Week 5 College Football Shakeup: Missouri Makes Big Moves, SEC Teams Scramble

The fifth week of the college football season brought unexpected drama, despite lacking marquee matchups. With only three games featuring ranked teams, the new AP Top 25 poll saw significant changes.

Among the surprises, Missouri made a major leap after a decisive 45-17 win over Florida. This victory follows Florida’s strong performance against Ole Miss the previous week.

Alabama, after defeating Mississippi State, moved up one spot to No. 6, overtaking defending national champions Indiana, who won against Rutgers but dropped in ranking.

Missouri Tigers wide receiver Naeshaun Montgomery congratulates running back Jamal Roberts on his touchdown during a game against the Florida Gators on October 3, 2026. (Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The latest AP Top 25 Poll is as follows:

• Texas
• Georgia
• Notre Dame
• Miami (FL)
• Ohio State
• Alabama
• Indiana
• BYU
• Ole Miss
• LSU
• Texas Tech
• Utah
• Oregon
• Missouri
• Tennessee
• Florida
• Mississippi State
• Oklahoma State
• USC
• Iowa
• UCLA
• Houston
• Boise State
• SMU
• Pittsburgh

The top eight teams remained static, reflecting a consensus on their performance. However, rankings below them, particularly within the SEC, shifted significantly.

Ole Miss stayed at No. 9 with a bye week following their loss to Florida. LSU climbed to No. 10 after defeating McNeese, but Missouri’s 11-position jump to No. 14 was notable following their win over Florida, which fell eight spots.

Alabama’s Keelon Russell and Ryan Coleman-Williams celebrate during a game against Mississippi State on October 3, 2026. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Kentucky felt slighted as they dropped out of the rankings despite an overtime win over South Carolina. Meanwhile, Mississippi State fell only one spot to No. 17 despite a heavy loss to Alabama.

Big Ten supporters might be content with six teams in the AP Poll, but controversy surrounded USC. Despite rallying to beat Washington, USC dropped six spots to No. 18, while Oregon gained five places without playing. Iowa rose three places despite losing to Ohio State.

USC’s Jahkeem Stewart runs with a fumble for a touchdown against Washington on October 3, 2026. (Jeff Antenore/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)