LSU‘s opening week loss to Florida State has had significant repercussions in the latest Associated Press Top 25 college football poll. While No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Michigan held their positions, the most notable shifts occurred further down the rankings. No. 21 Duke and No. 22 Colorado secured spots in the Top 25 after delivering the most stunning upsets of the season’s opening weekend. Meanwhile, No. 4 Florida State made a significant leap, breaking into the top five with three first-place votes following their impressive 45-24 victory over LSU.
The Florida State Seminoles‘ return to the top five marks a significant moment for the program, as it’s their first time in this elite bracket since the start of the 2017 season. Coach Mike Norvell’s squad showcased its potential last year, finishing with a 10-3 record and a No. 11 national ranking. Their recent triumph over LSU was not only impressive but also a moment of redemption, as it marked their first win against a top-five opponent since October 2014 when they defeated No. 5 Notre Dame.
On the flip side, LSU‘s loss to Florida State proved costly in the rankings. The Tigers plummeted nine spots to No. 15, reflecting the challenge they face in the competitive college football landscape. Additionally, Clemson, upset by Duke, experienced a steep drop, falling 16 places to No. 25. Another notable absence in the rankings was TCU, which tumbled out of the Top 25 after being ranked No. 17 in the preseason.
The weekend’s headline-maker, however, was Colorado‘s remarkable victory as a three-touchdown underdog against TCU. Coach Deion Sanders, in his debut season, oversaw an impressive roster transformation, welcoming nearly 90 new players, including 58 transfers. Their 45-42 road victory against a team that played in the national title game last season earned them a spot in the AP Top 25 for the first time since a brief appearance in the 2020 season. The Buffaloes’ achievement underscores the excitement and unpredictability that college football brings to fans each season.
