The Associated Press released its Week 9 college football poll, establishing a new top five featuring the nation’s remaining undefeated Division I teams alongside a historic ranking for the New Mexico Lobos. The updated AP Top 25 reflects major shifting across the country as the race toward the College Football Playoff enters its final stretch before the committee issues its initial rankings.
Miami Hurricanes Defend Top Ranking Against UNC
The Miami Hurricanes maintained the number one spot in the AP Poll after defeating UNC 38-35 in a close matchup on Saturday. Quarterback Darian Mensah recorded his sixth game of the season with more than 250 passing yards, finishing with 274 yards and three touchdowns. Teammate Malachi Toney added 75 receiving yards on seven catches and two touchdowns. With an 8-0 record, Miami travels to face Notre Dame in the Hurricanes’ first matchup against a ranked opponent this season.
Georgia Bulldogs Control SEC Matchup
The Georgia Bulldogs climbed to second in the AP Poll following a 27-8 victory over the Gators. Georgia held the Gators scoreless until the fourth quarter while relying on a dominant ground game. Quarterback Gunner Stockton threw for 101 yards, while running backs Nate Fraizer and Bo Walker powered an offense that produced 217 rushing yards compared to the Gators’ 54. Georgia travels to face Ole Miss on Saturday.
MENSAH ➡️ MALI🔗: https://t.co/H9VoKOADEo pic.twitter.com/F11g5G8umF
Utah Utes Reach Eight Wins Before Rivalry Showdown
The Utah Utes jumped to third in the rankings with an 8-0 record after defeating Cincinnati 49-25. Quarterback Devon Dampier threw for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Hunter Andrews contributed 112 receiving yards on five catches and two touchdowns. Utah now prepares for a road trip to Provo to face BYU.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Win in Foxborough
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a 35-13 victory over Navy at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Nolan James Jr. led the ground attack with 107 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns, while Jonaz Walton added another touchdown. Quarterback CJ Carr threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Notre Dame hosts Miami next Saturday.
UCLA Bruins Shut Out Nevada to Lead Big Ten
The UCLA Bruins improved to 8-0 and secured the top spot in the Big Ten standings with a 27-0 shutout against Nevada. Quarterback Ty Diffenbach threw for 178 yards, recording a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, while Wayne Knight scored the team’s only other touchdown. Aider Gobaira and Sahir West each recorded 1.5 sacks. UCLA travels to Minneapolis for a conference game against Minnesota.
New Mexico Lobos Enter AP Poll for First Time Since 1960
New Mexico earned a spot in the AP Top 25 at number 22, marking the program’s first national ranking since the AP Poll’s introduction in 1960. The Lobos hold a 7-1 record and sit atop the Mountain West standings, a title the program last claimed in 2016. Elsewhere in the rankings, Ohio State dropped nine spots to number 11 following a loss to Minnesota—the program’s second defeat of the season. South Carolina climbed into the rankings at number 23 after a 42-25 win over Oklahoma.
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