Week 5 of the college football season might not have had the most exciting lineup, but it’s clear that unexpected drama often arises when least anticipated. Last weekend featured only three matchups between ranked teams, yet significant shifts emerged in the new AP Top 25 poll by Sunday.
This week saw Missouri make the largest leap, moving up after thrashing Florida 45-17. Just a week ago, Florida seemed unstoppable after dominating Ole Miss. In the SEC, Alabama climbed one spot to No. 6 following a convincing win against Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide surpassed Indiana, who dropped a position despite their victory over Rutgers.
Missouri Tigers wide receiver Naeshaun Montgomery (0) congratulates Missouri Tigers running back Jamal Roberts (20) on his touchdown during a SEC conference game between the Florida Gators and the Missouri Tigers held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO. (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
The latest Week 5 AP Top 25 Poll:
- Texas
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Miami (FL)
- Ohio State
- Alabama
- Indiana
- BYU
- Ole Miss
- LSU
- Texas Tech
- Utah
- Oregon
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Florida
- Mississippi State
- Oklahoma State
- USC
- Iowa
- UCLA
- Houston
- Boise State
- SMU
- Pittsburgh
The Top 8 teams in the poll remain largely unchanged, keeping the Top 5 intact from the previous week. Beyond these, SEC teams add complexity to the ranks quickly.
Keelon Russell #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ryan Coleman-Williams #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 03, 2026, in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images).
Ole Miss retained the No. 9 spot while on a bye week after suffering a heavy defeat at Florida. LSU climbed to No. 10 following a win over McNeese, going 4-1. Meanwhile, Missouri’s jump to No. 14 came after their victory over Florida, which saw the Gators fall eight places after losing by 28 points. Despite a home defeat by Alabama, Mississippi State slipped just one spot to No. 17.
The Kentucky Wildcats expressed frustration, dropping from No. 24 to unranked despite earning an overtime victory against South Carolina.
USC defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (4) runs for a touchdown after picking up a fumble during a game against the Washington Huskies at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 3, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images).
With six Big Ten teams appearing in the latest AP Poll, fans have few complaints, although USC’s drop poses questions. The Trojans fell six spots to No. 18 despite overcoming Washington 25-21. Conversely, Oregon jumped five places despite not playing in Week 5, while Iowa rose three spots following a 17-point loss to Ohio State.