— The Associated Press released its first regular-season Top 25 after Week 1, with Ohio State taking the No. 1 spot. LSU and Miami (FL) climbed following opening-week wins, while Alabama slid in the new-look rankings.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio State leads the latest AP Top 25 after Week 1 results.
- LSU and Miami (FL) moved up on the strength of their season-opening performances.
- Alabama dropped in the poll after Week 1, signaling early volatility among traditional powers.
- The rankings were published on Sept. 2, 2025, reflecting games through the season’s first weekend.
- The AP Top 25 is determined by a national panel of media voters and is updated weekly during the season.
- Early shifts set the tone for playoff narratives in the expanded CFP era.
Verified Facts
The AP’s first in-season rankings of 2025 place Ohio State at No. 1, a position earned in the wake of Week 1 outcomes nationwide. The Buckeyes headline a reshuffled Top 25 that already features notable movement at the top.
LSU and Miami (FL) each rose in the poll following their opening-week victories. Their upward moves underline how nonconference results and early statement wins can quickly change perception in September.
Alabama’s early-season dip highlights one of the week’s biggest storylines: established contenders are not immune to volatility in the season’s opening stretch. The fall suggests voters weighed both opponent quality and on-field execution.
The update was released on Sept. 2, 2025, and, as with all AP polls, reflects results through the first weekend of play. The rankings will continue to evolve weekly as teams enter conference schedules and face tougher competition.
Context & Impact
Week 1 polls often move quickly as voters recalibrate preseason expectations against real performance. A strong opener can elevate a program into the playoff conversation, while an early stumble can narrow margins for error.
With the College Football Playoff now expanded, positioning inside the Top 25 matters more broadly: strength of schedule, quality wins, and sustained consistency will shape resumes across a deeper field of contenders.
For Ohio State, the No. 1 ranking brings both validation and pressure. For LSU and Miami, early momentum can translate into recruiting buzz and national attention. For Alabama, the path forward will hinge on rapid corrections before conference play intensifies.
Schedule Watch
- Top contenders will look to solidify standing in Weeks 2–4 before league play fully ramps up.
- Nonconference showcases remain key résumé builders for teams aiming to climb.
Official Statements
Updated weekly and based on ballots from a national media panel, the AP Top 25 reflects results through the most recent weekend.
Associated Press
Unconfirmed
- Exact ranking positions and point totals for LSU, Miami (FL), and Alabama were not provided in the source snippet.
- Week 1 opponent details and game margins affecting each team’s movement are not confirmed here.
- Number of first-place votes received by Ohio State has not been independently verified in this report.
Bottom Line
Ohio State’s rise to No. 1 sets the early tone for the 2025 season, while LSU and Miami gain momentum and Alabama regroups. September volatility will continue to reshape the Top 25 as contenders try to separate before conference play.