College Football Rankings: Week 4 AP Top 25 Is Out

Week 4 of the college football season is in the books, and the AP Top 25 rankings are starting to take shape. From dominant blowouts to nail-biting finishes, these teams have shown why they belong among the nation’s best.

Ohio State

• Record: 3-0
• The Buckeyes handled Ohio 37-9 in Week 3, with Julian Sayin shining through the air and Jeremiah Smith delivering a breakout 153-yard performance. After a tighter first half, Ohio State dominated down the stretch to secure the win. They had a bye in Week 4 before resuming play against Washington.

Miami (FL)

• Record: 4-0
• Miami relied on suffocating defense and a steady run game to take down Florida. The Hurricanes allowed just 141 yards and no third-down conversions, while Brown and Fletcher combined for three touchdowns in a convincing 26-7 win that moved them to 4-0.

Penn State

• Record: 3-0
• Oregon showcased its firepower in a 41-7 rout of Oregon State, with Dante Moore leading the way through the air. The Ducks’ quarterback threw for 305 yards and four scores, helping the offense eclipse 580 yards on the day. Oregon’s mistake-free execution underscored its control in the rivalry game.

LSU

• Record: 4-0
• The Tigers overpowered Southeastern Louisiana 56-10, breaking the game open with a lopsided second quarter. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led the way with three passing scores and a rushing touchdown, completing 25 of 31 throws for 273 yards. LSU’s defense dominated from the start, holding the Lions to minimal first-half production.

Georgia

• Record: 3-0
• Georgia secured a dramatic 44‑41 overtime win over Tennessee in Week 3, overcoming multiple comebacks to remain perfect at 3‑0 (1‑0 SEC). Gunner Stockton threw for two TDs and ran for another, while Josh McCray’s 1-yard score sealed the victory. The team did not take the field in Week 4.

Oregon

• Record: 4-0
• Oregon showcased its firepower in a 41-7 rout of Oregon State, with Dante Moore leading the way through the air. The Ducks’ quarterback threw for 305 yards and four scores, helping the offense eclipse 580 yards on the day. Oregon’s mistake-free execution underscored its control in the rivalry game.

Oklahoma

• Record: 4-0
• Auburn battled but came up short in a 24-17 loss to Oklahoma, undone by offensive struggles and a late defensive lapse. The Tigers’ running game was held in check, and Jackson Arnold endured nine sacks behind shaky protection. Their final lead with just minutes remaining wasn’t enough to hold off the Sooners’ decisive march.

Florida State

• Record: 3-0
• The Seminoles showcased a balanced, explosive attack in their 66-10 rout of Kent State. Florida State’s rushing game was unstoppable, piling up 498 yards behind strong performances from Sawchuk and Castellanos. It was a statement win that highlighted Malzahn’s immediate impact on the offense.

Texas A&M

• Record: 3-0
• In a thrilling Week 3 matchup, Texas A&M defeated No. 8 Notre Dame 41–40 in South Bend. Marcel Reed capped a 360-yard passing game with a last-second touchdown to Nate Boerkircher, and Mario Craver added 207 receiving yards. The Aggies overcame challenges, including an injury to safety Bryce Anderson, and did not have a game in Week 4.

Texas

• Record: 3-1
• Texas cruised to a 55-0 win over Sam Houston with Arch Manning leading the charge, passing for 309 yards and five total touchdowns. The Longhorns’ defense dominated up front, holding the Bearkats scoreless and recording five sacks. The result gave Texas momentum and reassurance as SEC competition looms.

Indiana

• Record: 4-0
• Indiana left no doubt in a 63–10 rout of Illinois, fueled by a fast start on special teams and relentless offensive execution. Fernando Mendoza starred with pinpoint accuracy and five touchdown passes. With the win, the Hoosiers remain unbeaten and open conference play in dominant fashion.

Texas Tech

• Record: 4-0
• Texas Tech leaned on resilience and defense to beat Utah 34-10. Will Hammond provided a lift after Morton’s injury, guiding the offense to three consecutive scores. The defense forced four turnovers and stifled Utah’s rushing attack, helping the Red Raiders stay unbeaten.

Ole Miss

• Record: 4-0
• Ole Miss dominated Tulane 45-10, improving to 4-0 on the season. Behind Trinidad Chambliss’s efficient performance—two touchdown passes and 112 rushing yards—the Rebels controlled the game and capitalized on all six chances in the red zone.

Iowa State

• Record: 4-0
• The No. 14 Cyclones overcame a scare from Arkansas State, winning 24-16 behind Rocco Becht’s dual-threat performance and Abu Sama III’s late touchdown run. Iowa State’s strong rushing attack, led by Carson Hansen, kept them ahead despite a close second half. Following this victory, the Cyclones had a Week 4 bye before their next game against Arizona.

Tennessee

• Record: 3-1
• Tennessee looked sharp in a bounce-back 56–24 victory over UAB. The Vols showcased a balanced attack with Joey Aguilar throwing for three touchdowns and the ground game rolling for 235 yards and four scores. A dominant first half put the game out of reach, giving backups plenty of reps after halftime.

Georgia Tech

• Record: 4-0
• Georgia Tech seized control early with three quick touchdowns in the first quarter, rolling to a 45–24 win over Temple. The Jackets leaned on their rushing attack, racking up more than 300 yards on the ground, and never allowed the Owls to seriously threaten. The win pushed Tech to 4–0 and gave them their first home victory as a ranked team in a decade.

Alabama

• Record: 2-1
• No. 19 Alabama picked up a convincing 38–14 win over Wisconsin in Week 3, with Ty Simpson throwing for 382 yards and four touchdowns. Ryan Williams’ big day, combined with a defense that tallied four sacks and two interceptions, sealed the victory. Alabama then sat out Week 4 with a bye, preparing for their upcoming SEC clash against No. 6 Georgia.

Vanderbilt

• Record: 4-0
• Vanderbilt put together a dominant performance in a 70-21 rout of Georgia State, marking the program’s biggest scoring outburst in 107 years. Pavia accounted for two touchdowns and over 300 total yards, while the rushing attack overwhelmed the Panthers. The Commodores also got key contributions from their defense and special teams to cap the emphatic victory.

Michigan

• Record: 3-1
• Michigan pulled out a 30-27 win thanks to a dominant rushing attack and relentless defense. Bryce Underwood showed flashes with a key touchdown run, while Haynes and Marshall each ripped off huge scoring plays on the ground. The Wolverines’ front seven set the tone, sacking Dylan Raiola seven times and forcing Nebraska into tough third downs.

Missouri

• Record: 4-0
• Missouri’s balance on offense and relentless defense carried the team past South Carolina, 29-20. Hardy’s 138 rushing yards set the tone, and the Tigers’ front seven delivered timely pressure with five sacks to close out the victory.

USC

• Record: 4-0
• USC rolled to a 45-31 win over Michigan State to remain undefeated in conference play. Maiava delivered a dual-threat performance with five total touchdowns, and Lemon chipped in with highlight plays in both the passing and running game. Even with some costly mistakes, the Trojans built a halftime cushion and finished the job on the road.

Notre Dame

• Record: 1-2
• Notre Dame earned its first win of the season with a convincing 56-30 victory over Purdue, powered by Jadarian Price’s three rushing scores and a 100-yard return. The offense delivered consistent production across three big quarters, while the defense limited Purdue’s chances to claw back. It was exactly the rebound performance the Irish needed at home.

Illinois

• Record: 3-1
• From the start, Illinois struggled to keep pace, trailing 35-10 at halftime and ultimately losing 63-10 to Indiana. The Illini offense managed just a field goal and one long touchdown pass, while their defense was stretched thin by injuries and breakdowns. Coach Bret Bielema didn’t mince words, calling the loss an “embarrassing” performance.

TCU

• Record: 3-0
• In a commanding 35-24 victory over SMU, TCU’s offense shined. Josh Hoover connected for 379 passing yards and five touchdowns, with Eric McAlister catching 254 yards and three TDs. The Horned Frogs dominated in total yards, 517 to 384, continuing their winning streak to three games.

BYU

• Record: 3-0
• BYU overpowered No. 13 Kansas State 38–9, with a defense that repeatedly disrupted the Wildcats’ offense and forced three turnovers. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff added 149 yards and two touchdowns, while Parker Kingston thrilled fans with a 90-yard punt return touchdown. The Cougars’ combination of offense, defense, and special teams proved unstoppable.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, these ranked teams are setting the tone for an exciting stretch of college football. With undefeated streaks, breakout performances, and plenty of drama, the race to the top of the rankings is heating up.