Top 25 Projections Update

On3 offers an early take on how Week 1 results may shift the AP Top 25 rankings.

Top 25 Projections After Week 1 Shake Up

Week 1 delivered a mix of low scoring grinders and loud statements that could reshuffle the AP Top 25. Ohio State defeated Texas 14-7 on the road, signaling a strong start for the defending national powers and giving Texas a setback to carry into the next games. Penn State routed Nevada 46-11 behind a precise 22-for-26 passing day from Drew Allar and a ground game that produced four rushing touchdowns.

Georgia opened with a dominant 45-7 win over Marshall, with Gunner Stockton leading a balanced attack that featured both heavy rushing and solid passing. Oregon rolled Montana State 59-13, powered by a multi-weapon offense, while Clemson struggled in a 17-10 defeat at LSU that exposed issues in the passing game. Arizona State beat Northern Arizona 38-19 in a balanced effort. Notre Dame and Miami face a high-stakes matchup in the weeks ahead, with more results still to come that could move the ranking needle.

The rest of the projected Top 25 will be updated after Sunday and Monday games as On3 weighs results, redrafts the strength picture, and tests what the poll might value this season.

The weekend shows how quarterback play can make or break early momentum in the rankings. A few leaders looked crisp, while others faced uncertainty under pressure or in new systems. The results also underline how defense still matters as much as offense in tight games, shaping which teams look like contenders and which might slip.

As rosters settle and conference play approaches, the Top 25 will tilt on a few pivotal results. Depth, balance, and the ability to close in the red zone appear to be the differentiators in the early movement, more so than shiny early box scores.

Highlights

The road ahead will test depth as much as star power.