The first regular-season AP Top 25 college football poll revealed significant shifts after Week 1 games, with LSU making a notable jump and Michigan dropping out of the rankings entirely.
LSU surged three spots to No. 11 after an emphatic 51-10 victory over Clemson, marking a strong start to the Lane Kiffin era. In contrast, Michigan, which entered the week ranked 16th, fell out of the poll after a controversial 13-12 win against Western Michigan that required an extra second on the clock and a last-ditch Hail Mary pass.
Other teams experienced adjustments in the rankings. Oregon, despite a 34-27 victory over Boise State, moved down four spots from its preseason No. 2 position due to the unexpectedly close contest. SMU also climbed two spots to No. 17 after a 27-24 road win against Florida State. Washington, after a less convincing 24-10 victory over Washington State, saw a decline in its standing.
Virginia was the only team to enter the poll after being unranked in the preseason, moving into the top 25 following its Week 1 performance. A total of five teams remained in the same positions as the preseason poll. The SEC conference had a successful Week 1, with its teams collectively going 16-0.
The poll reflects the initial reactions of voters to the early season performance, with some teams solidifying their positions and others facing scrutiny after close calls or unexpected results.