Georgia and Notre Dame Climb as Top-Ranked Teams Fall in Week 6 AP Poll
The Week 6 college football Associated Press Top 25 poll featured significant shakeups at the top, triggered by heavy defeats for previously dominant programs. Elsewhere, the Florida Gators dropped their second game, and Oregon sustained its first loss of the season without Dante Moore.
The resulting volatility reshaped the upper echelon of college football as the 2026 season reaches its midpoint. Georgia moved into the top spot following its hard-fought victory in Tuscaloosa, while Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, and Indiana rounded out the new top five.
Bulldogs Edge Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa
Georgia secured a 20-17 victory over Alabama in a tightly contested matchup that remained in doubt until the final moments. Quarterback Gunner Stockton threw for 249 yards and accounted for two total touchdowns, but running back Dwight Philips Jr. led the offensive output. Philips compiled 120 yards on 13 carries, delivering critical plays to secure Georgia’s first win of the season against a ranked opponent. The Bulldogs return to Athens on Saturday to face Auburn.
Meanwhile, Alabama dropped to No. 6 in the AP Poll following the home defeat.
Fighting Irish Roll Past Stanford
Notre Dame improved to 6-0 with a 58-7 rout of Stanford, maintaining its undefeated record without yet facing a ranked opponent. Running back Jonaz Walton spearheaded the offensive attack with 13 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr contributed 181 yards and three passing touchdowns before exiting in favor of freshman backup Noah Grubbs. The Fighting Irish face their first major test of the season on Saturday against No. 8 BYU in Provo.
Hurricanes and Buckeyes Capitalize on Chaos
The Miami Hurricanes moved up one spot to No. 3 in the AP Poll during a bye week, benefiting directly from the losses suffered by teams above them. Miami hosts Florida State on Saturday, having yet to play a ranked opponent on its 2026 schedule.
Ohio State delivered a dominant 45-16 home victory against Maryland in Columbus. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 242 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught passes for 98 yards and two scores. Running back Bo Jackson added 107 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The Buckeyes travel to Bloomington on Saturday for a top-five clash against the Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana preserved its undefeated record with a narrow 20-17 victory over Nebraska. Quarterback Josh Hoover threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Nick Marsh, who recorded six receptions for 187 yards and two scores. The Hoosiers defense recorded five sacks against Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandera before hosting Ohio State.
Northwestern Enters Rankings as Florida Slips
Northwestern entered the AP Top 25 at No. 25 with a 4-1 record, marking its first appearance in the rankings since 2020. The Wildcats hold a win over Penn State, with their lone loss coming against Indiana.
LSU holds the No. 22 spot with an identical 4-2 record. Nebraska remains unranked despite a 5-1 start, having held a 17-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter against Indiana before dropping the close contest.
Full Week 6 AP Poll Top 25 Rankings
- 1. Georgia Bulldogs
- 2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- 3. Miami Hurricanes
- 4. Ohio State Buckeyes
- 5. Indiana Hoosiers
- 6. Alabama Crimson Tide
- 7. Texas Longhorns
- 8. BYU Cougars
- 9. Ole Miss Rebels
- 10. Texas Tech Red Raiders
- 11. Utah Utes
- 12. UCLA Bruins
- 13. Missouri Tigers
- 14. Tennessee Volunteers
- 15. Kentucky Wildcats
- 16. Mississippi State Bulldogs
- 17. Iowa Hawkeyes
- 18. Oklahoma State Beavers
- 19. USC Trojans
- 20. Houston Cougars
- 21. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- 22. LSU Tigers
- 23. Boise State Broncos
- 24. SMU Mustangs
- 25. Northwestern Wildcats
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