AP Top 25 Lifts LSU to No. 10, Drops Michigan Out After Week 1

Q: With Texas topping efficiency metrics and Ohio State leading the AP poll, which powerhouse will prove the rankings right in their Week 2 clash?

Ohio State is the safer pick to validate the rankings in Saturday’s showdown, though Texas has the profile to flip it at home. The Buckeyes have the stronger résumé in this exact debate because they already hold the AP’s No. 1 spot and looked every bit like it in a 56-3 opener. Their offense appeared balanced and explosive, and unlike some other contenders, there was no visible sloppiness or late-game stress. In an early-season matchup between near-equals, that steadiness matters. Texas, however, has the sharper efficiency case. The Longhorns crushed Texas State 59-7, and Arch Manning was excellent, throwing for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Broader analytical evaluations also like Texas’ roster balance, with top-end talent across the offense and defense. Playing in Austin gives Texas a real edge, especially in a game that is likely to feel like a playoff test in September. The key question is whether Texas’ efficiency edge came against an opponent that simply offered less resistance than Ball State did to Ohio State, and whether Manning can sustain that level against a defense loaded with elite speed. Ohio State’s track record as the poll leader suggests a team with fewer early weaknesses to exploit. Texas may be the more intriguing upside team, but Ohio State is the more proven and complete one entering Week 2. If the rankings are right, the Buckeyes should leave Austin with the statement win.

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Sep 8

LSU climbed two spots to No. 10 in the first regular-season AP Top 25 after a 51-10 rout of Clemson, one of the biggest jumps among ranked teams.
Michigan fell from No. 16 to unranked despite a 13-12 win over Western Michigan, while Oregon slid from No. 2 to No. 6 after escaping Boise State 34-27 as a 25.5-point favorite.
Ohio State held No. 1 with 46 first-place votes, and Oregon’s drop pushed Georgia to No. 2, Notre Dame to No. 3, Texas to No. 4 and Indiana to No. 5.
Virginia entered at No. 25 after its Week 0 win over NC State, while Kansas State joined Michigan in falling out of the poll.
The reshuffle underscored how Week 1 margins mattered almost as much as wins, with voters punishing shaky performances and rewarding LSU’s emphatic opener.