LSU tipped to surge as Oregon’s No. 2 ranking comes under pressure
Week 1 results are expected to reshape the 2026 AP Top 25, with LSU, Alabama and USC among the projected movers.
The 2026 AP Top 25 is expected to change after Week 1, although the official rankings have not yet been released. CBS Sports projects LSU as one of the biggest beneficiaries after its heavy defeat of Clemson, while Oregon’s narrow win over Boise State could cost the Ducks their position at No. 2.
Ohio State is expected to retain the top ranking after beating Ball State by 53 points. Oregon defeated Boise State 34-27, but the margin and the quality of the performance may prompt voters to lower the Ducks by one or two places. Georgia’s standing could also influence Oregon’s final position.
LSU could move into the top 10 and may rise as high as No. 8, depending partly on Ole Miss’ result on Sunday. The victory over Clemson is projected to strengthen the Tigers’ case as a College Football Playoff contender.
Alabama and USC are also projected to move closer to the top 10 after convincing wins. Alabama beat ECU 48-10, while USC defeated Fresno State 39-0. Their expected gains may be limited, but close preseason voting margins leave room for both teams to move several places.
Michigan and Houston face possible declines after less convincing victories. Michigan edged Western Michigan 13-12, while Houston beat Oregon State 33-20 after allowing the Beavers to remain within six points midway through the fourth quarter. Clemson, which was just outside the preseason AP Top 25, could fall out of consideration altogether.
Boise State is not expected to enter the rankings immediately, but its performance against Oregon could attract more support from AP voters. The Broncos are projected to remain among the teams receiving votes, with their seven-point loss likely viewed more favourably than a routine defeat.
