The second week of college football brought unexpected results, altering the College Football Playoff landscape. Several surprising outcomes changed the outlook for many teams.
Oregon Ducks’ Struggles
The Oregon Ducks faced challenges, narrowly winning over Boise State and losing to Oklahoma State. Initially seen as contenders against Ohio State and Indiana in the Big Ten Championship, their performance fell short.
Michigan Wolverines Rebound
Michigan turned their season around with a win against a top-11 SEC team, following a controversial victory over Western Michigan. Their win placed them back in the playoff conversation.
Texas Longhorns’ Statement Win
Texas achieved a significant victory against Ohio State, enhancing their playoff resume. The win positioned them favorably for an at-large playoff spot if required.
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Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns warms up before facing the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 12, 2026, in Austin, Texas.
Chaos in the AP Top 25 Poll
This week’s AP Top 25 Poll reflects the volatility in college football. It highlights the ongoing debate concerning the value of wins versus losses, as discussed by figures like Nick Saban.
- Texas Longhorns
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Miami Hurricanes
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- LSU Tigers
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Texas A&M Aggies
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- BYU Cougars
- USC Trojans
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Tennessee Volunteers
- SMU Mustangs
- Utah Utes
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- Michigan Wolverines
- Missouri Tigers
- Oregon Ducks
- Houston Cougars
- Louisville Cardinals
- Oklahoma Sooners
- Virginia Cavaliers
Implications for Major Teams
Oklahoma fell 13 spots in the rankings after losing to Michigan, despite scheduling challenging opponents. BYU moved up four spots after defeating Arizona. Indiana and Miami also advanced in the rankings.
Ohio State’s drop by five spots after a close loss to Texas indicates the complexity of the ranking system. Despite nearly defeating the top-ranked team, their standing suffered, highlighting the disconnect between quality of competition and voting practices.
Ranking Challenges
Current rankings often fail to fully account for the caliber of opponents played. Human bias tends to prioritize win-loss records over schedule difficulty, as shown by Ohio State and Oklahoma’s situations.
Looking Ahead for Oregon and Others
Oregon must overcome a challenging upcoming schedule to remain playoff contenders. Upcoming games against USC, Ohio State, Michigan, and Washington will test their resolve.
Week two polls influence perspectives but have minimal long-term impact. However, the mindset revealed by rankings provides insight into playoff committee considerations.