Week 3 AP Top 25 poll reflects just how deep the SEC is this season with 10 teams represented
AP College Football Poll: SEC Dominates, Texas Holds No. 1
The 2024 college football season has moved into its fourth week, and the latest Associated Press rankings show a steep climb for the Southern Conference (SEC) and a firm hold for Texas at the top of the nation.
Unbeaten Rebels Rise to the Top 5
On Saturday night, the Ole Miss Rebels (10‑0) defeated LSU (7‑2) in Oxford, a win that not only delivered revenge for head coach Lane Kiffin’s team but also pushed the Rebels into the AP top five. The victory was the most anticipated of the early season and marked a significant jump for a team that had been unranked in the previous poll.
Mississippi State’s Big Leap
Mississippi State (9‑0) also made a notable movement in the standings. After a road win over South Carolina, the Bulldogs jumped from unranked to No. 24, the largest rise among all teams inside the top 25.
Texas A&M Falls After Kentucky Upset
In contrast, Texas A&M (3‑2) suffered a dramatic fall following a home loss to Kentucky (3‑1). The defeat is considered a surprise by most observers and has pushed the Aggies down the rankings. LSU, though down a game, remains at No. 10 in the Top 10, keeping the SEC well represented.
Texas Stays No. 1
The Texas Longhorns (4‑0) stay atop the poll after a convincing win over Ohio State in Week 2. The victory has been described as the most impressive win of the season so far, and the team maintains its position at No. 1.
SEC Representation
The new rankings feature a record 10 SEC teams in the top 25, five of which are in the top 10. Florida and Mississippi State also entered the rankings, bringing the SEC’s total to 10 teams. The Big Ten follows with seven teams inside the top 25.
Upcoming Week 4 Matchups
Week 4 promises a packed slate of games that could reshape the College Football Playoff conversation:
- Tennessee (14) vs. Texas (1) – A high‑profile clash at Tennessee’s home field.
- Ole Miss (4) vs. Florida (21) – An SEC showdown on the road for the Rebels.
- LSU (10) vs. Texas A&M (23) – A rematch that could have playoff implications.
- Mississippi State (24) vs. Missouri (19) – A conference game that keeps both teams in playoff contention.
- Iowa (17) vs. Michigan (18) – A Big Ten rivalry that could shuffle the standings.
- USC (12) vs. Oregon (20) – A Pac‑12 matchup with potential ranking consequences.
The outcomes of these games will likely drive the next AP poll and set the stage for the final playoff selections.
The AP rankings underscore the depth of the SEC, while Texas remains the single most dominant team early in the season. The week‑four games will be pivotal in determining which programs can maintain their positions or mount a late‑season surge.
