College football changed dramatically this weekend, ending one of the most remarkable streaks in recent sports history. For the first time since September 26, 2021, Ohio State has fallen out of the Associated Press Top 10. The Buckeyes plummeted from No. 2 to No. 11 following a 30-18 loss to USC, a result that highlights the volatility defining this year’s playoff race.
A Historic Rise for the Bruins
While Ohio State reeled from its defeat, UCLA surged into the national spotlight. Under first-year coach Bob Chesney, the Bruins reached No. 5 in the latest AP poll—their highest ranking since 2001. UCLA’s 8-0 start has been a model of efficiency, capped off by a dominant 27-0 shutout victory over Nevada. This ascent marks the first time the program has cracked the top five in 25 years, signaling a genuine resurgence for a team that has not seen this level of success in over two decades.
The Volatility of the Top Two
The instability at the very top of the rankings has become a defining trend of the 2026 season. With Ohio State’s exit, the poll now reflects a reality where no team seems immune to an upset. In fact, this marks the fourth consecutive week that a No. 1 or No. 2 team has fallen to an unranked opponent. The No. 2 spot has been particularly cursed, suffering losses in three straight weeks, a phenomenon not seen in the sport since 2007.
Ohio State falls out of top 10, UCLA cracks top 5 and New Mexico earns its first-ever AP rankinghttps://t.co/WQh3thiQq7
New Mexico and South Carolina Rejoin National Rankings
Beyond the top five, the rankings reflect a broader shake-up across the conferences. New Mexico has earned a spot in the AP poll for the first time in program history, landing at No. 22 after a 21-16 victory over San Jose State. For a program playing football since 1892, the milestone highlights the work done by head coach Jason Eck in his second season.
Current AP Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | School | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami | 8-0 |
| 2 | Georgia | 7-1 |
| 3 | Utah | 8-0 |
| 4 | Notre Dame | 7-1 |
| 5 | UCLA | 8-0 |
| 6 | Indiana | 8-1 |
| 7 | BYU | 7-1 |
| 8 | Kentucky | 7-1 |
| 9 | Alabama | 6-2 |
| 10 | Texas | 6-2 |
The Stakes for the Playoff Committee
This Sunday’s poll carries added weight as the final snapshot before the College Football Playoff selection committee releases its first official rankings this coming Tuesday. The committee’s task is complicated by the sheer number of one- and two-loss teams vying for position. The SEC remains the most represented conference with 10 ranked teams, while the Big 12 and Big Ten follow with five apiece.
More on Ohio State
https://t.co/T23NtgfCywOhio State falls out of the top 10, UCLA cracks the top 5 and New Mexico earns its first-ever ranking in the AP Top 25 poll. See where your team landed. pic.twitter.com/8s2vaaEOvj
Ohio State tumbled out of the AP Top 10 as the college football rankings shifted again.• Ohio State fell from No. 2 to No. 11.• UCLA climbed to No. 5, its highest ranking since 2001.• New Mexico entered at No. 22, its first AP ranking ever.
Ohio State dropped from the top 10 for the first time in five years and UCLA joined the top five for the first time in 25 years in the latest AP college football top 25 poll. https://t.co/DHj8mX7jck
