COTTON BOWL The Miami Hurricanes continue to be one of college football’s most frustrating programs
Miami holds firm as Florida slides
Miami stayed exactly where it wanted to be Sunday — in the top tier of the AP Top 25 — while Florida absorbed one of the weekend’s harshest drops. The Hurricanes remain No. 4 after dismantling Clemson on the road, a performance that earned them two first‑place votes and reinforced their playoff credentials. Florida, meanwhile, fell eight spots to No. 16 after being overwhelmed 45‑17 at Missouri.
The Tigers’ surge was one of the headline moves of the new poll. Missouri climbed 11 places to No. 14, its highest ranking since October 2025, and delivered the second‑largest jump of the season. The win also erased Florida’s momentum from last week’s 13‑spot rise.
Texas still on top heading into rivalry week
Texas will enter Saturday’s Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma as the No. 1 team for the fourth straight week. The Longhorns collected 61 of 70 first‑place votes, maintaining a comfortable lead over Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami and Ohio State. Georgia earned six first‑place votes after a 24‑point win over Vanderbilt, while Miami and Indiana split the remaining three.
Alabama and Indiana swapped spots at Nos. 6 and 7. BYU climbed to No. 8, Mississippi stayed at No. 9 and LSU returned to the top 10.
Movement throughout the poll
Iowa dropped six places to No. 20 after falling at home to Ohio State. SMU slipped to No. 24 following a shaky win over Boston College. Pittsburgh entered the rankings at No. 25, improving to 5‑0 but losing quarterback Mason Heintschel to a season‑ending ACL injury. Kentucky fell out despite a dramatic overtime win at South Carolina.
Conference strength remained clear: the SEC leads with nine ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with six and the Big 12 with five. The ACC holds three spots, including Miami’s top‑five position.
Ranked matchups ahead
Georgia visits Alabama in a heavyweight SEC showdown, while UCLA travels to Oregon in a test of early‑season momentum. Miami enters Week 6 with stability, confidence and a clear path toward staying in the national spotlight.
