COTTON BOWL The Miami Hurricanes continue to be one of college football’s most frustrating programs
Texas’ historic rally shakes the poll
Texas delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in modern college football, erasing a 20‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to stun Ohio State 24‑23. The rally marked the largest fourth‑quarter comeback ever recorded against an AP No. 1 team and instantly reshaped the national landscape. The Longhorns received 56 first‑place votes and climbed to No. 1 for the first time in a regular season since October 2024. Meanwhile, Miami jumped up to the top 5.
Ohio State’s fall was equally striking. After spending 17 of the last 20 polls at No. 1, the Buckeyes dropped to No. 6, their lowest ranking since entering the 2024 College Football Playoff at No. 6. The loss also continued a troubling trend: Ohio State is now 1‑3 in its last four games, all against top‑10 opponents.
Miami climbs into the national spotlight
Miami moved up two spots to No. 5, continuing its steady rise under Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes also picked up four first‑place votes, signaling growing national confidence in a program that has built momentum through strong recruiting, physical defense and early‑season consistency. Miami now sits behind only Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame and Indiana — a position that places the Hurricanes firmly in the playoff conversation.
Indiana’s climb to No. 4 adds another wrinkle to the Big Ten race, while Georgia and Notre Dame held steady at Nos. 2 and 3.
Oregon and Oklahoma suffer major setbacks
Oregon’s 15‑spot plunge to No. 21 was the weekend’s biggest shock. The Ducks entered the season with championship expectations but have struggled through two weeks, narrowly escaping Boise State before surrendering 554 yards in a loss to Oklahoma State. It was Oregon’s first defeat to an unranked opponent since 2021.
Oklahoma also slid dramatically, dropping 13 spots to No. 24 after falling to Michigan. The Wolverines re‑entered the poll at No. 19 following the upset.
SEC dominance continues
The SEC once again flexed its depth, placing nine teams in the Top 25 and six in the top 10. Texas, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Alabama lead the conference’s charge, tying the SEC’s record for most top‑10 teams in a September poll.
The Big Ten followed with seven ranked teams, while the ACC and Big 12 each placed four.
Ranked matchups ahead
LSU’s trip to Ole Miss headlines next week’s slate, marking the first top‑10 meeting between the programs since 1962. Houston‑Texas Tech and SMU‑Louisville also offer early‑season tests that could further shuffle the rankings.
Miami, now sitting at No. 5, enters Week 3 with momentum — and a growing national spotlight.
