Columbia, South Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Gamecocks have climbed to No. 10 in the AP College Football Poll following their impressive victory over Virginia Tech. This marks the Gamecocks’ first top 10 ranking in over 11 years, reflecting significant progress for the team. Meanwhile, the Clemson Tigers dropped to No. 8 after a loss to LSU, contributing to the dynamic changes within the rankings. Ohio State leads the poll after defeating Texas, while Florida State made a remarkable jump to No. 14 after beating Alabama.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Gamecocks have made a triumphant return to the AP College Football Poll’s top 10 rankings, securing the No. 10 position for the first time in over 11 years. This significant achievement follows the team’s decisive 24-11 victory against Virginia Tech, propelling them up three spots in the poll.
On the other hand, the Clemson Tigers faced a setback as they fell to No. 8 after their loss in a top 10 matchup against LSU, which concluded with a score of 17-10. The shifting dynamics of the rankings have shaken up the landscape of college football, as several teams, including established powerhouses, faced unexpected outcomes in Week 1.
This is a notable moment for the Gamecocks, marking their highest ranking since they were placed No. 9 in the 2014 preseason poll. Their last regular season appearance in the top 10 occurred in December 2013. The resurgence of the Gamecocks not only reflects their improvement on the field but also highlights the competitive nature of college football this season.
Ohio State leads the AP Poll, climbing to No. 1 with a decisive win against the preseason top-ranked Texas Longhorns, winning 14-7. The Longhorns, despite their strong start, dropped substantially, falling seven spots to No. 8 after this defeat.
LSU has also seen a positive shift, moving up to No. 3 following their successful performance against Clemson. Their strong second-half play proved crucial in securing the victory.
Meanwhile, Florida State, previously unranked, made an impressive jump to No. 14 after triumphing over Alabama with a score of 31-17. This victory marked a significant turnaround for a team that previously endured a disappointing 2-10 season. In a stark contrast, Alabama faced their worst ranking in 17 seasons, plummeting from No. 8 to No. 21.
The Miami Hurricanes have also enhanced their standing, moving up to No. 5 after a thrilling 27-24 win against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, demonstrating the volatility of this year’s rankings.
Additionally, Utah has re-entered the rankings at No. 25 after a commanding 43-10 victory over UCLA. In contrast, Boise State fell out of the poll following a 34-7 loss to South Florida, ending their streak of 14 consecutive appearances in the rankings.
This week of college football has featured significant movement, with four top-10 teams, including two from the top five, suffering defeats. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) currently boasts four ranked teams, with Miami, Clemson, Florida State, and SMU all making the list. The shift in rankings sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, leaving fans eager for more thrilling matchups in the weeks to come.
FAQ Section
What ranking did the South Carolina Gamecocks achieve?
The South Carolina Gamecocks are ranked No. 10 in the AP College Football Poll.
How did the Gamecocks move up the rankings?
The Gamecocks moved up three spots following their victory against Virginia Tech, winning 24-11.
What was the fate of the Clemson Tigers in the latest rankings?
The Clemson Tigers fell to No. 8 after losing to LSU 17-10.
What significant changes occurred in the AP Poll rankings this week?
Four top-10 teams, including two top-five teams, lost this week, leading to significant shifts in the rankings.
Which team climbed to the top spot in the rankings?
Ohio State climbed to No. 1 after defeating Texas 14-7.
Which team made the most significant jump in rankings?
Florida State jumped from unranked to No. 14 after their victory over Alabama 31-17.
Chart of Key Features
| Team | Rank | Previous Rank | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Gamecocks | No. 10 | 13 | Virginia Tech | 24-11 |
| Clemson Tigers | No. 8 | 5 | LSU | 10-17 |
| Ohio State | No. 1 | 2 | Texas | 14-7 |
| Florida State | No. 14 | Unranked | Alabama | 31-17 |
| Miami | No. 5 | 10 | Notre Dame | 27-24 |
| LSU | No. 3 | 6 | Clemson | 17-10 |
| Utah | No. 25 | Unranked | UCLA | 43-10 |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- WLTX
- News Observer
- ESPN
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Google Search: College Football Rankings
- Google Scholar: College Football Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: College Football
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