AP Top-25 Poll After Notre Dame Upset: Texas, UCLA, USC Trojans Competing For No. 1 Ranking

The college football season is reaching its zenith, and the latest AP Top-25 Poll following the shocking upset of Notre Dame has brought new energy and excitement to the race for the No. 1 spot. Notre Dame, historically one of the most consistent and prestigious programs in college football, suffered an unexpected defeat that reverberated throughout the rankings, causing shifts and stirring discussions about who deserves to occupy the coveted top spot. In the aftermath of this surprise loss, a new batch of teams, including Texas, UCLA, and the USC Trojans, are emerging as serious contenders for the No. 1 ranking.

As we look at the new AP Top-25 Poll, it is clear that college football is witnessing an intensely competitive season, where even the slightest slip-up can have massive implications. Teams that have long been on the periphery of the playoff conversation are now thrust into the spotlight, and the stage is set for an exciting final stretch to determine which programs will make the playoff cut.

The Notre Dame Upset: A Shocking Turn of Events

Notre Dame’s unexpected loss sent shockwaves throughout the college football world. As a historically strong program, the Fighting Irish were considered a top contender for a playoff berth this season. Their combination of a tough defense and capable offense had many predicting that they could break through and win a championship.

The upset came at a time when Notre Dame seemed poised to make a significant move, having been near the top of the rankings for the majority of the season. It wasn’t just a loss, but a loss that shook the foundation of the AP Poll, leading to immediate and dramatic changes. The team’s performance, including missed opportunities on offense and a defense that couldn’t hold up when it mattered most, left fans and analysts questioning whether Notre Dame could still recover.

This shocking loss opened up an opportunity for other teams to capitalize on Notre Dame’s slip and rise to the top. Among those vying for supremacy are three programs that are making a strong push to claim the No. 1 spot: Texas, UCLA, and USC.

Texas: The Longhorns’ Resurgence

Texas has long been a program with immense potential but has struggled to consistently reach the pinnacle of college football over the past decade. However, this year seems different. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have found a new sense of purpose and direction. Their combination of talent, depth, and a solid coaching staff has positioned them as one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.

At the heart of Texas’ resurgence is their quarterback, Quinn Ewers. After a few seasons of uncertainty at the most important position on the field, Ewers has proven to be a dynamic playmaker, capable of winning games with his arm and leadership. He has been a key factor in Texas’ rise and has shown the ability to shine in big moments, something that has eluded the program in recent years.

Defensively, Texas has been impressive. Their defense has been solid all year, with standout performances against some of the nation’s top offenses. The Longhorns have become known for their tough, physical style of play, making it difficult for opponents to move the ball consistently. In a season where offensive firepower is often the difference between success and failure, Texas’ defense has proven that it can hold its own against high-powered offenses.

Texas’ win against top-tier opponents has also helped propel them into the upper echelons of the rankings. Their signature victories have made them one of the most formidable teams in the nation, and with Notre Dame’s upset, the Longhorns are positioning themselves for a shot at the No. 1 spot. Texas’ remaining schedule will be a key factor in determining whether they can maintain their place among the elite. However, with their current form, they seem more than capable of continuing their rise.

UCLA: The Quiet Giant

UCLA is one of the more surprising stories of the 2025 season. While they are often overshadowed by the more well-known programs in the Pac-12, the Bruins have quietly built one of the most complete teams in college football. Under head coach Chip Kelly, UCLA has combined a high-flying offense with an underrated defense, making them a serious contender for the top spot.

At the center of UCLA’s success is quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has been stellar throughout the season. Thompson-Robinson’s dual-threat ability has made the Bruins’ offense one of the most difficult to stop in the country. Whether through the air or on the ground, he has consistently delivered big plays when his team needs them the most. His ability to keep defenses on their toes has allowed UCLA to dictate the tempo of games, making them a dangerous opponent for any team.

UCLA’s defense has also taken significant strides under Kelly’s watch. While not traditionally known for their defensive prowess, the Bruins have developed one of the more formidable units in the Pac-12. This balanced approach, with strong offense and defense working in tandem, has allowed UCLA to climb the ranks and become a top contender for a playoff spot.

What sets UCLA apart from some of the other contenders is their ability to play in big moments. The Bruins have shown a knack for stepping up in tough games and making plays when it counts the most. Their wins against some of the nation’s most respected programs have proved that they are not just a fluke, but a legitimate playoff contender.

With the momentum they have built throughout the season, and with a remaining schedule that gives them a chance to prove themselves even further, UCLA has firmly positioned itself among the top teams in the nation. With Notre Dame’s upset, the door has been opened for them to leapfrog some of the higher-ranked teams and secure a shot at the No. 1 ranking.

USC Trojans: The Return of a Traditional Power

No conversation about the race for the No. 1 spot would be complete without mentioning the USC Trojans. A program steeped in tradition and historical success, USC is no stranger to the spotlight. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have reemerged as one of the nation’s top programs, and they have the talent to go all the way this year.

The key to USC’s success lies in their explosive offense, which is led by one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football: Caleb Williams. Williams has been sensational throughout the season, putting up eye-popping numbers week in and week out. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses have made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.

The Trojans’ offensive weapons don’t stop at Williams, though. USC boasts a deep and talented group of skill players, including wide receivers with elite speed and playmaking ability. This offensive depth makes USC a nightmare for opposing defenses, as they can attack from all areas of the field. Whether it’s deep throws down the sideline or quick screens to set up yards after the catch, the Trojans’ offense has proven to be versatile and incredibly effective.

While USC’s offense garners much of the attention, their defense has also improved significantly under Riley. Though not as dominant as their offense, the Trojans’ defense has been opportunistic, forcing turnovers and coming up with key stops when needed. USC will need to continue to tighten up defensively if they want to make a deep run, but their high-powered offense has the ability to outscore most teams.

USC’s trajectory has placed them firmly in the conversation for the No. 1 spot. Their thrilling victories over top-ranked teams, combined with their offensive firepower, make them a prime candidate to challenge for the No. 1 ranking. The remaining part of the season will be crucial for USC, as they look to solidify their place at the top.

The Battle for the No. 1 Spot

As the college football season heads into its final stretch, the battle for the No. 1 spot has become one of the most exciting storylines of the year. Texas, UCLA, and USC all have legitimate claims to the top ranking, and each team brings a unique set of strengths to the table.

• Texas has the combination of a strong defense and an emerging star at quarterback in Quinn Ewers. Their ability to control games on both sides of the ball gives them a well-rounded profile.
• UCLA has made the most of their opportunity, balancing a dynamic offense with a defense that has improved significantly. Their ability to win close games and play in big moments has made them a sleeper team to watch.
• USC, with its high-octane offense led by Caleb Williams, has been consistently dominant. Their firepower is unmatched, and if their defense can continue to improve, they could very well emerge as the team to beat.

As we approach the final stretch of the season, the competition for the No. 1 ranking will only intensify. With Notre Dame’s upset serving as the catalyst for change, Texas, UCLA, and USC are poised to make their mark. The next few weeks will be critical in determining who will sit atop the AP Top-25 Poll, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will ultimately emerge as the leader.

In a season filled with surprises and thrilling moments, college football fans can rest assured that the race for the top spot will be one to remember.