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AP Top 25 Shake-Up: Clemson, South Carolina, Notre Dame Fall After Week 3 College Football Losses

Published on: 14 September 2025

AP Top 25 Shake-Up: Clemson, South Carolina, Notre Dame Fall After Week 3 College Football Losses

Projected College Football Rankings: Week 4 Shake-Up

After a weekend of upsets and closely contested games, the AP Top 25 college football rankings are set for a significant shake-up heading into Week 4. Several top teams suffered losses, leading to potential shifts in the poll. This article previews the projected rankings, highlighting teams poised to move up or down.

Top Teams Hold Steady

Despite some close calls, the top teams in the nation are expected to maintain their positions. Ohio State (3-0) is projected to remain at No. 1 after a dominant win over Ohio. Penn State (3-0) and LSU (2-0) are also expected to hold their spots at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Oregon is predicted to stay at fourth after taking care of business against Northwestern.

SEC Showdown Impacts Rankings

A thrilling overtime victory over Tennessee is expected to boost Georgia (3-0) in the rankings. Although Tennessee lost a hard fought game, they are still expected to be in the Top 20. Miami (3-0) is predicted to slide to sixth. Texas will have to address offensive struggles after beating UTEP 27-10.

Teams on the Rise

Texas A&M (3-0) is poised to make a significant jump into the top 10 after a dramatic victory over Notre Dame in South Bend. Illinois is set up for a Top 10 battle after winning in Week 3. Georgia Tech (3-0) is expected to enter the rankings after a win over Clemson.

Teams Facing a Fall

Clemson (1-2) is at risk of falling out of the Top 25 altogether after losing to unranked Georgia Tech. South Carolina (2-1) is projected to drop significantly after a lopsided loss to Vanderbilt. Notre Dame (0-2) is also expected to tumble out of the top 10 after their loss to Texas A&M. USF will take a tumble down the rankings after being blown out by Miami 49-12.

Projected AP Top 25 (Week 4)

Rank Team Previous
1 Ohio State 1
2 Penn State 2
3 LSU 3
4 Oregon 4
5 Georgia 6
6 Miami 5
7 Texas 7
8 Illinois 9
9 Florida State 10
10 Texas A&M 16
11 Oklahoma 13
12 Iowa State 14
13 Ole Miss 17
14 Alabama 19
15 Tennessee 15
16 Utah 20
17 Texas Tech 21
18 Indiana 22
19 Georgia Tech NR
20 Michigan 23
21 Auburn 24
22 Missouri 25
23 Vanderbilt NR
24 Notre Dame 8
25 USF 18

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