2025 College Football Rankings: Ohio State, Oregon Claim Top Spots; Alabama Falls

Ohio State has defeated Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, Notre Dame, and Texas again in its last five games. Two of those wins came against the No. 1-ranked team in the country. And yet, Ryan Day's program has held the No. 1 ranking just once during that stretch — following its 2024 national championship.

In their win over No. 1-ranked Texas on Saturday, the Buckeyes committed to playing winning football in a game that felt like it could’ve been — and still might be — for the national title.

Julian Sayin made his first start at quarterback and didn’t post flashy numbers. The running game struggled, and there will be questions surrounding Jeremiah Smith’s slow start to the season. But the Buckeyes delivered in the biggest moments: two massive goal-line stands, a key interception, and a smothering fourth-down defense that held Texas to just one conversion on five tries.

The message from Day to his team — and his new quarterback — was simple: Just win. And the Buckeyes did exactly that.

With that, here are my top 25 rankings following Week 1 of the 2025 college football season.

Week 1 result: Defeated Texas, 14-7

Julian Sayin became the first quarterback to make his debut start against an AP No. 1-ranked opponent and come away with a win since 1984. The Buckeye defense was dominant, while the offense needed just 215 total yards to win.

Week 1 result: Defeated Montana State, 59-13

Oregon's offense was perfectly balanced (253 yards rushing, 253 yards passing) with 507 total yards in its demolition of Montana State. Quarterback Dante Moore completed 18 of 23 passes for 213 yards with three touchdowns in his debut. The victory marked Oregon's 16th straight home win.

Week 1 result: Defeated Marshall, 45-7

Gunner Stockton racked up 263