In an electrifying Week 12, the SEC showcased intense battles among College Football Playoff hopefuls, prompting significant shifts in the AP Top 25 poll for Week 13. Oklahoma and Georgia made impressive strides, solidifying their positions in the national rankings as they remain firmly in the race for postseason play.
At the top of the rankings, there were no alterations as Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M maintained their status following successful outings. Notably, Texas A&M’s retention of its No. 3 ranking was marked by the largest comeback in the school’s history, highlighting their resilience.
However, the biggest upheaval occurred in the wake of Oklahoma’s nail-biting 23-21 victory over Alabama, which saw the Crimson Tide drop to No. 10 after suffering their second defeat of the season. This loss allowed the Sooners to re-enter the top 10 for the first time since Week 6, securing the No. 8 position thanks to their victory over Alabama. Despite this success, Oklahoma’s hopes for a conference title have unfortunately been dashed due to the overall SEC standings.
Georgia also capitalized on Alabama’s setback, claiming the No. 4 spot with a decisive 35-10 triumph over Texas. This marks the Bulldogs’ highest ranking since Week 2, while the Longhorns’ prospects for the College Football Playoff now appear precarious after their defeat.
Additionally, the Group of Six landscape has shifted, especially following Navy’s unexpected win over South Florida. Although Navy fell short of entering the rankings, both North Texas and Tulane made significant gains, joining the top 25, and James Madison climbed to No. 21 with a three-spot improvement.
The updated AP Top 25 for Week 13 reflects a dynamic college football landscape, setting the stage for even more thrilling matchups ahead as teams strive to secure their spots in the postseason.