Week 3 AP Poll Shake-Up: Texas Soars, Michigan Falls, and Tennessee Breaks into the Top Ten

In Athens, Georgia, the latest AP Poll rankings have hit the headlines after another thrilling week of college football. As Week 3 wraps up, some teams have made notable drops and leaps in the rankings, sparking conversation among fans and analysts alike.

Texas has achieved a significant milestone, climbing to the No. 2 spot in the rankings. This move followed their impressive 31-12 victory over Michigan, the defending College Football Playoff champions. This loss marked one of the worst home defeats for a reigning champion in college football’s history, causing Michigan to tumble down to No. 17, the first time they’ve been outside of the top 10 in nearly three years. Meanwhile, Ohio State held onto their No. 3 ranking by defeating Western Michigan in a commanding 56-0 shutout.

The top-ranked team remains Georgia, which received first-place votes alongside Texas and Ohio State. Meanwhile, Notre Dame faced a shocking defeat against Northern Illinois and dropped from No. 5 to No. 18, marking a steep 13-spot fall.

Notably, the Tennessee Volunteers surged into the top ten, climbing seven spots to No. 7. This impressive rise has been fueled in part by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has been efficient with a 75% completion rate over his first two games.

Add to the mix the debut of three teams in this week’s rankings: Iowa State at No. 21, Nebraska at No. 23, and Boston College at No. 24. Additionally, Northern Illinois, currently ranked No. 25, appears well-positioned to make a push for one of the College Football Playoff’s automatic bids, especially after their key victory over Notre Dame.

This edition of the rankings certainly sets the stage for a captivating continuation of the college football season. Fans are eagerly looking ahead to see how teams will shape their paths to potential playoff berths.