Two college football powerhouses drop from their elite rankings after crushing Week 6 defeats, opening the door for underdog programs to storm into the AP Top 25.

Story Highlights

• Penn State plummets from number 3 to number 7 after suffering their first loss of the season
• Texas drops from number 10 to number 9 following disappointing performance against ranked opponent
• Virginia and Arizona State capitalize on chaos, entering Top 25 for first time this season
• Undefeated Indiana surges to number 8, continuing remarkable rise under new leadership

Rankings Shakeup Exposes Season’s Volatility

Penn State’s shocking four-spot drop from third to seventh represents one of the most dramatic falls in recent AP polling history. The Nittany Lions entered Week 6 with championship aspirations before suffering their first defeat of the 2025 season. Texas fared slightly better, sliding just one position to ninth, but the Longhorns’ struggles against quality opposition raise serious questions about their playoff credentials. This tumultuous weekend demonstrates how quickly fortunes can change in today’s competitive landscape.

The AP voters’ swift punishment of these traditional powers reflects growing emphasis on head-to-head results over brand recognition. Both programs now face uphill battles to regain their elite status, with remaining schedules that offer little margin for error. Their combined decline creates opportunities for hungrier programs willing to seize the moment.

Penn State and Texas completely fall out of the latest AP Top 25 college football poll 👀 pic.twitter.com/mopVTVwDba

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 5, 2025

Underdog Programs Storm Into Rankings

Virginia’s entrance at number 24 marks a stunning achievement for a program that finished last season with a losing record. The Cavaliers’ 4-1 start includes victories over previously ranked opponents, earning them their first Top 25 appearance since 2019. Arizona State joins them at number 25, rewarding head coach Kenny Dillingham’s aggressive rebuilding effort in Tempe. Both programs exemplify how consistent execution can overcome limited recruiting budgets and facility disadvantages.

Indiana’s continued ascent to number 8 represents perhaps the season’s most impressive story. The Hoosiers remain undefeated at 5-0, climbing three spots from their previous number 11 ranking. Coach Curt Cignetti’s transfer portal mastery has transformed a program that historically struggled in Big Ten competition. Vanderbilt also continues their remarkable journey, moving from number 18 to number 16 while maintaining their perfect record in SEC play.

Playoff Implications Mount for Fallen Giants

Penn State’s ranking slide significantly complicates their College Football Playoff pathway, particularly given the expanded format’s emphasis on conference championship positioning. The Nittany Lions must now win out against a challenging Big Ten schedule while hoping for favorable results elsewhere. Their margin for error has effectively vanished, transforming every remaining game into a must-win situation for James Franklin’s squad.
Texas faces similar pressure despite their smaller drop, as SEC competition intensifies throughout October and November. The

Longhorns’ inability to dominate inferior opponents suggests deeper issues with Steve Sarkisian’s system. Both programs entered 2025 with legitimate national championship hopes, but their recent performances indicate those aspirations may have been premature. The unforgiving nature of modern college football rarely provides second chances for teams that stumble early.

Watch the report: Re-Ranking The Top 25: Are Texas & Penn State OUT? | Cover 3 College Football

Sources:

CBS Sports College Football Rankings
ESPN College Football Rankings
NCAA College Football Scores and Rankings Week 6
Sports Illustrated College Football Rankings Analysis