOW: Vanderbilt was held to just 288 yards of total offense, but was able to escape the win thanks to two takeaways (including a pick on a bobbled snap on a field goat attempt) and a pair of 50-yard field goals. 

Projected to drop out: No. 17 Utah, No. 19 Oklahoma