College Football Rankings: Iowa Hawkeyes Crack Top 25 After Dominant Shutout Win
After three weeks of college football, the Iowa Hawkeyes have made a statement. Kirk Ferentz's squad is 3-0 with two shutouts, and the national rankings are finally taking notice. The Hawkeyes landed at No. 23 in the latest top-25 poll, a fitting reward for a defense that has yet to allow a point in two of three games.
Iowa's 55-0 dismantling of Northern Iowa on Saturday was the exclamation point. The Hawkeyes have now scored 40 or more points in two of their first three games, an offensive explosion that has fans in Iowa City wondering just how good this team can be.
Hawkeyes Face First Real Test Against Michigan
The road gets tougher starting next week. Iowa travels to face Michigan in what will be the team's first true challenge of the season. The Wolverines have struggled early, but a rivalry game in Ann Arbor is never easy.
Ferentz has built his reputation on tough, fundamental football. This year's team is showing that same identity, but with a newfound offensive punch that could make Iowa a factor in the Big Ten race.
Four Teams Sit Undefeated at the Top
Indiana, Georgia, Miami, and Notre Dame remain the only teams without a blemish on their records. Each has looked impressive, though none has faced a truly elite opponent yet. The Hoosiers have cruised through a soft early schedule, while Georgia has outscored opponents by 145 points, the Bulldogs' best start in 100 years.
Notre Dame handled Michigan State 27-10 in a workmanlike effort, while Miami continues to ride the arm of quarterback Darian Mensah, who has completed nearly 90 percent of his passes.
Ole Miss Jumps After Statement Win Over LSU
The biggest mover this week is Ole Miss, which jumped several spots after a 32-24 win over LSU. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns against his former coach, Lane Kiffin. The Rebels now have two wins over AP Top 25 teams and look like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
LSU, meanwhile, dropped after the loss. Kiffin's squad has now lost the one game that mattered most on its schedule, and questions are mounting in Baton Rouge about whether the program can meet its lofty expectations.
Four New Teams Enter the Rankings
Texas A&M, SMU, Virginia, and Houston all fell out of the top 25 after losses. Replacing them are Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, North Dakota State, and Iowa.
Virginia Tech is off to its first 3-0 start since 2017. Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is turning heads with a cannon for an arm. North Dakota State continues to play the kind of sound, fundamental football that could earn it the Group of Six playoff spot.
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith Sets Record
In Columbus, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith became the all-time leader in receiving yards in Ohio State history. He accomplished the feat in just two years and three games, cementing his legacy as arguably the best receiver to ever wear the scarlet and gray.
Texas Remains No. 1 Despite Off-Field Distractions
The Texas Longhorns held on to the top spot with a 30-6 win over UTSA. The victory came after a week of off-field headlines, but the Longhorns took care of business on the field, holding the Roadrunners to just 142 total yards.
Quarterback Arch Manning didn't put up gaudy numbers, completing 17 of 33 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, but it was enough to keep Texas unbeaten.
What's Next for Iowa?
The Hawkeyes have a chance to prove they belong among the nation's elite. A win over Michigan would be a signature moment for this program and would likely push Iowa even higher in the polls.
Iowa fans have waited a long time for a team that can compete with the big boys. This year's squad looks like it might just be that team.