The latest AP Top 25 poll has delivered a thrilling shake-up ahead of championship week in college football, particularly highlighting the performance of Texas teams. Texas Tech has made a remarkable leap to No. 5, representing its highest ranking in 17 years following an impressive 11-1 record for the regular season. This marks a significant achievement for the Red Raiders, who haven’t reached this level since November 2008 when they briefly held the No. 2 spot. Texas Tech now prepares for a pivotal Big 12 Championship Game against No. 11 BYU, a rematch of their previous encounter where they triumphed 29-7.
In contrast, Texas A&M faced a setback, dropping to No. 7 after a tough 10-point loss to Texas. This marks the Aggies’ first exit from the top five in two months. Despite this dip, they remain the third-highest ranked team in a competitive SEC, which boasts eight teams in the Top 25. As they sit out championship weekend, the team awaits a judgment from the selection committee regarding their postseason prospects.
Meanwhile, Texas climbed two spots to No. 14 following their victory over Texas A&M, effectively ending the Aggies’ top-five streak. Although the Longhorns will not participate in championship Saturday, their standing may play a role in the postseason landscape due to their strong résumé, which includes wins against notable teams like Oklahoma.
North Texas also made headlines, rising to No. 20 in the rankings and leading a season-high four ranked Group of Five programs. The Mean Green will challenge No. 21 Tulane for the American Athletic Conference Championship, marking a significant achievement for the team and the conference alike.
The championship weekend promises to feature high-stakes matchups across other conferences as well. The Big Ten Championship highlights a clash between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana, both undefeated at 12-0. The SEC Championship will see No. 4 Georgia take on No. 10 Alabama, while the ACC Championship includes No. 16 Virginia against Duke, following SMU’s loss to California which opened the path for the Blue Devils.
As football fans gear up for an exhilarating weekend, the AP Top 25 poll reflects a dynamic and competitive landscape heading into the postseason, with Texas programs once again stepping into the national spotlight and looking to build on their achievements.