New Mexico earned its first AP Top 25 ranking in program history, debuting at No. 22 in the Week 10 poll released Sunday. The Lobos have won five straight games since a 14-6 loss at Oklahoma on Sept. 19 and sit three spots behind Group of Six frontrunner Boise State.
The poll appears to align closely with the initial College Football Playoff rankings set to be revealed Tuesday. Here are three takeaways from the latest AP Top 25.
Ohio State drops to No. 11 after USC loss
Ohio State fell nine spots to No. 11 following a 30-18 defeat at USC, its second loss of the season and fourth in its last 10 games under coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes also lost quarterback Julian Sayin to a season-ending arm injury, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's Heisman Trophy hopes have diminished. Ohio State's remaining schedule includes games against Oregon on Nov. 14, Northwestern on Nov. 21, at Nebraska on Nov. 28, and versus Michigan.
South Carolina climbs into rankings with three straight wins
South Carolina entered the poll as the highest-ranked three-loss team after winning three consecutive games since starting SEC play 0-3 under coach Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks hold top-25 victories over Florida and Tennessee and led then-No. 8 Kentucky by 17 points in September before losing in overtime. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has powered an offense that resembles the 2024 team that nearly reached the CFP. South Carolina could force its way into the playoff conversation with wins over Georgia and Clemson to close the regular season.
Missouri gains recognition at No. 19
Missouri rose four spots to No. 19 after a 34-10 win at Arkansas, rebounding from a 28-point loss at Ole Miss. Running back Ahmad Hardy returned to the backfield, and quarterback Austin Simmons ranks among SEC passing leaders with 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Tigers boast the conference's fifth-best scoring defense despite losing edge rusher Damon Wilson II to Miami. Missouri faces three consecutive top-10 opponents starting with Texas as a narrow home underdog, giving it control over its CFP destiny.
