Texas Takes Top Spot in AP Poll After Historic Comeback, Iowa Holds at No. 18
The Associated Press Top 25 has a new No. 1 team this week, and it's Texas. The Longhorns pulled off a stunning 24-23 comeback win over previously top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday, erasing a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit in the largest rally ever against a No. 1 team. For Iowa fans, the big news is that the Hawkeyes held steady at No. 18 in the latest rankings, giving the state a solid presence in the national college football picture.
The shakeup didn't stop there. Oregon, which started the season at No. 2, tumbled all the way to No. 21 after a shocking 39-31 loss to Oklahoma State. The Ducks were outgained by nearly 300 yards, raising serious questions about their playoff hopes just two weeks into the season.
How did Texas pull off the historic comeback?
Texas scored 21 unanswered points in the final 15 minutes after trailing 23-3 through three quarters. The Longhorns' defense stiffened, and their offense finally found a rhythm against a Buckeyes unit that had dominated most of the game. It was a statement win for head coach Steve Sarkisian's squad, and it vaulted Texas to the top of the poll for the first time this season.
Ohio State, meanwhile, will try to regroup after the heartbreaking loss. The Buckeyes dropped to No. 6, and questions about their ability to close out big games will follow them into next week's matchup.
Where does Iowa stand in the new rankings?
The Iowa Hawkeyes remain at No. 18 after a solid performance in Week 2. While the Hawkeyes didn't face a ranked opponent, they took care of business and stayed in the mix for a potential Big Ten title run. Iowa's defense, as always, looks stout, and the offense showed enough promise to keep fans optimistic.
Iowa's position in the poll matters for the Big Ten, which saw two of its top teams stumble this week. With Ohio State and Oregon both losing, the conference's hierarchy is suddenly in flux, and Iowa could be poised to move up if they keep winning.
Why did Oregon fall so far in the AP Poll?
Oregon's drop from No. 2 to No. 21 is one of the biggest falls in recent memory. The Ducks were outplayed from start to finish against Oklahoma State, and their defense looked lost against the Cowboys' spread attack. Voters clearly punished Oregon for the loss, but also for their uninspiring performance the week before against Boise State.
AP voter Koki Riley explained his decision to drop Oregon entirely from his ballot:
“It was always going to take a pretty crazy turn of events for Oregon to drop from No. 1 in my preseason poll to unranked in two weeks. That's what we saw on Saturday when the Ducks were outgained by nearly 300 yards.”
Oregon will have a chance to climb back, but they'll need to show significant improvement in the coming weeks.
Michigan back in the rankings after beating Oklahoma
Michigan made a statement with a 17-10 win over No. 11 Oklahoma, and the Wolverines are back in the AP Top 25 at No. 19. Quarterback Bryce Underwood, who was under fire this week after a lackluster start, responded with a 38-yard rushing touchdown and a gritty performance that silenced critics.
Voter Koki Riley noted,
“Michigan looked much better this week. I was particularly impressed with how the Wolverines controlled the line of scrimmage defensively.”
Oklahoma, meanwhile, fell to No. 24 after a disappointing offensive showing. Sooners quarterback John Mateer threw a costly interception that set up Michigan's go-ahead touchdown.
Freshman quarterbacks shine in SEC matchups
The SEC showcased two promising freshman quarterbacks this week, and both delivered in road wins. Tennessee's Faizon Brandon led the Volunteers to a 45-24 victory over Georgia Tech, throwing for 148 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Coach Josh Heupel praised his young signal-caller's poise.
Alabama's Keelon Russell also impressed, completing 16 of 23 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. He led four second-half scoring drives to rally the Tide past Kentucky 45-17 after trailing at halftime.
What else happened in Week 2 of college football?
Week 2 was full of memorable moments beyond the rankings. Texas freshman Connor Kacena-Merrell won $1.2 million in Pat McAfee's kicking contest on College GameDay, drilling a barefoot 33-yard field goal. He split the winnings with charity.
Oklahoma State fans stormed the field after the upset over Oregon, and in a nod to Vanderbilt's 2024 celebration, they carried the goalpost to the Theta Pond.
Akron's “OC for a day” winner, Marty Whims, called the Zips' opening drive as promised. It started well but ended in a fumble, a fitting metaphor for Akron's season so far.
Indiana also made noise with a 55-0 shutout of Howard, proving the Hoosiers belong in the top 10 conversation.
Full AP Top 25 for Week 2
- Texas
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Indiana
- Miami
- Ohio State
- LSU
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- Alabama
- BYU
- USC
- Texas Tech
- Penn State
- Tennessee
- SMU
- Utah
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Oregon
- Houston
- Louisville
- Oklahoma
- Virginia
How does the AP Top 25 voting work?
The AP Top 25 poll is voted on by 69 writers and broadcasters from across the country. Voters rank teams from 1 to 25, with first-place votes earning 25 points and 25th place earning one point. The teams with the most points make the rankings.
Voters are urged to base their decisions on performance, not reputation, and to avoid regional bias. The goal is to reflect which teams are truly the best each week, even if that means dramatic shifts like Oregon's fall.
What's next for Iowa and the Big Ten?
Iowa will look to build on their strong start as they head into the heart of their schedule. With Ohio State and Oregon both losing, the Big Ten race is wide open, and the Hawkeyes could be a dark horse contender.
For fans, the message is clear: college football is unpredictable, and Iowa is in the mix. Keep an eye on the Hawkeyes as they aim to climb the rankings in the weeks ahead.
This article is based on reporting by the Associated Press and adapted for Just The News Iowa.