After another wild week of games, the AP Top 25 for Week four is here, and there was a lot of shakeup outside of the top 5. What are the reactions of each team? What’s next?
Others receiving votes: Kansas, Cincinnati, Florida, Washington State, Syracuse, Oregon State, Texas Tech, North Carolina, LSU, UCLA, Tulane, TCU
AP TOP 25
25. Kansas State Wildcats (3-1)
Previous Ranking: Unranked
Week 4 Result: 41-34 win over Oklahoma
What’s next: vs. Texas Tech (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
In the early 2000s, Kansas State was one of the most prestigious and best football schools in the country. The Wildcats are making their debut in the AP Top 25 this week and seem to be headed in the right direction. This season HC Chris Klieman is leaning heavily on the play of his QB Adrian Martinez, RB Deuce Vaughn and a defense that so far has only given up an average of 15.8 points per game. The win over No. 6 Oklahoma was huge and launched the Wildcats over many teams. Though, from here their schedule only gets tougher as they take on teams like Texas Tech, who just beat a ranked Texas team. – Dacota Haynes
24. Pittsburgh Panthers (3-1)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 45-24 win over Rhode Island
What’s next: vs. Georgia Tech (Saturday, 8 PM ET)
Pittsburgh is in the AP Top 25! Pop out the champagne, for the next two weeks will be huge test for this program. The Panthers can either climb the charts or fall out any week moving forward. They will rely on a running game led by Israel Abanikanda who this last weekend rushed for 177 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries. If they can continue to run the ball that effectively, no sign in the near future this team falls back. – Rowan Donaghey
23. Florida State Seminoles (4-0)
Previous Ranking: Unranked (received votes)
Week 2 Result: 44-14 win over Boston College
What’s next: versus Wake Forest (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
FSU has reached the AP Top 25 after a great 4-0 start to the season. The emergence of quarterback Jordan Travis has given them consistency on offense that they haven’t had in years. The Noles’ schedule hasn’t been very difficult so far, but their real test is coming in these next three games against ranked opponents. This weekend FSU will face Wake Forest at Doak, followed by an away game at NC State and a home game against Clemson. – Alex Twist
22. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 21 (dropped one)
Week 4 Result: 51-45 loss to Clemson
What’s next: at Florida State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Taking on Clemson is no easy task, but Wake Forest had all of the capabilities to come away with a win. They fell down 14-0 very early, but they battled back and jumped out to a 28-20 lead in the third quarter. Despite having most of the momentum, Clemson matched Wake Forest punch for punch late in the game. It was only right that this game went into overtime, but Wake Forest failed to get the big play when it mattered the most. The biggest reason the Demon Deacons failed to topple Clemson was their inability to stop the Tigers on third down. It is absolutely unacceptable that Clemson converted 16 of their 23 third downs. Wake Forest had ample opportunities to get their defense off the field and keep Clemson from scoring, but struggled mightily. Despite these struggles, Sam Hartman put on an absolute show with 337 pass yards and a school-record six pass touchdowns. Wake Forest is going to be a force this season, but they have some work to do on defense. – Zack Cherney
21. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Previous Ranking: Unranked
Week 4 Result: 34-7 win over Michigan State
What’s next: vs. Purdue (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET)
The Golden Gophers haven’t been in the AP Top 25 since October 18th, 2020. Through the first four games of the season, the defense has only allowed an average of 6.0 points per game, which is currently second-best in the nation. The strong play on offense has come from RB Mohammed Ibrahim and QB Tanner Morgan. The quarterback went 23 for 26 with 268 yards and three touchdowns against the Michigan State Spartans and Ibrahim added on 22 rushes for 103 yards. Minnesota won’t play a ranked team until week seven, but they can’t overlook the next two opponents in the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini either.- Dacota Haynes
20. Arkansas Razorbacks
Previous Ranking: 10 (Dropped 10)
Week 4 Result: 23-21 loss to Texas A&M
What’s next: vs Alabama (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET)
With some of the struggles of Texas A&M this season this was an opportunity for Arkansas to make a statement. They began the game by doing exactly that. After a punt on their first drive, the Razorbacks put together two impressive touchdown drives. Late in the second quarter, the game took a dramatic turn for the worst for Arkansas as QB K.J. Jefferson tried to leap the pile on first and goal but the ball was jarred loose and ran all the way back by Texas A&M. Following that play Arkansas struggled to stop the big play as A&M pushed their lead to 23-14. A late-game push got Arkansas back in it, but a missed 42-yard field goal cost them the game. The Razorbacks continued to fight the whole way, but what it really came down to was the lack of big offensive plays from an incredibly explosive offensive. – Zack Cherney
19. BYU Cougars (3-1)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 38-24 win over Wyoming
What’s next: vs. Utah State (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
The Cougars were able to bounce back well after their week three loss to Oregon with a win over Wyoming. BYU has been playing well this season off of the performances of QB Jaren Hall. As well as with Ben Bywater and Max Tooley dominating on defense. Next week, they will play against a Utah State team that is 1-3. So they should be able to escape with a win. – Dacota Haynes
18. Oklahoma Sooners (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 8 (Dropped 12)
Week 4 Result: 41-24 loss to Kansas State
What’s next: vs. Texas Christian University (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET)
Oklahoma has been one of my favorite teams to watch in College Football this season. Not sure if that is due to the fast pace offense, or the lack of competitive games else were among the top schools. This Sooner team just lost a tough game to a good team, unfortunately, that team, Kansas State, just lost the week before to Tulane. The Oklahoma defense struggled to get stops Saturday night. At the same time, the offense struggled to get going in any real rhythm. Look for this Sooner team to bounce back in the next few weeks, however. – Rowan Donaghey
17. Texas A&M (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 23 (moved up 6)
Week 4 Result: 23-20 win over Arkansas
What’s next: vs. Mississippi State (Saturday, 4 PM ET)
The Aggies have won some impressive games so far this season. They have won them in nail-biting fashion also. Beating Arkansas this past weekend was a huge boost for this team, both in the locker room and in the standings. This team is consistent and has an old-school approach. It will be interesting to see how they fair the rest of the season in this SEC schedule. As of right now, the sky is the limit! – Rowan Donaghey
16. Baylor Bears (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 17 (Moved Up 1)
Week 4 Result: 31-24 win over Iowa State
What’s next: vs. Oklahoma State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET)
The nickname that should be given to this team is Big Play Baylor. Despite winning by only seven this game was completely controlled by the Bears. This offense was able to exploit some major inconsistencies in the Iowa State defense as they posted six plays of 15 or more yards. They were also lifted by early points as their first three drives resulted in 17 points which set the tone for the game. In an excellent Big-12 matchup the biggest star was Baylor’s QB Blake Shapen who put up his second most passing yards of his career with 238 and tied a career-best with three passing touchdowns. The downside was that the Baylor defense allowed Iowa State to make a decent comeback, but some consistent offense made sure that comeback would not be completed.– Zack Cherney
15. Washington Huskies (4-0)
Previous Ranking: 18 (moved up three)
Week 4 Result: 40-22 win over Stanford
What’s next: at UCLA (Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET)
Washington looked dominant once again against a usually solid opponent in Stanford. The offense put up 40 points and continues their momentum. They now set their sights on an undefeated UCLA team and look to continue their undefeated streak and offensive output. – Shane Davis
14. Ole Miss Rebels (4-0)
Previous Ranking: 16 (moved up two)
Week 4 Result: 35-27 win vs. Tulsa
What’s next: vs. Kentucky (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET)
Ole Miss come out of a battle with Tulsa on top and stayed undefeated. They, like alot of other teams this week, struggled to put away a smaller team but eventually did. They are ranked 14th and next week Lane Kiffin’s team has to get past number seven ranked Kentucky. – Jeff Scoggins
13. Oregon Ducks (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 15 (moved up two)
Week 4 Result: 44-41 win over Washington State
What’s next: vs. Stanford (Saturday, 11 PM ET)
Oregon looked offset in the first three quarters, credit to the Washington State defensive gameplan. However, the Ducks did not give up even after falling 34-22, all the Ducks needed was three minutes to take the lead in the fourth quarter. They did so on the back of Bo Nix and the offense and with a pick-six by Mase Funa to seal the deal. It was a battle that early in the fourth quarter that many didn’t see the Ducks winning. After the win by UO, it tied them for second place in the Pac-12. Next week, the Ducks should have an easier opponent in the (0-2, 1-2) Stanford Cardinal. – Dacota Haynes
12. Utah Utes (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 13 (Moved up 1)
Week 4 Result: 34-13 win over Arizona State
What’s next: vs. Oregon State (Saturday, 2 PM ET)
Utah was able to handle Arizona State pretty easily in Tempe. Cameron Rising and the Utes offense was able to put up 34 points, while the defense only allowed 13 and picked up two interceptions along the way. The Utes will have a bigger challenge against an Oregon State team that lost to USC by three points. The Beavers will be looking for their conference win, and the Utes can’t look past them as they may have in years past. – Dacota Haynes
11. Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0)
Previous Ranking: 14 (Moved up 3)
Week 4 Result: 33-14 win over Central Michigan
What’s next: vs. Northwestern (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
The Nittany Lions have marched to another win. Penn State’s ground game has given them a 4-0 start to the season. The defense has proven to be a unit this program can rely on, only allowing points in one quarter this weekend. In two weeks when they face Michigan, we will see how serious Penn State is this season. As of now, the Nittany Lions are on the cusp of being top 10 in the nation. – Rowan Donaghey
AP Top 25
Top 10
10. North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-0)
Previous Ranking: 12 (moved up two)
Week 4 Result: 41-10 win vs. UConn Huskies
What’s next: at Clemson(Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
NC State has benefited from playing subpar competition so far this season, although they have had some close calls, they are finding themselves 4-0 as they start ACC play. There’s nothing saying they do not have a chance to keep it close with Clemson, as their defense is led by Aydan White CB (So.) who has 2 interceptions one leading to a touchdown and lead tackler and defensive playmaker Drake Thomas LB
(Jr.), will try to lead their unit to prevent Clemson’s offensive attack from outscoring them. However, Devin Leary QB (Jr.) and Demie Sumo RB (So.) will have to make the scoring opportunities possible for the Wildcats to stay relevant in Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Clemson is currently favored by 6.5 according to Vegas, this would be because of their overtime thriller against Wake Forest. For NC State to come away with the upset in this top 10 matchup there will need to be several missed opportunities by Clemson they will need to take advantage of and making Clemson’s offensive possessions difficult would be the key to victory if they have any chances to win this upcoming game. – Branden Timm
9. Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: Bye
What’s next: Vs. Baylor (Saturday at 3:30 PM)
Oklahoma State enjoyed a bye this past weekend as they prepare for their first Big XII matchup against the Baylor Bears in Waco, TX. Baylor is coming off a strong performance against Iowa State where they allowed Iowa State 350 yards and 24 points consisting of three touchdowns and a field goal, but Baylor got two interceptions as Dave Aranda’s defenses keep proving why he’s one of the best coaches in college football. Mike Gundy and the Cowboys will need to be creative to avoid Baylor’s defense from causing turnovers. However, with their offensive firepower, they will be the best offense Baylor will have to face off with so far this season Oklahoma State has not faced an opponent the caliber of Baylor yet either. It will be a difficult test for Oklahoma State to go into Waco and come out a Win, but if they can challenge Baylor with experience this game could go either way.– Branden Timm
8. Tennessee Volunteers (4-0)
Previous Ranking: 12 (moved up 3)
Week 4 Result: 34-27 win against Pitt
What’s next: Bye, LSU (Saturday, October 8th)
This was an excellent back-and-forth affair in the first half. After the Volunteers took a 17-14 lead right before halftime they completely controlled the rest of the game. This was a wild game from the start featuring a lot of offense, but also a ton of turnovers. The Volunteers committed two fumbles in the first half and both times were bailed out by Florida who missed a field goal and punted. Despite not giving up points off turnovers they still allowed a ton of offense from Florida. This Tennessee defense gave up an immense 594 total yards including 453 passing yards from Anthony Richardson. Nonetheless, Tennessee also showed off with 576 total yards. The biggest playmaker was Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker we threw for 349 yards and also led the team with 112 rush yards. The Volunteers deserve to be a Top-10 team with their incredible offense, but they have to stiffen up their defense to continue to succeed.– Zack Cherney
7. Kentucky Wildcats (4-0)
Previous Ranking: 8 (moved up 1)
Week 4 Result: 31-23 win over Northern Illinois Huskies
What’s next: at Ole Miss (Saturday, 12 PM ET)
As I mentioned last week, this Northern Illinois team can put up points. They showed that in Lexington against Kentucky on Saturday holding the Wildcats to 31 points, and keeping the game close on offense as well. QB Will Levis put on a show against the Huskies, going 18/26 with 303 yards and four touchdowns. After a 4-0 start, Kentucky will be in for a challenge when they take on Ole Miss in Oxford. –Derek Harper
6. USC Trojans
Previous Ranking: 7 (moved up 1)
Week 4 Result: 17-14 win over Oregon State
What’s next: vs. Arizona State (Saturday, 9:30 PM ET)
The Trojans played a tough matchup against Oregon State in Corvallis. The Trojans have always struggled to show their true dominance in this part of Oregon. However, with the help of Travis Dye, who is familiar with the Beavers from his time with the Ducks, the Trojans were able to escape with the win. Dye rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Now USC will look to reassert its dominance at home against ASU. – Dacota Haynes
5. Clemson Tigers (4-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 51-45 win over Wake Forest (2 OT)
What’s next: vs. NC State Wolfpack (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
The tweet below sums up the feelings of Clemson’s players, coaches, and fans. The secondary must be healthy, and sooner rather than later, with NC State coming to Death Valley next week. The offense showed life and fought back every time Wake Forest scored. If DJ Uiagalelei continues to improve and Clemson finds a consistent running game the Tigers will win the ACC. Health, especially in the secondary and wide receivers, may determine if they make the CFP. – Lee McManus
4. Michigan Wolverines (4-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 34-27 win against Maryland
What’s next: at Iowa (Saturday, TBD)
Michigan might have the best football team in the nation this season. Every week moving forward they will have to prove that over and over again. Winning in convincing fashion has landed them into the top 4 up to this point, making this season a BIG10 and SEC showdown in the top 4. The Wolverines are balanced this season, defense and offense is top-notch, relying on gritty old fashion line dominance to impose their will on opponents. Look for them to control the clock and time of possession as their schedule gets into tougher competition. – Rowan Donaghey
3. Ohio State (4-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 52-21 win over Wisconsin
What’s next: vs. Rutgers (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
The Ohio State University has been top five in college football for the last decade. This year’s team might be the best one to date. They have a pro talent at almost every position, along with a top defense in the country. This is what makes this team top four in the nation. The level and focus on defense and dominating games on that end, versus shooting it out for every victory gives this team an edge previous Buckeyes have not had. Ohio State is one of the top dogs this season. – Rowan Donaghey
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 55-3 win over Vanderbilt
What’s next: vs. at Arkansas (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
The Crimson Tide have been number 2 most of the season, yet this team has only played one other opponent in the top 50. Winning all but one of their games by an average of 41.0 points per game. That is first in the nation in team average winning margin, even with their one-point victory over Texas. College Football fans, especially in Alabama can not wait to see this team take on the SEC competition to see where this team really belongs in the rankings. As of now, number 2 feels right for this powerhouse. – Rowan Donaghey
1. Georgia Bulldogs (4-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 4 Result: 39-22 Win Over Kent State
What’s next: @Missouri (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
Georgia didn’t look their dominant self this week. It was like they completely looked past a tough Kent State and almost paid for it. Even though the offense had three turnovers it was the defense that looked the worst. Play after play they had trouble stopping Kent State. After not letting any opponent score a touchdown against the first string that streak ended Saturday. Through it all the voters gave Georgia the top spot again. They believed the Bulldogs overlooked a smaller opponent but will bounce back next week against Missouri. – Jeff Scoggins
TL//DR: These AP Top 25 rankings are based off of the official website. The summaries are brought to you by our staff.
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