Miami No. 1 in AP Poll for First Time in 24 Years

The Miami Hurricanes have been ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time in 24 years, following a 43-35 victory over Florida State. This win took Miami to a 6-0 record, and AP Poll voters are rewarding them for their undefeated start.

Miami's rise to the top spot comes after a historic weekend of upsets that saw five of the previous top seven teams lose, a first in AP poll history. The new rankings reflect the significant changes in the college football landscape, with BYU climbing to No. 2, its highest ranking since 1984, when the Cougars won the national championship.

The rest of the top five is rounded out by Ohio State at No. 3, Notre Dame at No. 4, and Georgia at No. 5. The losses of the previous top seven teams created a rare opening, but the poll did not simply push every loser out of the top 10. Instead, teams like Notre Dame, Georgia, and Indiana remained among the top six, reflecting the strength of their records before Saturday and the quality of some of their opponents.

## What it means Taking over the top spot is a major achievement for Miami, but it also changes the conversation around the Hurricanes. They are no longer chasing the teams ahead of them; they are the team every contender will measure itself against. The pressure is now on Miami to handle the rest of their schedule and secure a playoff spot.

## Why it matters The AP Top 25 Poll, which dates back to 1936, is a significant indicator of a team's performance and chances of making the playoffs. A top ranking in October does not secure a playoff spot, but it does give teams a significant advantage. The rankings are a snapshot, not a finish line, and teams like Miami and BYU will need to continue performing well to stay at the top.

The Big 12 is now firmly in the playoff discussion, thanks to BYU's rise to No. 2. The Cougars' strong national standing is a major storyline, and their performance will be closely watched in the coming weeks. As the season progresses, the rankings will continue to shift, and teams will need to adapt to the changing landscape to secure their spot in the playoffs.