AP top 25: New teams enter the fray

Being among the 25 best teams in college football is an honor. There’s a sense of pride established when you watch your university on TV and there’s a number right beside it. Players won’t always admit it, but they also feel enlightened by knowing their teams accomplishments are being recognized.

Five new teams earned their way onto the rankings this week as each of them has surprised many pundits on the season so far. Kentucky and Duke, known primarily for basketball, have ridden undefeated marks and have turned their fanbases attention away from the basketball court and onto the football field. After a loss to Maryland and a too close for comfort win over Tulsa, Texas has resurrected their once dormant season into back to back wins against ranked opponents. Cal has found their way in the top 25 by simply beating the opponent in front of them, all while Texas Tech has ridden a true freshman onto three straight impressive offensive victories. These new entries will hope to stay on top while they can as they’ll have plenty of opportunity to move up or drop out.

1. Alabama, 4-0 (-)
2. Georgia, 4-0 (-)
3. Clemson, 4-0 (-)
4. Ohio State, 4-0 (-)
5. LSU, 4-0 (+1)
6. Oklahoma, 4-0 (-1)
7. Stanford, 4-0 (-)
8. Notre Dame, 4-0 (-)
9. Penn State, 4-0 (+1)
10. Auburn, 3-1 (-1)
11. Washington, 3-1 (-1)
12. West Virginia, 3-0 (-)
13. UCF, 3-0 (+3)
14. Michigan, 3-1 (+5)
15. Wisconsin, 3-1 (+3)
16. Miami, 3-1 (+5)
17. Kentucky, 4-0 (NR)
18. Texas, 3-1 (NR)
19. Oregon, 3-1 (+1)
20. BYU, 3-1 (+5)
21. Michigan State, 2-1 (+3)
22. Duke, 4-0 (NR)
23. Mississippi State, 3-1 (-9)
24. California, 3-0 (NR)
25. Texas Tech, 3-1 (NR)